RS6/7 problems and warranty claims

**FBAnder** · 12-24-2022 10:16 AM

Are the 48V generators still on a weeks to month+ backorder status?

**spomm** · 12-24-2022 10:46 AM

Parts guy said there were 6 in Jacksonville and 11 somewhere else (maybe Knoxville) so I should be good. He did mention they receive a lot damaged due to poor shipping. No one is going to be able to look at it till Monday due to the holiday.

Originally Posted by FBAnder

Are the 48V generators still on a weeks to month+ backorder status?

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**robwrongshoes** · 12-27-2022 05:46 PM

My 2021 RS6 only has 10K miles on the clock. On December 23, 2022, my RS6 shut down on the side of the highway with the dreaded alternator issue. I was driving back with my family from Sun Valley, Idaho, to Seattle, Washington, and it shut down in eastern Oregon. I had to pay $1,200 for a flat bed tow truck to take my car to the nearest Audi dealer two hours away. The team at the Audi dealership said they have several other RS6s with the same issue that have been waiting for over a month for alternators that are on back order. Up until now, I was thinking I'd keep this car for many, many years, and was looking forward to tuning after the warranty ends. I'm starting to think now I need to sell before the warranty period ends.

For the record, if you break down on the side of the road, I wouldn't bother with Audi Roadside Assist. We waited over 1.5 hours for them to call us back to confirm a tow had been secured and was on the way. When we contacted them for an update, they basically said it could take quite a bit longer to get a tow confirmed, as they were "very busy". Keep in mind, we're on the side of the highway, in the middle of Eastern Oregon, and it's 20 degrees out and snowing and we have no heat! At this point, as we have USAA insurance, I thought I'd try their roadside assistance program as well. That was when I realized both Audi and USAA outsource their roadside assistance program to a third party called Agero, which white labels the program for companies like Audi that want to offer such a "service", but believe it's in their best interest to outsource the service to limit their actual costs.

Anyway, Agero nswers the phone as if they are Audi Roadside Assistance. Once they have your details, Agero then texts to tow companies in your vicinity in the hope that a tow company will click the button and say, "I'm interested". Unfortunately for the person on the side of the road, they're left to wait while Agero tries to secure a rock bottom tow quote.

On the USAA side, they at least disclose that you're being redirected to a third party called "Agero". That's how I realized Audi Roadside Assistance was really Agero, because the app was EXACTLY the same, except it said "Audi", not "Agero". Text updates literally come from the same 800 number! The only real difference was that since I hadn't pre-paid $20 to USAA for their roadside assistance program, Agero told me upfront that I'd need to provide a credit card, and they would need to charge $750 before getting me a tow to come out. Me being the eternal optimist, I provided my c.c. info and once again waited. This time though, I only waited 30 more minutes before deciding this Agero company was clearly not up to snuff. I mean, really, if they couldn't get it done in 1.5 hours pretending to be Audi, did it really make sense to wait more than 30 minutes when, in this instance, I've actually ponied up $750 to the actual company, and they still haven't found a tow?!!

Anyway, after two hours sitting in the car waiting for Agero to secure a tow, I cut bait and started calling the nearest tow companies listed on Google Maps. Low and behold, tows were readily available. Seriously!

Once the RS6 was loaded, we had plenty of time to chat with the tow truck driver, who was actually quite a nice guy. He informed me that all the tow companies had long ago learned not respond to Agero's texts, because a live person from Agero will eventually call and that's when they can actually haggle over the rate. My tow truck driver went on to say that Agero will typically offer less than half the normal rate, so cars are often left for many hours, if not days, while Agero continues to call around and slowly increase their offer price. That, or until the owner of the vehicle wisens up to the fact that the "roadside assistance" program isn't really doing what it's supposed to do. So basically, Agero's sole purpose is to make money through arbitrage, while trying make Audi believe they're providing a real service through their "partnership", and make you believe you have a ready solution should you break down on the side of the highway, but frankly, I think it's totally useless, and only makes a frustrating situation worse. I'm glad we ultimately realized Agero had no interest in getting us help quickly, as that didn't align with how they make money.

**The_Capt** · 12-27-2022 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by robwrongshoes

My 2021 RS6 only has 10K miles on the clock. On December 23, 2022, my RS6 shut down on the side of the highway with the dreaded alternator issue. I was driving back with my family from Sun Valley, Idaho, to Seattle, Washington, and it shut down in eastern Oregon. I had to pay $1,200 for a flat bed tow truck to take my car to the nearest Audi dealer two hours away. The team at the Audi dealership said they have several other RS6s with the same issue that have been waiting for over a month for alternators that are on back order. Up until now, I was thinking I'd keep this car for many, many years, and was looking forward to tuning after the warranty ends. I'm starting to think now I need to sell before the warranty period ends.

For the record, if you break down on the side of the road, I wouldn't bother with Audi Roadside Assist. We waited over 1.5 hours for them to call us back to confirm a tow had been secured and was on the way. When we contacted them for an update, they basically said it could take quite a bit longer to get a tow confirmed, as they were "very busy". Keep in mind, we're on the side of the highway, in the middle of Eastern Oregon, and it's 20 degrees out and snowing and we have no heat! At this point, as we have USAA insurance, I thought I'd try their roadside assistance program as well. That was when I realized both Audi and USAA outsource their roadside assistance program to a third party called Agero, which white labels the program for companies like Audi that want to offer such a "service", but believe it's in their best interest to outsource the service to limit their actual costs.

Anyway, Agero nswers the phone as if they are Audi Roadside Assistance. Once they have your details, Agero then texts to tow companies in your vicinity in the hope that a tow company will click the button and say, "I'm interested". Unfortunately for the person on the side of the road, they're left to wait while Agero tries to secure a rock bottom tow quote.

On the USAA side, they at least disclose that you're being redirected to a third party called "Agero". That's how I realized Audi Roadside Assistance was really Agero, because the app was EXACTLY the same, except it said "Audi", not "Agero". Text updates literally come from the same 800 number! The only real difference was that since I hadn't pre-paid $20 to USAA for their roadside assistance program, Agero told me upfront that I'd need to provide a credit card, and they would need to charge $750 before getting me a tow to come out. Me being the eternal optimist, I provided my c.c. info and once again waited. This time though, I only waited 30 more minutes before deciding this Agero company was clearly not up to snuff. I mean, really, if they couldn't get it done in 1.5 hours pretending to be Audi, did it really make sense to wait more than 30 minutes when, in this instance, I've actually ponied up $750 to the actual company, and they still haven't found a tow?!!

Anyway, after two hours sitting in the car waiting for Agero to secure a tow, I cut bait and started calling the nearest tow companies listed on Google Maps. Low and behold, tows were readily available. Seriously!

Once the RS6 was loaded, we had plenty of time to chat with the tow truck driver, who was actually quite a nice guy. He informed me that all the tow companies had long ago learned not respond to Agero's texts, because a live person from Agero will eventually call and that's when they can actually haggle over the rate. My tow truck driver went on to say that Agero will typically offer less than half the normal rate, so cars are often left for many hours, if not days, while Agero continues to call around and slowly increase their offer price. That, or until the owner of the vehicle wisens up to the fact that the "roadside assistance" program isn't really doing what it's supposed to do. So basically, Agero's sole purpose is to make money through arbitrage, while trying make Audi believe they're providing a real service through their "partnership", and make you believe you have a ready solution should you break down on the side of the highway, but frankly, I think it's totally useless, and only makes a frustrating situation worse. I'm glad we ultimately realized Agero had no interest in getting us help quickly, as that didn't align with how they make money.

Sorry to hear that, especially from a local RS6 owner. I’m in Bellevue.

I also have a MY21 but with 16.5k miles that have been worry/trouble free. Not even any of the TSB/recalls thus far have reared themselves on my RS6. Curious though, do you know when your RS6 completed production? I believe all the alternator failures have been relegated to early MY21 production cars, ie 5220 (52nd week of 2020) and earlier.

Mine was produced 0321 meaning 3rd week of 2021. My hunch could be off, but I’m curious for your input.

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**robwrongshoes** · 12-27-2022 09:55 PM

I have an email from the salesperson back in December 2020 saying my RS6 would be competed within the week.

- - - Updated - - -

I have an email from the salesperson back in December 2020 saying my RS6 would be competed within the week.

**The_Capt** · 12-27-2022 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by robwrongshoes

I have an email from the salesperson back in December 2020 saying my RS6 would be competed within the week.

- - - Updated - - -

I have an email from the salesperson back in December 2020 saying my RS6 would be competed within the week.

Gotcha, thanks for confirming my hunch.

I believe so far it’s just been affecting earlier MY21 cars, production completed through Dec 2020. Again sorry to hear of your very very unfortunate situation compounded with tow truck scheduling nightmare. Hopefully you’re enjoying your RS6 again soon.

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**DeputyDog95** · 12-29-2022 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by The_Capt

Sorry to hear that, especially from a local RS6 owner. I’m in Bellevue.

I also have a MY21 but with 16.5k miles that have been worry/trouble free. Not even any of the TSB/recalls thus far have reared themselves on my RS6. Curious though, do you know when your RS6 completed production? I believe all the alternator failures have been relegated to early MY21 production cars, ie 5220 (52nd week of 2020) and earlier.

Mine was produced 0321 meaning 3rd week of 2021. My hunch could be off, but I’m curious for your input.

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How do you find your "production number"?

I took delivery of my 2021 in the 3rd week of November, 2020. So I clearly have an "early build".

Have you put your VIN in the app yet? Since we have the same model year (2021), built months apart, I would be surprised if your car has not had any TSB's or recalls since mine has. I'm wondering if your dealer just hasn't notified you or they came out after your last visit for service.

**The_Capt** · 12-29-2022 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

How do you find your "production number"?

I took delivery of my 2021 in the 3rd week of November, 2020. So I clearly have an "early build".

Have you put your VIN in the app yet? Since we have the same model year (2021), built months apart, I would be surprised if your car has not had any TSB's or recalls since mine has. I'm wondering if your dealer just hasn't notified you or they came out after your last visit for service.

You can call Audi customer service to get this info on your car per the VIN, or perhaps RNlabas can assist you if you PM him. I have this info on my car per the OMD # from my dealer when we were tracking it through order origination, production process, shipping ports, etc.

I have gotten recall/TSB notices for the fuel sender relay, rear seat module probe to spills, and one other I believe. But I’ve yet to experience any of these major issues or failed MMI’s, alternator issues that other early MY21 cars have been reporting. Hopefully I just haven’t jinxed myself. Lol

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**OneFastBMW** · 12-29-2022 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

How do you find your "production number"?

I took delivery of my 2021 in the 3rd week of November, 2020. So I clearly have an "early build".

Have you put your VIN in the app yet? Since we have the same model year (2021), built months apart, I would be surprised if your car has not had any TSB's or recalls since mine has. I'm wondering if your dealer just hasn't notified you or they came out after your last visit for service.

There should be a sticker in one of the door sills on the body that shows the manufacture date. I believe the format is “MM/YY” so this example would be October of 2015.

**DeputyDog95** · 12-29-2022 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by OneFastBMW

There should be a sticker in one of the door sills on the body that shows the manufacture date. I believe the format is “MM/YY” so this example would be October of 2015.

Thanks!

**Iguana1500** · 01-04-2023 10:33 AM

Like many others here, I have also experienced the dreaded dead alternator issue which left my car dead in the water at an intersection.
We know the alternator is a known issue, and results in multiple systems failing, culminating in the car stalling out and rolling to a stop.

What I want to know is how is everyone getting towed without power?

My car was dead dead. It was stuck in Park. I could use the manual lever (found in the trunk) to switch it into neutral via the slot hidden inside the cupholder.
But the car's electronic parking brake remained engaged and COULD NOT be disengaged. This actually messed with the Neutral state so it would go right back into Park.

This is the best part - the tow truck has to tow your car up the ramp while the car is parked (meaning all four wheels are LOCKED and do not rotate). This is rough on the car and literally involves dragging the car against the frictional surface of all four tires. Now the tow truck driver was skilled and patient, they used those rubber skid plates under each tire, and they took things slowly. But still I suspect this could damage things, the whole car sounds like it's creaking and popping while moving inch by inch up the tow truck ramp.

Sure enough after the dealership fixes the alternator the suspension creaks and groans. This needed several weeks as suspension parts get replaced and checked and the subframe needs adjustment/shimming/whatever.

For the record, the dealership was great. They fixed things well.
I do wish Audi never included the 48 V system into these cars though.

**FBAnder** · 01-04-2023 10:43 AM

Ooof that's awful. I wonder if attaching a jumper/charger to the 12V battery would be enough to get the electric parking brake to disengage then use the tool to move the transmission to neutral. Might need to start carrying one in the car...

**OneFastBMW** · 01-04-2023 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by FBAnder

Ooof that's awful. I wonder if attaching a jumper/charger to the 12V battery would be enough to get the electric parking brake to disengage then use the tool to move the transmission to neutral. Might need to start carrying one in the car...

If trying this, make sure you connect the jumper/charger to the battery terminals under the hood, do not hook directly to the battery in the trunk, doing so can damage the battery management module, and it is about $250 to replace.

**DeputyDog95** · 01-04-2023 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Iguana1500

Like many others here, I have also experienced the dreaded dead alternator issue which left my car dead in the water at an intersection.
We know the alternator is a known issue, and results in multiple systems failing, culminating in the car stalling out and rolling to a stop.

What I want to know is how is everyone getting towed without power?

My car was dead dead. It was stuck in Park. I could use the manual lever (found in the trunk) to switch it into neutral via the slot hidden inside the cupholder.
But the car's electronic parking brake remained engaged and COULD NOT be disengaged. This actually messed with the Neutral state so it would go right back into Park.

This is the best part - the tow truck has to tow your car up the ramp while the car is parked (meaning all four wheels are LOCKED and do not rotate). This is rough on the car and literally involves dragging the car against the frictional surface of all four tires. Now the tow truck driver was skilled and patient, they used those rubber skid plates under each tire, and they took things slowly. But still I suspect this could damage things, the whole car sounds like it's creaking and popping while moving inch by inch up the tow truck ramp.

Sure enough after the dealership fixes the alternator the suspension creaks and groans. This needed several weeks as suspension parts get replaced and checked and the subframe needs adjustment/shimming/whatever.

For the record, the dealership was great. They fixed things well.
I do wish Audi never included the 48 V system into these cars though.

I was literally debating on whether or not to keep this car out of warranty with another RS6 owner about an hour ago. I've only got about 10 months left. As much as I love it, probably will have to part ways after reading so many posts like this.

I wonder why they aren't just proactively replacing these parts instead of people being routinely left stranded in bad places?

**RMode** · 01-04-2023 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

I was literally debating on whether or not to keep this car out of warranty with another RS6 owner about an hour ago. I've only got about 10 months left. As much as I love it, probably will have to part ways after reading so many posts like this.

I wonder why they aren't just proactively replacing these parts instead of people being routinely left stranded in bad places?

Because not every car will ever have an issue.

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**DeputyDog95** · 01-04-2023 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by RMode

Because not every car will ever have an issue.

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You could say the same for every recall. I may never spill anything in my back seat and douche the electronics, but Audi is going to apply a fix for it anyway.

That being said, this one is flat out dangerous due to the ability to strand people in bad places such as in traffic or rural areas. Clearly there is an issue here as we read about these failures on a regular basis now.

**FBAnder** · 01-04-2023 02:36 PM

No discernable pattern either. Would be less awful if, say, disabling stop/start was an effective mitigation measure. Could at least try to protect oneself from being up schitz creek.

I am one of the folks that spends time in very rural areas and if this thing takes a dump out there, that is, without question, a completely wasted day or two filled with aggravation.

I am curious if a dealer will do the software update in the TSB if no symptoms exist if paying out of pocket.

**DeputyDog95** · 01-04-2023 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by FBAnder

No discernable pattern either. Would be less awful if, say, disabling stop/start was an effective mitigation measure. Could at least try to protect oneself from being up schitz creek.

I am one of the folks that spends time in very rural areas and if this thing takes a dump out there, that is, without question, a completely wasted day or two filled with aggravation.

I am curious if a dealer will do the software update in the TSB if no symptoms exist if paying out of pocket.

Which software update are you referring to what impact would it have on this part failing?

I've gotten into the habit of turning off the auto start/stop to hopefully mitigate the chance of that part failing by reducing the wear/tear on it. Knock on wood.

If they have an updated version of this part, they should be giving this to us for some peace of mind. I road trip the crap out of this car and now I'm starting to get nervous about traveling with it.

If the radio breaks or some other non essential feature goes bad, who cares? This part goes, and you're hosed.

I can't imagine how hard it is on the car to be drug up a flat bed with the wheels locked...

**FBAnder** · 01-04-2023 02:54 PM

There is a software update for the generator control module mentioned in the TSB. Part # is unchanged so hasn't been updated from what I've read. Lotta folks not sold on this being a software issue but...TSB has been superseded a few times as newer MY vehicles are added. I would expect 22s to end up in there, too.

https://www.tsbsearch.com/Audi/27-22-41

**DeputyDog95** · 01-04-2023 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by FBAnder

There is a software update for the generator control module mentioned in the TSB. Part # is unchanged so hasn't been updated from what I've read. Lotta folks not sold on this being a software issue but...TSB has been superseded a few times as newer MY vehicles are added. I would expect 22s to end up in there, too.

https://www.tsbsearch.com/Audi/27-22-41

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

**RMode** · 01-04-2023 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

You could say the same for every recall. I may never spill anything in my back seat and douche the electronics, but Audi is going to apply a fix for it anyway.

That being said, this one is flat out dangerous due to the ability to strand people in bad places such as in traffic or rural areas. Clearly there is an issue here as we read about these failures on a regular basis now.

This isn’t a recall though. It’s a TSB.

Recalls are a totally different animal. Net result to customer is the same, but a recall does not require the part to have failed to get the remedy. A TSB does. Sometimes TSBs evolve into recalls, but not generally.

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**RMode** · 01-04-2023 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

Which software update are you referring to what impact would it have on this part failing?

I've gotten into the habit of turning off the auto start/stop to hopefully mitigate the chance of that part failing by reducing the wear/tear on it. Knock on wood.

If they have an updated version of this part, they should be giving this to us for some peace of mind. I road trip the crap out of this car and now I'm starting to get nervous about traveling with it.

If the radio breaks or some other non essential feature goes bad, who cares? This part goes, and you're hosed.

I can't imagine how hard it is on the car to be drug up a flat bed with the wheels locked...

The car gets put into neutral. There’s a mechanical actuator to do it

https://youtu.be/OzBYzCcXaLQ

The ebrake is inconsequential. Enough torque (being pulled onto the flatbed for example, or enough people pushing) overcomes the emergency brake fairly easily. No damage will be done.

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**DeputyDog95** · 01-05-2023 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by RMode

This isn’t a recall though. It’s a TSB.

Recalls are a totally different animal. Net result to customer is the same, but a recall does not require the part to have failed to get the remedy. A TSB does. Sometimes TSBs evolve into recalls, but not generally.

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Understood. I'm suggesting it should be a recall though. I wish we could get total numbers of failures, but I've read enough posts to know this is a problem and could result in the driver being put in a very awkward situation. If these cars were 7 or 8 years old, consider it aging vehicle stuff. But when you have brand new, reasonably low mileage cars that are still under warranty and failing in a manner that leaves people stranded, it should be addressed before it happens. Whether or not there is actually a revised, more robust part available? I have no idea.

**DeputyDog95** · 01-05-2023 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by RMode

The car gets put into neutral. There’s a mechanical actuator to do it

https://youtu.be/OzBYzCcXaLQ

The ebrake is inconsequential. Enough torque (being pulled onto the flatbed for example, or enough people pushing) overcomes the emergency brake fairly easily. No damage will be done.

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Based on Iguana's recent experience (a few posts up), it didn't work as you described for whatever reason.

My car was dead dead. It was stuck in Park. I could use the manual lever (found in the trunk) to switch it into neutral via the slot hidden inside the cupholder.
But the car's electronic parking brake remained engaged and COULD NOT be disengaged. This actually messed with the Neutral state so it would go right back into Park.

**RMode** · 01-05-2023 06:37 AM

If he is trying to leave it in neutral with the door open, it would go back to park as I recall. But it definitely works as described in the video, I’ve done it myself to show a client at delivery.

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**RMode** · 01-05-2023 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

Understood. I'm suggesting it should be a recall though. I wish we could get total numbers of failures, but I've read enough posts to know this is a problem and could result in the driver being put in a very awkward situation. If these cars were 7 or 8 years old, consider it aging vehicle stuff. But when you have brand new, reasonably low mileage cars that are still under warranty and failing in a manner that leaves people stranded, it should be addressed before it happens. Whether or not there is actually a revised, more robust part available? I have no idea.

Oh believe me, I hear ya. A lot of what they do makes me scratch my head. My guess is they are sourcing enough units to then swap out anyone to solve the issue at some point. Apparently it doesn’t only affect V8 cars either. Not sure if part numbers differ to V6 cars or what. Perhaps some supplier switched due to the war, etc. I’m not privy to that info (especially anymore as I no longer work for Audi).

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**DeputyDog95** · 01-05-2023 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by RMode

The car gets put into neutral. There’s a mechanical actuator to do it

https://youtu.be/OzBYzCcXaLQ

The ebrake is inconsequential. Enough torque (being pulled onto the flatbed for example, or enough people pushing) overcomes the emergency brake fairly easily. No damage will be done.

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BTW, thanks for sharing that video. Would rather learn how to do it now than on the side of the road.

Any suggestions for a plastic tool we could keep in the glove box to pop the cover off in the cup holder below the rubber cover? Watching him use a metal tool on the plastic made me cringe :)

**RMode** · 01-05-2023 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

BTW, thanks for sharing that video. Would rather learn how to do it now than on the side of the road.

Any suggestions for a plastic tool we could keep in the glove box to pop the cover off in the cup holder below the rubber cover? Watching him use a metal tool on the plastic made me cringe :)

Hmmm, I am not sure. I wonder if Roger would know, or some of the guys like Pacific German who are modifying these so frequently.

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**DeputyDog95** · 01-05-2023 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by RMode

If he is trying to leave it in neutral with the door open, it would go back to park as I recall. But it definitely works as described in the video, I’ve done it myself to show a client at delivery.

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Maybe that's the case? However, you would think it would be normal to be doing this with the door open if you're car is broken down and the air/heat isn't working. And even if you weren't doing it with the door open, the tow truck driver would have to open the door again to get out and operate the winch. Although, that would turn this into a two person job. One person to sit inside with the door closed to put it into neutral while another operates the winch? Or am I not thinking about this correctly?

Originally Posted by RMode

Hmmm, I am not sure. I wonder if Roger would know, or some of the guys like Pacific German who are modifying these so frequently.

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They have those button updates that require the removal of the center console. I bet that uses some sort of plastic pry tool that may come with the kit.

**Iguana1500** · 01-05-2023 12:35 PM

Responses to the previous comments:

1. Regarding keeping the door open or closed while manually overring the gear select with the hand lever, I had the door closed and it still didn't work. One thing to keep in mind here is that when the car is operating normally, things should work as intended but when the car is messed up and has no power and/or whatever faults have tripped, then things may not work as intended. We actually had four people working together to try to get this operational, funny enough I watched the Youtube video inside the car on my cellphone while doing this and it still didn't work. I had the Audi dealership evaluate this thoroughly after everything was fixed and they said that something must have gone wrong in the transmission when it lost power and stalled on the street which prevented this from working as intended. The car did shake violently before it died (without any throttle input).

2. Regarding the jumper cable idea, we tried this. The tow truck driver had a fully charged battery pack jumper thing and once connected it allowed us to turn on the car once for a few seconds before it started shaking and went into Park. We tried to use those few precious seconds to shift into Neutral, but it would shake and immediately go back into Park. The battery pack died as a result. Later on, after towed to the dealer, the dealership had a massive battery pack that apparently looks like a large suitcase (that Audi dealers have but I didn't physically see it) that once connected allowed the car to actually turn on and be driven off the tow truck. The dealer says that the power draw needed is massive and will kill most normal battery packs, which is in line with what we experienced.

3. Dealerships nearby all report seeing this issue more and more in not just the RS6, but also the RS7 and RSQ8. All of these cars share a similar 48V system and the fix has been replacing the alternator. They say they are expecting this to become a future recall possibly.

**Iguana1500** · 01-05-2023 12:41 PM

Also a small quick tip - when you remove the small plastic cover at the bottom of the console cupholder, be careful to take it out and have a good hold on it. Otherwise, like me, you might end up letting it drop inside the console itself, which is a nightmare to get back out and resulted in bloody cuts on my fingers as I tried to remove it.

**FBAnder** · 01-05-2023 02:26 PM

Appreciate the clarification. Guess I'm carrying a 10000 amp jumper in the hatch now.

**Iguana1500** · 01-05-2023 04:44 PM

Knowing the sequence of events leading up to the failure, the best advice I can give is recognizing the early signs of impending doom. If and when you see these signs, you have but a short while before the car dies and your day is ruined and your disappointment immeasurable.

1. Auto start / stop system stops working "Vehicle starting system: Malfunction! Please contact Service" is the message you will see. The start stop system button will be greyed out (deactivated). This itself is the first early warning sign, but it is NON-SPECIFIC. This in fact happens all the time for no apparent reason and it doesn't mean you're heading down the path of death. I always always disable the start/stop system everytime I turn on the car, so keep a close eye on this. If you see this, be on alert that something more sinister could happen.

2. Sequence of YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction" , "electric system malfunction" . These mean you're very likely headed towards doom. It is the consequence of the 48V system not getting enough juice and the car is intelligently disabling things that require that power to conserve what remains for more essential functions. That's also why the auto start stop system is the first thing to go because it is least essential.

3. Dreaded RED colored warning message of death "Electric system: Malfunction! Safely stop vehicle." This is different because it is red colored. The red triangle icon will illuminate also above the digital screen. Seeing this means you have about 5 minutes at maximum before critical total system failure. They are not kidding. STOP DRIVING immediately. The next messages that come right after this one are "Parking brake: malfunction" and then "Steering system: malfunction" and then you will loose power steering. This is when it gets extra exciting. Let me tell you it will cause a real tingle down your spine. Suddenly you're trying to pull off the road and it's like the steering has died. Good luck and pull hard is all I can say.

4. Everything else fails immediately in sequence. The throttle stops working. You press the gas and it revs but no power goes to the drivetrain. So now you've got a dead steering wheel and a dead gas pedal. Life is simple! You only have the brakes. So conserve momentum because you won't be able to speed back up again. Find a place to softly land / crash. AC system stops. Music dies. You are denied any epic music to accompany your glorious landing, this isn't the movies unfortunately.

5. You are now stopped and the car shakes and vibrates, feels like it is going to stall. The primary gauge cluster dims. The rev meter turns all red and flashes. Windows will start to stop working about now, or at least move very very slowly. There's only a tiny bit of battery left at this point, so you're on minimum life support - be prudent what you use energy for at this time. You want to conserve power for the hazard lights.

6. As you wait by or in the road for a tow, contemplate your life choices that got you here. Meditate on the positive. Try not to get hit by traffic. Watch as the screens in front of you dim further and further until they die completely. Watch as your hazard lights dim and dim until they die too. Now you've hit rock bottom, congratulations.

**FBAnder** · 01-05-2023 05:26 PM

Looks like plan of action is:

If start/stop system ever malfunctions, schedule service visit ASAP and have them take a look / potentially pay for software update in TSB out of pocket if dealer won't do under warranty.

If other electric system malfunctions pop-up, immediately drive to dealer and beach car.

If I don't make it to dealer before car runs out of powah, hope I am close so the tow is less of a pain in the dick.

Hope car is not damaged by towing.

My RS6 actually has been towed already...huge piece of metal took out rear passenger tire right after Thanksgiving. 0 chance that using the tire fix-a-flat crap and compressor in the hatch would have worked. I raised it to maximum height so it would clear the bed after it was lowered. Probably can't do this without any powah. I did find the tow hook being reverse threaded amusing.

**DeputyDog95** · 01-05-2023 06:36 PM

Coincidentally...

I started the car tonight and within mins, got the following error:

Electrical system: Malfunction! Please contact service.

My 48v system is about to fail, isn't it?

**FBAnder** · 01-05-2023 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

Coincidentally...

I started the car tonight and within mins, got the following error:

Electrical system: Malfunction! Please contact service.

My 48v system is about to fail, isn't it?

:-X

**DeputyDog95** · 01-06-2023 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by FBAnder

:-X

Provided it starts this morning... Taking it to the dealer. I called and they agreed it sounds like the 48v system is about to fail.

It's about 12 mins away provided no serious traffic. And of course, my tiny little dealer has no loaners. Sigh.

I guess I'll keep the auto start/stop off, turn off the air and any other power sucking accessories off and wing it. I don't have time to wait 3 hours for Audi to send a flat bed.

I only have one car, and with no loaners and a seemingly difficult to get part... This should be interesting.

**FBAnder** · 01-06-2023 06:59 AM

Good luck. Let us know how it goes!

**Iguana1500** · 01-06-2023 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by FBAnder

Looks like plan of action is:

If start/stop system ever malfunctions, schedule service visit ASAP and have them take a look / potentially pay for software update in TSB out of pocket if dealer won't do under warranty.

If other electric system malfunctions pop-up, immediately drive to dealer and beach car.

Regarding the start/stop system, I wouldn't do that necessarily. I had my start/stop system grey out and become unavailable many times over the last 2 years with seemingly no explanation. So it's not specific at all.

But I fully agree on the second point about the electric system malfunction warning message though.

**Iguana1500** · 01-06-2023 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by DeputyDog95

Provided it starts this morning... Taking it to the dealer. I called and they agreed it sounds like the 48v system is about to fail.

It's about 12 mins away provided no serious traffic. And of course, my tiny little dealer has no loaners. Sigh.

I guess I'll keep the auto start/stop off, turn off the air and any other power sucking accessories off and wing it. I don't have time to wait 3 hours for Audi to send a flat bed.

I only have one car, and with no loaners and a seemingly difficult to get part... This should be interesting.

Sorry to hear that, it sounds ominous.
What about the dealer giving you a loaner car through a car rental agency?
My local dealer if they run out of loaner cars will send one via Enterprise or similar. Usually the rental car is also an Audi.