Technical Service Bulletin
97CM UPDATE – BCM Software (NVLW) – U.S.A. only
November 06, 2018
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

A3

2016

See ELSA

See ELSA

Condition
This Update has been proactively released to prevent the following condition from occurring in the vehicle:
•

The turn signal indicator may not indicate if a left rear LED light failed.

This Update is in effect until removed.
Vehicle must meet all of the following criteria:
•

Procedure is valid only for vehicles that show the 97CM code in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information
screen on the day of repair.

•

Vehicle must be within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

•

Procedure must be performed within the allotted time frame stated in this Technical Service Bulletin.

•

Procedure must be performed on applicable vehicles in dealer inventory prior to sale.

Technical Background
On a small number of Audi A3 vehicles the turn signal indicator may not indicate if a left rear LED light failed.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 1 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin
SVM Update Instructions
NOTE
Prior to launching the VAS Diagnostic Tester and starting an update, ensure the following conditions are met;
The ODIS software is completely up to date.


Refer to the “Alerts” section on ServiceNet home page for the current ODIS version.

The battery charger is connected to the vehicle battery and remains connected for the duration of the
software update.
•

Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure to do
so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control modules
damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.

The screen saver and power saving settings are off.
•

Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during the software update, which
could result in damage to the control module.

The VAS Diagnostic Tester is plugged in using the supplied power adapters.
•

Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the software
update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update, which could result
in damage to the control module.

Flash process through “Audi Flashing” not Guided Fault Finding (GFF).
•

DO NOT USE Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash. Using GFF will cause the flash to
take longer. Requests for additional time will not be considered.

If using a Bluetooth transmitter head, it is connected to the tester with a USB cable.
•

Performing a software update using a Bluetooth connection increases the risk of losing connection
during the update, which could result in damage to the control module.
It also greatly increases the time required to perform the update. Requests for additional time or
parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth function of the scan tool is physically switched off .

VAS 6150 & VAS 6150A
(Front panel behind handle)

VAS 6150B
(Right side behind WIRELESS door)

VAS 6150C
(Left side behind SC/EX door)

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 2 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin

WARNING
Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury
may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during
Update Process!
TIP
To Update-Programming using SVM, review and follow instructions in Technical Bulletin 2014603: Software Version
Management (SVM) Operating Instructions.
The SVM Process must be completed in its entirety so the database receives the update confirmation response. A
warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim.
•

Open the hood.

•

Open the battery cover.

•

Attach the GRX3000VAS Tester/Charger (or
equivalent) to the vehicle battery or underhood
charging posts.
NOTE

When connecting the charger directly to the battery,
connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of
the battery and connect the negative cable to the
grounding lug on the chassis. DO NOT connect the
ground cable directly to negative terminal of the
battery.
•

Switch on the hazard warning lights.

CAUTION
The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning
lights are not switched on. The hazard warning lights
prevent the system from switching to bus sleep mode
during the update.
•

Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic
Tester to the vehicle.

•

Start the ODIS program.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 3 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin

•

Confirm that scan tool is communicating with
the diagnostic head by USB cable.
o

If the Bluetooth or WiFi symbol is
shown, then disconnect the diagnostic
head from the vehicle and reconnect
the USB cable to the diagnostic head
and then reattach to the vehicle.

•

From the home screen of the scan tool
highlight “Flash” .

•

Follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE

Operating mode “Flash” must be used. Performing
this software update using “Diagnosis” (Guided Fault
Finding) could result in non-payment of the claim.

•

Select “Starting Flashing” and follow the onscreen prompts.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 4 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin

•

Select “No RO”.

•

Highlight “SVM – Code Input”.

•

Select “Perform test”.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 5 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin
NOTE
Using Bluetooth for this action is PROHIBITED!
Damage caused to electronic components (e.g.
ECM, TCM, etc.) during the SVM flash process is not
covered.
•

Enter the corrective action code (SVM code) as
listed below.

SVM code

97CMA457
•

Select “Accept” .

•

Follow the on-screen prompts.

•

After receiving confirmation that the flash
completed successfully, select “Send”
to send the diagnostic protocol online.

•

Follow the on-screen prompts.

•

Click “Flash” to exit the flash session.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 6 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin
Warranty
Claim Entry Instructions
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the Elsa screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work or vehicle is out of the specified warranty parameter for this Update:
 U.S. dealers: Submit the request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option.
 Canada dealers: Fax repair order to Warranty at (905) 428-4811.
Service Number
Damage Code
Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

97CM
0099
002
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner
Criteria I.D.

Mark Labor as causal part
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
8V
Connect battery charger.
Labor operation: 2706 89 50

10 T.U.

-ANDPerform software update for rear lid control unit.
Labor operation: 9710 25 99

Time stated on diagnostic protocol
(Using Flash Only)

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 7 of 8

Technical Service Bulletin
Additional Actions Some of the affected vehicles may be involved in additional Actions.
Please check your Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen so that any
additional required work can be done simultaneously.
Verifying Vehicle
Eligibility

To verify vehicle eligibility for this Update, always check the Elsa
Campaign/Action Information screen. The Elsa system is the only binding
inquiry and verification system; other systems are not valid and may
result in non-payment of a claim.

Help for Claim
Entry

For questions regarding claim entry, contact Audi Warranty.

Required
Customer
Notification

Inform your customer in writing by recording on the Repair Order any and
all work that was conducted on the vehicle, including any and all updates
completed under this Update.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2018 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
November 2018

97CM Page 8 of 8