Newly uploaded TSBs Nov. Dec. 2024 + January 2025
Stay ahead with the latest Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) uploaded for the past 3 months. This update includes 302 new TSBs and 253 updates on existing TSBs, providing essential information to help auto mechanics overcome the most recent automotive challenges. These aftermarket bulletins address the most frequently asked questions from one of Europe’s largest aftermarket hotline centers. Designed to enhance workshop efficiency, these TSBs will keep your business running smoothly.
Example 1:
TSB No. 11616
Volkswagen ID3 ID4 and ID5 OTA Update Failures What Happens Next
The rise of OTA Over The Air updates has brought new challenges for both Volkswagen Group owners and independent workshops. While these updates promise to enhance performance fix software bugs and improve features they don’t always go as planned
With the September 2024 OTA update Volkswagen ID4 and ID5 models were updated to version 354 which may be displayed as 37 while Skoda Enyaq received the ME37 update. Unfortunately if an OTA update fails the car may become undriveable and might even lose communication with diagnostic tools or several control units.
Let’s take a closer look at why OTA updates fail what the consequences are who is responsible for the cost of repairs and how an independent workshop can deal with the situation
Common Fault Codes for OTA Update Failures
When an OTA update fails it may trigger fault codes that indicate software inconsistencies or corrupt data sets
B199AF0 – Online Remote Update Software Version Inconsistent DFCC8478976
B201200 – Data Set Unrealistic Active Permanently DFCC7467521 7467522 7467524 7467526
These fault codes suggest that the update was interrupted or that a control unit is running an incompatible software version
What Happens When an OTA Update Fails?
A failed OTA update can lead to a variety of serious issues
- Car may not start or drive. Some vehicles become completely immobilized
- No communication with diagnostic tools
- Multiple system malfunctions
- The infotainment system driver assistance features or charging functions may stop working
- Expensive repairs If critical control units like the Gateway control unit is permanently damaged
Why Do OTA Updates Fail
OTA updates can fail for various reasons some of which are avoidable while others are unexpected system conflicts.
Common causes include:
- User interference. If the car is unlocked during the update the process may be interrupted causing a software mismatch
- Retrofitted equipment like tow bars and the control unit to this
- Unofficial dongles in the diagnostic port
- Low battery charge. If the state of charge SOC is below 50 the update may not complete
- External disruptions. Poor internet connection or power interruptions can corrupt the update
Who Pays for Repairs When an OTA Update Fails
Determining who is responsible for the cost of repairs depends on the car’s age warranty status and the cause of failure.
Under Warranty Original Equipment No Modifications
If the car is within the 2 year factory warranty Volkswagen should cover the repair provided the failure was not due to customer error.
Out of Warranty Older Vehicles
If the car is imported or outside the warranty period the owner may have to pay for the repair themselves
Workshops should check for goodwill options or open service campaigns before charging the customer
Modified Vehicles Retrofitted Tow Bars ThirdParty Hardware
If the car has a non-OE tow bar or other modifications Volkswagen may refuse to cover the repair claiming incompatibility.
In these cases workshops must determine if the modification caused the failure before proceeding.
How Can an Independent Workshop Solve This?
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
- Attempt a diagnostic reset of the OTA fault message using a compatible tool (require unlocking security Gateway (SFD).
- Verify the software version of all control units to detect mismatches
- Check why the update was interrupted was it due to user interference external hardware or a system glitch
- Perform an Online Remote Update Warning Reset in Application Server 1 diagnostic address 8124 using a diagnostic tool (require unlocking security Gateway (SFD).
- After the reset lock the car and wait 5 minutes to allow the system to enter bus sleep mode
- Check if the car can now be driven. If yes the customer may attempt the OTA update one more time
If the vehicle still cannot be driven the customer must be referred to a workshop with access to Original diagnostic tool for further software recovery.
Important Considerations for Workshops
Avoid performing OTA updates for customers in your workshop. The process is highrisk and time consuming often requiring OEM software and security access.
Check for service campaigns. Some vehicles may have official software fixes available from Volkswagen.
Be aware of potential control unit damage. If communication with multiple control units is lost check bulletin No 11460 for related issues
Preventing OTA Update Failures (Customer Guidelines)
To reduce the risk of failure customers should follow these instructions before starting an OTA update
Ensure battery SOC is above 50
Park the car in an area with a strong internet connection
Close and lock all doors windows bonnet and tailgate
Turn the light switch from AUTO to OFF
Remove any diagnostic dongles or thirdparty equipment
DO NOT unlock or enter the car during the update
DO NOT leave the car plugged in for charging
Final Thoughts The Future of OTA Updates
OTA updates are here to stay but they come with new challenges for customers workshops and legal responsibility. Failed updates can leave a car undriveable and repairs can be very time consuming and costly.
Independent workshops should prepare for more OTA-related faults as these updates become more frequent and complex. While some failures can be reset with diagnostic tools others may require OEM-level intervention.
If an OTA update fails it’s crucial to determine the cause check warranty coverage and communicate clearly with customers about potential repair costs!
TSB No. 11577
Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X & Peugeot 3008/5008 – Fault Message for Cornering Lamps
Background of TSB No. 11577
This TSB was created based on multiple questions to our Hotline from workshops across different countries.
A sharp increase in Hotline inquiries regarding this fault highlighted that it was a common and time-consuming issue to diagnose, especially for technicians unfamiliar with how to confirm the fault under the right conditions.
To address this, we compiled our experience into TSB No. 11577 to provide an effective diagnostic and repair procedure.
Symptoms
Technicians may encounter the following issues:
- Fault message for cornering lamps appearing in the instrument cluster when low beam is activated.
- Fault occurs when headlights switch on automatically via the light sensor or manually via the light switch.
- The issue can be intermittent, occurring briefly when the car passes under a bridge during daylight.
- Stored fault code: B1115 – Fault in Power Supply to the Vehicle Height Sensors: Not Characterised
Underlying Cause:
The issue is related to the vehicle height sensors, which control the headlamp levelling system. Potential causes include:
- Faulty front or rear vehicle height sensor.
- Voltage loss on the ground supply to the height sensors due to a poor connection in a solder joint within the wiring loom.
- A short circuit in one of the height sensors causing the 5V supply to drop, affecting both sensors.
- Solder joint location varies by model, so consulting the wiring diagram is necessary.
Challenges in Diagnosis:
The fault will only appear when the headlights are on, as the height adjustment system is only active in this condition.
If tested during daylight without activating the low beam, the fault will not be present, making diagnosis difficult.
If automatic headlights are enabled, the fault message may appear briefly and unpredictably, making it hard to capture.
Measuring the 5V supply incorrectly (without load or without headlights on) may lead to false conclusions.
Page 2 of TSB No. 11577.
TSB No. 11636
Mercedes-Benz with Transmission type 9G-Tronic (725.0).
Symptoms
- Transmission enters limp-home mode (forced third gear/D3)
- Difficulty selecting gears
- May jump out of selected gear and into neutral
- Harsh gear engagement and rough shifting
- Symptoms worsen as the transmission oil heats up
- Replacing the transmission oil often has no significant effect
Fault Codes
- P07B700 – Pressure sensor, signal is invalid
- P073E00 – Gear Dropout Reverse Gear
- P0606 – Fully Integrated Transmission Control Unit (Y3/8) is faulty
- P060C – Internal control unit fault in the central processing unit
Solution:
Fortunately, this repair can be carried out without replacing the entire mechatronics unit. Instead, it is possible to replace either the electronic component or the pressure sensor (at a specialist workshop).
However, if replacing the electronic component, it must be coded, as it is part of the immobiliser system.
With the Newly Uploaded TSBs Nov./Dec. 2024 + Jan. 2025, workshops can efficiently troubleshoot vehicle issues and stay ahead of the latest automotive challenges.
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