Technologist from Audi

[brandonbanana]

Aloha Audizine fam, My name is Brandon and I've been a member for a bit. I also have been working at Audi for about 6 years now and I've seen some posts where some of you guys have questions regarding your MyAudi app which is a part of Audi Connect. I'm currently a technologist for Audi Honolulu and I would like to be open to any questions that you guys may have regarding the technology on your Audi. For instance, if you're having trouble with your MyAudi app and your car is a 2019 or older, they have completely shut down Audi Connect for those vehicles. The only MMI that is functioning in unison with the MyAudi app for the Lock/Unlock features is the 2020 and up or MIB3 (Touch Screen Interface). Feel free to chime into this thread if you have any questions about your tech stuff. Thanks!

[Smac770]

That's why I don't bother with the marketing of these connected functions. The cars aren't even out of warranty and they are already shutting down services.

[brandonbanana]

That's why I don't bother with the marketing of these connected functions. The cars aren't even out of warranty and they are already shutting down services.

The reason is technological obsolescence. Older MMI is incompatible with the newer technology. Like how iPhones get slower with new iOS. Audi Connect was definitely useful when I forget to lock my car

[Smac770]

Yeah, but a car doesn't cost three digits. The manufacturers' failure for integrating vehicle systems and not providing for a means to update tech components in a chassis. Oh, check out this new CD technology; ok, replace cassette DIN unit with CD one.

[E.Anderson]

That's why I don't bother with the marketing of these connected functions. The cars aren't even out of warranty and they are already shutting down services.

audi isn't shutting down services. Wireless carriers sunset their 3g network. Not much you can do

[SHCKR]

Brandon,

I saw a few years ago there was talk about future MMI's, and the entire vehicle for that matter, running on Android OS, and having organic AA capability (without phone, etc), which would eliminate the need for a connect app, or vag com, etc. Is that still a thing?

[Avant_Garde]

Is there any known issues with the garage door opener feature and the Audi smartphone interface disconnecting when you get into the 'geo-fenced' area for your garage door? For me, I notice random disconnects of the Audi smartphone interface but it almost always happens to disconnect my phone when the notification pops up to open my garage door when I am close to home. Not sure if anyone else is seeing this. It is a 2022 S4 if that matters. Also, how exactly does the Audi Connect work between your phone and MMI? It seems to create both a WiFi hotspot and also connect via bluetooth. I believe the WiIFi is for features within AudiConnect to get the latest information of the car, such as oil level, and to enable lock/unlock features. And the Bluetooth is for Android Auto, BT music... Just trying to get a better understanding of what exactly is disconnecting when I get that notification on the MMI. TIA!

[INS4NE_B9]

Is there any fix in motion for the 2019 and older cars? There was a 4G retrofit that was occurring, but then abruptly halted. Hopefully a better solution is on the way?

[oesman]

audi isn't shutting down services. Wireless carriers sunset their 3g network. Not much you can do

Exactly, the sunset was only talked about in 2018-ish as a real concrete coming thing. Then in 2021 carriers started rapidly announcing sunsets.

Is there any fix in motion for the 2019 and older cars? There was a 4G retrofit that was occurring, but then abruptly halted. Hopefully a better solution is on the way?

Yea that retrofit was pretty trash. Didn't really address most the lost features. I imagine they don't want to rip out whatever houses the 3G modem.

[brandonbanana]

Brandon,

I saw a few years ago there was talk about future MMI's, and the entire vehicle for that matter, running on Android OS, and having organic AA capability (without phone, etc), which would eliminate the need for a connect app, or vag com, etc. Is that still a thing?

As of right now, they haven’t released any solid information to us Technologists or Brand Specialists regarding any newer OS since the current MIB3 is still new and getting small updated features such as the optimization for the users section on the MMI being much easier to log into your MyAudi Account for a more seamless Audi Connect Login sequence. There were a lot of Key User issues in the past before MIB2 (Scroller wheel generation) and in the beginning stages of MIB3. The process to even register customer MyAudi accounts are much more seamless now than it was back then. Most of the presentations shown a few years ago are currently just concepts but could be possible in the near future. MIB3 already has a smartphone interface like UI that makes it much easier to navigate the MMI. Although, if they do release any new news, I will surely update if I’m allowed to do so! :)


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[brandonbanana]

Is there any known issues with the garage door opener feature and the Audi smartphone interface disconnecting when you get into the 'geo-fenced' area for your garage door? For me, I notice random disconnects of the Audi smartphone interface but it almost always happens to disconnect my phone when the notification pops up to open my garage door when I am close to home. Not sure if anyone else is seeing this. It is a 2022 S4 if that matters. Also, how exactly does the Audi Connect work between your phone and MMI? It seems to create both a WiFi hotspot and also connect via bluetooth. I believe the WiIFi is for features within AudiConnect to get the latest information of the car, such as oil level, and to enable lock/unlock features. And the Bluetooth is for Android Auto, BT music... Just trying to get a better understanding of what exactly is disconnecting when I get that notification on the MMI. TIA!

There has been issues with Homelink not operating properly due to the Adaptive Cruise control radars interfering with the synchronization in the past, however, for the newer MIB3 vehicles, typically it’s the software updates that may be needed because of internal components not operating properly in unison with the ECM or the Central Electrics of the car. The geofencing feature is a hit or miss when it comes to our cars. I may have to get a more definitive answer from Audi on why the geofencing features are finicky sometimes. As for the Audi Connect, the phone pairing with the MMI is used for logging into the MyAudi Account. Your Wi-Fi hotspot in the car does not need to be on to access vehicle data. Bluetooth does need to be on to access the Audi Smartphone interface that enables Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and it utilizes the vehicles Wi-Fi and sort of a screen mirroring effect but not exactly mirroring it. It’s purpose is to be less distracting to the driver utilizing Siri or Google Assistant. When you switch between the MMI media features to listen to media on the car itself, it’ll use the car, when it uses Apple CarPlay, it’ll switch MMI functions off.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[Smac770]

audi isn't shutting down services. Wireless carriers sunset their 3g network. Not much you can do

Not relevant to the MY19 which uses the J949. But the MY19 is MIB2. That's what I'm referring to.

[Smac770]

Brandon, what's the basis for Audi's TSB on the MY20 J949 issue stating to not use the 4KE unit as a replacement, claiming the issue will just return. And instead use a Porsche 992 unit only for replacement? It appears Audi is still using 4KE (rev G) in fresh MY23 builds.

[brandonbanana]

Is there any fix in motion for the 2019 and older cars? There was a 4G retrofit that was occurring, but then abruptly halted. Hopefully a better solution is on the way?

Based on how everything is going with the brand, the focus seems to be on the newer generation MMI and the production of the 4G retrofit was not mentioned.

[Avant_Garde]

There has been issues with Homelink not operating properly due to the Adaptive Cruise control radars interfering with the synchronization in the past, however, for the newer MIB3 vehicles, typically it’s the software updates that may be needed because of internal components not operating properly in unison with the ECM or the Central Electrics of the car. The geofencing feature is a hit or miss when it comes to our cars. I may have to get a more definitive answer from Audi on why the geofencing features are finicky sometimes. As for the Audi Connect, the phone pairing with the MMI is used for logging into the MyAudi Account. Your Wi-Fi hotspot in the car does not need to be on to access vehicle data. Bluetooth does need to be on to access the Audi Smartphone interface that enables Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and it utilizes the vehicles Wi-Fi and sort of a screen mirroring effect but not exactly mirroring it. It’s purpose is to be less distracting to the driver utilizing Siri or Google Assistant. When you switch between the MMI media features to listen to media on the car itself, it’ll use the car, when it uses Apple CarPlay, it’ll switch MMI functions off.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

This is great info, thanks Brandon! As for the geofencing, I don't think I have had a problem with it since I set it up. It always prompts me to send the command to my garage door to open it when I get close to home. Usually hits in the same area around my house every time too. Been liking this feature a lot. I just don't know what is causing all the Audi Smartphone disconnects though. Not sure if it is my phone or the MMI, or both. I am assuming this may be a common issue?

As for the MMI updates, are these done over-the-air like the map updates, or is this something that has to be done at the dealer? If it does have to be done at the dealer, how do you know when an update is available for your specific version/firmware? Thanks again for all the info.

[brandonbanana]

Brandon, what's the basis for Audi's TSB on the MY20 J949 issue stating to not use the 4KE unit as a replacement, claiming the issue will just return. And instead use a Porsche 992 unit only for replacement? It appears Audi is still using 4KE (rev G) in fresh MY23 builds.

TSB's are sent directly to us through email in order for us to be aware in case a client asks us about it, although, I do not have the exact email for that TSB. Service advisors may be able to search it up though since I'm technically a part of the sales side, not service. Sorry about that!

[brandonbanana]

This is great info, thanks Brandon! As for the geofencing, I don't think I have had a problem with it since I set it up. It always prompts me to send the command to my garage door to open it when I get close to home. Usually hits in the same area around my house every time too. Been liking this feature a lot. I just don't know what is causing all the Audi Smartphone disconnects though. Not sure if it is my phone or the MMI, or both. I am assuming this may be a common issue?

As for the MMI updates, are these done over-the-air like the map updates, or is this something that has to be done at the dealer? If it does have to be done at the dealer, how do you know when an update is available for your specific version/firmware? Thanks again for all the info.

For sure! For the smartphone disconnecting issue, try deleting the phone off of the car as well as the phone itself and before you re-sync it, do the hard reset method on the MMI (clicking and holding the volume button next to gear select till the screen shuts off and let go when it turns back on) and see if that solves the issue. Otherwise, since your S4 is a 22' you can bring it into service and there might be a possible update that is available for the MMI. It ties into the SOS light in the car if you're having issues with wireless connectivity. These are based on the cars that I've done second deliveries on within the span of 3-4 years. Unfortunately, it is a common issue because iOS and Android constantly update their own device firmware whereas the Audi MMI only being capable of Map OTA updates only it seems, but it can only be solved by going to the dealer and making sure that it's for sure an MMI issue after troubleshooting it.

[Smac770]

TSB's are sent directly to us through email in order for us to be aware in case a client asks us about it, although, I do not have the exact email for that TSB. Service advisors may be able to search it up though since I'm technically a part of the sales side, not service. Sorry about that!

No problem. Corporate structure, been there, done that.

[col10]

2020 S4 PRESTIGE STILL NO BLUETOOTH OR NAV FOR 6 MONTHS NOW

[brandonbanana]

2020 S4 PRESTIGE STILL NO BLUETOOTH OR NAV FOR 6 MONTHS NOW

Bring it into service for warranty work. They may have to replace a module and it should be covered under the factory warranty unless you hit past 50k miles. I've had more than a couple of clients who were 2020 A4/S4 comes in for that exact reason.

[Smac770]

MY20, he's bringing up the issue with the failed J949 and apparently no stock on the planet to fix it now for a half year. That's the TSB I was referring to, where it says use the 992 unit rather than the 4KE unit. And I wonder why, if they are still putting 4KE units in new builds.

[brandonbanana]

MY20, he's bringing up the issue with the failed J949 and apparently no stock on the planet to fix it now for a half year. That's the TSB I was referring to, where it says use the 992 unit rather than the 4KE unit. And I wonder why, if they are still putting 4KE units in new builds.

Oh really?? How odd.. I'll have to talk to service on Monday to see whats up. I will for sure let you guys know when I find out.

[elscotto80]

Yeah I've been waiting on that module since late September. Dealer did say the part has made it through customs and is on the way to MD. Looking forward to get BT, NAV, etc!

Today I was looking through sound settings and I noticed 3d sound was set to off and all greyed out. When I click it, it says the function is not available. I do not have b&o, but maybe this is another system linked to that failed module?

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[RickNY]

Is there any known issues with the garage door opener feature and the Audi smartphone interface disconnecting when you get into the 'geo-fenced' area for your garage door? For me, I notice random disconnects of the Audi smartphone interface but it almost always happens to disconnect my phone when the notification pops up to open my garage door when I am close to home.

If it helps, I've never had that issue occur on my 21 S4... I get the drop-down from the top of the screen just as I hit the bottom of my driveway.. Im also always using CarPlay - not sure if that matters

[Quickarl]

I have been waiting for the Bluetooth module since the beginning of October

[spindlewood]

The reason is technological obsolescence. Older MMI is incompatible with the newer technology. Like how iPhones get slower with new iOS. Audi Connect was definitely useful when I forget to lock my car

I get that technology changes. Howver that doesn't mean that the MMI needs to become obsolete once the modem technology is sunsetted. Audi could build it so that a modem swap was possible (Tesla's do). I wouldn't mind paying for a new modem to keep the features of my car running.

Aside from the modem, the other thing which will have me pause before buying another Audi (and I do love my SQ5), is the lack of updates after a couple of years and complete lack of OTA updates except for nav (and only for 2 years in my case). With more and more driving automation features becoming a part of the package, it is important to me to know that my car manufacturer will continue to improve them. Is there any announcement of intention to move towards OTA?.

[Smac770]

Well, I suspect the J949 and then the high line version in the MIB3 architecture was Audi's plan to address future recurrences of the 3G sunset issue. So sucks they didn't plan ahead years ago on this. And it remains to be seen if they have any intention of offering retrofit upgrades for tech. You can barely even get Audi to fix defects in released product, let alone backport sustainability. They really do have zero self-interest in you wanting to keep an already paid for car.

It'll just be easier to move it all to your phone and replace your phone every few years. And try and remove as much tech reliance on a car platform as possible. I've said it before, car manufacturers are the absolute last people you want being your "IT department" for your car.

[Longtallsally]

Some time back I did a thread on my Nav locking up and not working ( https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...MMI-Nav-issues ).

Obviously I was and still am under warranty, but if you read that thread there are some real concerns about updating the maps and such over time. I had called Audi corporate to try and get to the bottom of it but never heard back.

This is my last post from that thread and I’d still like an answer as to how to turn off auto updates to the maps:

But here is what I found out:
- Upon the initial research, the person on the phone said there is no option to turn off auto updates on the maps. I find this bizarre beyond measure as to do over the air updates, someone has to pay a provider air time to send that data to the car. If I’m not paying for Audi Connect, why would Audi pay for this air time?
- She was going to dig deeper as she totally understood that once the car is out of warranty, it seems absurd that Audi would continue to pay for this air time. I’ve not heard back yet, and frankly don’t expect to.
- There is a lot of discussion on various forums and such about getting map updates done manually. Audi will do this for free and send you a one time link that expires where you can d/l the map set to an SD card and subsequently upload to the car. This is great, but the main downside is of course, if the map database is corrupted and won’t even load in the first place, you are kinda hosed.

I’m nervous about it, but not terribly as there is the obvious fallback to Apple Car Play for navigation- I’m just strange and hate that interface.

But my overarching point on the map stuff is someone is missing something somewhere in this chain of communication. I would be dumbfounded if in the development of the software for these OTA updates, warranty or Audi Connect subscriptions were not taken into account. For what has been a pretty robust software set that is EXTREMELY complex, it would seem to be an off the chart oversight. As such, I can only think that someone, somewhere, lost the process for this (the dealer, Audi customer experience, owner’s manual, whatever). And I’ll geek out for a sec: for the developers or geeks out there, think DevSecOps, or even just DevOps- if there was good communication from Dev to Support (dealer or otherwise) this would be easily resolved.

Anyway, I think it really boils down to just finding the right person who actually knows how it works to tell me how to turn it off. It’s just that simple. But I’ve not found that person yet.

[Avant_Garde]

For sure! For the smartphone disconnecting issue, try deleting the phone off of the car as well as the phone itself and before you re-sync it, do the hard reset method on the MMI (clicking and holding the volume button next to gear select till the screen shuts off and let go when it turns back on) and see if that solves the issue. Otherwise, since your S4 is a 22' you can bring it into service and there might be a possible update that is available for the MMI. It ties into the SOS light in the car if you're having issues with wireless connectivity. These are based on the cars that I've done second deliveries on within the span of 3-4 years. Unfortunately, it is a common issue because iOS and Android constantly update their own device firmware whereas the Audi MMI only being capable of Map OTA updates only it seems, but it can only be solved by going to the dealer and making sure that it's for sure an MMI issue after troubleshooting it.

Thanks for this! Will talk to Audi first to see if there is an update for the MMI and go from there. Is this update generally quick or do I have to leave the car for the day at the dealer?

[brandonbanana]

Thanks for this! Will talk to Audi first to see if there is an update for the MMI and go from there. Is this update generally quick or do I have to leave the car for the day at the dealer?

Anytime! As far as time for the update, depending on your local dealer, if they're busy it might take a day or maybe even half a day due to technicians finishing cars that are currently in their stalls at the time of dropping off your car. As soon as a technician is available, the service advisor assigns them to your car and the update can range from 15-30 min depending on how big the file is. The service advisor will give a more accurate time to you when checking your car in for service.

[Kedawerx]

Thanks for taking questions here.

I have a 2019 S4 and I’m paying for the AudiConnect service. I get weather and news on my screen, but I’ve lost Google Maps on my instrument cluster and center screen. It is set to display Maps.

Any idea how to get this back? THe service seems to be connected.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[brandonbanana]

I get that technology changes. Howver that doesn't mean that the MMI needs to become obsolete once the modem technology is sunsetted. Audi could build it so that a modem swap was possible (Tesla's do). I wouldn't mind paying for a new modem to keep the features of my car running.

Aside from the modem, the other thing which will have me pause before buying another Audi (and I do love my SQ5), is the lack of updates after a couple of years and complete lack of OTA updates except for nav (and only for 2 years in my case). With more and more driving automation features becoming a part of the package, it is important to me to know that my car manufacturer will continue to improve them. Is there any announcement of intention to move towards OTA?.

I've inserted a link in this reply where Audi explains why they've done the 3G turndown. They explain it much better than I can. As far as OTA updates, unfortunately, there has not been any announcement of intention to move toward OTA at the moment. That does not mean that it isn't possible! Just like any other person, I am also staying tuned because it's important for me to know as well and when I do find out, I will update the thread

https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/in...nturn-faq.html

[East_Coast_S4]

Aloha Audizine fam, My name is Brandon and I've been a member for a bit. I also have been working at Audi for about 6 years now and I've seen some posts where some of you guys have questions regarding your MyAudi app which is a part of Audi Connect. I'm currently a technologist for Audi Honolulu and I would like to be open to any questions that you guys may have regarding the technology on your Audi. For instance, if you're having trouble with your MyAudi app and your car is a 2019 or older, they have completely shut down Audi Connect for those vehicles. The only MMI that is functioning in unison with the MyAudi app for the Lock/Unlock features is the 2020 and up or MIB3 (Touch Screen Interface). Feel free to chime into this thread if you have any questions about your tech stuff. Thanks!

Pretty sure it is 2018 and older - My 2019 did not have the 3g update requirement. Though I could never get that stupid app setup correctly so I never used it to even be able to check

[brandonbanana]

Pretty sure it is 2018 and older - My 2019 did not have the 3g update requirement. Though I could never get that stupid app setup correctly so I never used it to even be able to check

I have a 2019 SQ5 and ever since the 3G shutdown, I haven't been able to get the MyAudi app working

[Smac770]

Did you check in your VCDS scan if you have the Telematics module (J949 ConBox) at address 75? Apparently, some corner case MY19 vehicles were built without the J949 change. The module reporting any DTCs?

[Avant_Garde]

Is there a way to setup the MMI to always accept calls via the MMI instead of having to choose between it and your phone every time you make/take a call? If my phone is connected to my car, I always want to have the call over MMI when I am in the car. It's counterintuitive and distracting when having to choose all the time.

[elscotto80]

Today I got the telematics/BT module replaced, they also updated the MMI. All is working great, but they were unable to add me as the key user. My sales guy was in today and said the system to add users hasn't worked for some time. I have made my profile in the myaudi app but cannot connect the car and app. I'm at the step where it says see a dealer to verify. Should I just try another dealer or is there a system issue adding key users?

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Audizine Forum mobile app

[RickNY]

Is there a way to setup the MMI to always accept calls via the MMI instead of having to choose between it and your phone every time you make/take a call? If my phone is connected to my car, I always want to have the call over MMI when I am in the car. It's counterintuitive and distracting when having to choose all the time.

By chance do you have the phone added twice to the car, i.e. you set up manual bluetooth pairing and then also set up a connection to CarPlay/Android Auto with the same phone? Do you switch between using the native Audi smartphone interface and CarPlay/Android Auto?

[brandonbanana]

Did you check in your VCDS scan if you have the Telematics module (J949 ConBox) at address 75? Apparently, some corner case MY19 vehicles were built without the J949 change. The module reporting any DTCs?

I've submitted a ticket to the Audi Connect help through the dealer. Just waiting on them to let me know if there's a fix.

[brandonbanana]

Is there a way to setup the MMI to always accept calls via the MMI instead of having to choose between it and your phone every time you make/take a call? If my phone is connected to my car, I always want to have the call over MMI when I am in the car. It's counterintuitive and distracting when having to choose all the time.

A bit confusing, as rick said, do you mean a connection between your phone and the MMI or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?