Emissions Recall
Code: 37P3
Subject

TCM Software

Document History

Date

Summary

04/26/2024

Affected Vehicles

Original publication

Country

Beginning
Model
Year

Ending
Model
Year

Vehicle

Vehicle Count

USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA

2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023

2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023

A4 ALLROAD
A4 SEDAN
A5 CABRIOLET
A5 COUPE
A5 SPORTBACK
A6 ALLROAD
A6 SEDAN
A7
Q5
Q5 SPORTBACK
RS3 SEDAN

1,152
5,553
1,124
368
6,320
335
944
396
29,926
3,661
447

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.

Problem Description

Corrective Action
Code Visibility
Owner Notification
Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(CALIFORNIA ONLY)

Additional Information



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.

Due to a software error in the transmission control unit in affected DSG transmissions,
certain fault codes that turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) cannot be cleared after
completion of repairs to resolve the underlying problem with the transmission that turned
on the MIL. This issue does not impact tailpipe emissions or vehicle drivability. Stored faults
may prevent the vehicle from passing subsequent state inspection and maintenance
testing.
Update transmission control module (TCM) software.
On or about April 26, 2024, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.
Owner notification will take place in May 2024. An owner letter example is included in this
bulletin for your reference.
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require
emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When
campaign work is done you must provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall –
Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.accessaudi.com.
Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 1 of 8

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 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. 2024 Audi Group of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 2 of 8

Claim Entry Instructions
The labor times listed here may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.
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

37P3

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

0151 00 10

SEE ELSA

Software update
(setup + connect battery charger)

0151 00 60

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol

Software update
(Update TCM Software)

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 3 of 8

Customer Letter Example (USA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject : Emissions Recall 37P3 – Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software
Dear Audi Owner,
In cooperation with the California Air Resources Board, we are informing you of our decision to conduct an emissions recall on certain
2023 model year Audi vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?
Due to a software error in the transmission control unit in affected DSG transmissions, certain fault codes that turn on the malfunction
indicator lamp (MIL) cannot be cleared after completion of repairs to resolve the underlying problem with the transmission that turned
on the MIL. This issue does not impact tailpipe emissions or vehicle drivability. Stored faults may prevent the vehicle from passing
subsequent state inspection and maintenance testing.
What will we do?
Your authorized Audi dealer will update the transmission control module (TCM) software in your vehicle. 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 work, as well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if any control module(s) 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
control module(s) to factory specifications is NOT covered under this action.
What should you do?
In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule this work. 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.
Additional Information
•

California owners: California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your vehicle
registration. Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to the renewal of your vehicle
registration, and that you furnish proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of
the dealer’s repair order, including a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the
campaign has been completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction Certificate” with your vehicle records. DO NOT
MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.

•

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 your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a reasonable time, if you have
changed your address or sold the vehicle, or if you should have any questions about this communication, please contact
Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via our “Contact Us” page at www.audiusa.com.

•

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).

•

If you have previously paid for clearing Permanent DTCs from Mode$0A in your vehicle’s emissions control computer
memory, you may be eligible for reimbursement. The enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be
pleased to review your reimbursement request.

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 Customer Protection

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 4 of 8

Required Tools

Battery Tester/Charger

Diagnostic Tester

-VAS5908-

-VAS6150X/VAS6160X-

(or equivalent charger with
a current rating of at least
90A)

(or equivalent)

Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
•

Enter the VIN in Elsa and proceed to the
“Campaign/Action” screen.

TIP
On the date of repair, print this screen and keep a
copy with the repair order.
•

Confirm the Campaign/Action is open .
If the status is closed, no further work is required.

•

Note the Applicable Criteria ID for use
in determining the correct work to be done and
corresponding parts associated.
CRITICAL REPAIR STEP

STOP!
If multiple software update Campaign/Actions are
open, they must be performed in order of the Start
date . The oldest should be performed first.
•

All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to
completing this campaign.
Proceed to Section B

NOTE
•

Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s
responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action.

•

Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 5 of 8

Section B – Transmission Control Module Software Update
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 “Current ODIS Service Version” circular found in Elsa2Go Service References.

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.

The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable.
•

Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi 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 or WiFi.

NOTE
•

All campaign software updates must be completed during a single, standalone ODIS Diagnostic Session.
You must fully complete this campaign and send all logs before beginning any other campaigns or
operations.

•

If there are any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed, they must be removed from the scan tool before beginning
this operation. ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches may affect the update process.

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!

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 6 of 8

IMPORTANT
To Update-Programming using SVM, review and follow instructions in Technical Bulletin 2011732: Software
Version Management (SVM) Operating Instructions for the US, or 2037026: Working with the Software Version
Management (SVM) for Canada.
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.
•

Switch off all consumers, air conditioning, heater blower motor, lights, heated seats, etc.

•

Ensure the latest version of ODIS is downloaded.

•

Ensure diagnostic head is connected to ODIS tester via USB cable.

•

Move selector lever to P.

•

Use operating mode, FLASH.

•

Select “SVM – Code Input”.

•

Enter SVM code 37P3A008 and follow the on screen prompts.

•

When exiting the FLASH program, ensure the diagnostic log is sent to GFF
Paperless.

Proceed to Section C

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 7 of 8

Section C – Campaign Stamp
•

Once the campaign has been completed, the
technician should stamp the repair order.

•

Stamps are available for ordering through the
Compliance Label Ordering Portal (item#
AUD4927ENG or AUD4927FRE).

•

Proceed to Section D

Item#: AUD4927ENG

Section D – Campaign Completion Label
Install Campaign Completion Label
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion
Label, part number CAMP 010 000, next to
the vehicle emission control information
label.

•

TIP
Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover
any existing label(s).
•

Proceed to Section E (California only).

Section E – California Only Requirements
CALIFORNIA ONLY Requirements for Emissions Campaigns Having Customer Notification
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require emissions-related
campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When campaign work is done you must
provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMIS_CAL
VW). Certificates can be ordered at no cost online via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at
www.accessaudi.com.
TIP
Ensure owners are aware of the importance of retaining the completed certificate for their records. It should be
mailed to the California DMV only upon request.

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. 2024 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
37P3 Page 8 of 8