Emissions Service Action
Code: 23BY
Subject
Release Date
Affected Vehicles

Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
October 8, 2020

Country

Beginning
Model
Year

Ending
Model
Year

Vehicle

USA
CAN

2009
2009

2010
2010

Q7
Q7

Vehicle
Count
3,469
614

Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

IMPORTANT!
This Service Action
ONLY applies to
vehicles that have
received the AEM



Campaign status must show “open.”



If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.

•

Dealers MUST provide a copy of the attached customer letter to each customer
who presents their vehicle for repair.

•

This action only applies to vehicles that have received the Approved Emissions
Modification (AEM). The AEM must be completed BEFORE performing this work.
If a vehicle has not received the AEM, this action does not apply.

•

This repair MUST explicitly be elected by the customer and be clearly marked on
the repair order PRIOR to commencing the software update.

Problem Description

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates.

Corrective Action

Install updated Engine Control Software that will improve On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
monitoring of vehicle emissions systems and otherwise improve the software used by your
vehicle. These improvements have no impact to the vehicle's drivability, performance, fuel
consumption, or emissions.

Parts Information

Software only; no parts needed.

Code Visibility

On or about October 8, 2020, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification will take place in October 2020. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Additional Information

Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers.
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at
www.accessaudi.com.

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. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020

23BY Page 1 of 11

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:
 U.S. dealers: Submit the request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Audi WIN/Operations/Campaign Closure.
Service Number

23BY

Damage Code

0099

Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

002
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner
Criteria I.D.

Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
01

LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2706 89 50

10

Connect battery charger

2360 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol

Perform engine control module software 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. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020

23BY Page 2 of 11

Customer Letter Example (United States)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Service Action 23BY – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Audi Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are
informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions service action on certain Audi vehicles equipped with a 3.0L TDI
engine. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates.

What will we do?

Your authorized Audi dealer will install updated Engine Control Software that will improve
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring of vehicle emissions systems and otherwise improve
the software used by your vehicle. These improvements have no impact to your vehicle's
drivability, performance, fuel consumption, or emissions. This work will take about an hour
to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your
dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate
their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software,
work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is NOT covered
under this action.

What should you do?

If your vehicle has already received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you
elect to receive this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Audi dealer to
schedule this service.
If your vehicle has NOT received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you elect
to receive an AEM and this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Audi
dealer to schedule this service. At the time of service, the dealer will provide both the AEM
and this emissions service action.
Please note: before the AEM and/or this emissions service action is applied to your vehicle,
you will be required to provide written authorization to the Audi dealer.
For your convenience, you can also visit www.audiusa.com and click on the “Find a Dealer”
link to locate a dealer near you and schedule this service.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt.
If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid
Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via our
“Contact Us” page at www.audiusa.com.

Checking your vehicle
for open Recalls and
Service Campaigns

To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign,
please visit the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool at www.audiusa.com and enter your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi of America

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. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020

23BY Page 3 of 11

Customer Letter Example (Canada)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject:

Emissions Service Action 23BY – Engine Control Module (ECM) Software

Dear Audi Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Audi has
determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in on certain Audi vehicles equipped with a
3.0L TDI engine. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

During routine evaluation testing, it was determined that some software functions required
updates. These improvements have no impact to your vehicle's emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Audi dealer will install updated Engine Control Software that will improve
On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) monitoring of vehicle emissions systems and otherwise improve
the software used by your vehicle. These improvements have no impact to your vehicle's
drivability, performance, fuel consumption, or emissions. This work will take about an hour
to complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your
dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate
their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software,
work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to factory specifications is NOT covered
under this action.

What should you do?

If your vehicle has already received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you
elect to receive this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Audi dealer to
schedule this service
If your vehicle has NOT received the Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) and you elect
to receive an AEM and this emissions service action, please contact your authorized Audi
dealer to schedule this service. At the time of service, the dealer will provide both the AEM
and this emissions service action.
Please note: before the AEM and/or this emissions service action is applied to your vehicle,
you will be required to provide written authorization to the Audi dealer.
On or about October 8, 2020, the necessary repair instructions and parts will be available to
your authorized Audi dealer.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward
this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you
have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner
Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Relations Monday through Friday from 8AM
to 8PM EST at 1-800-822-2834 or via our “Contact Audi Canada” page at www.audi.ca.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi Canada

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. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
October 2020

23BY Page 4 of 11

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

- GRX3000VAS-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-

(or equivalent)