Encountering issues with your Audi’s alarm system can be frustrating. Modern Audi vehicles are equipped with sophisticated security systems, and when problems arise, pinpointing the cause can be challenging. This guide explores a diagnostic approach using VAG-COM (VCDS) to help you understand and troubleshoot potential alarm malfunctions in your Audi.
Initial diagnostics often involve scanning your vehicle’s control modules for fault codes. In the case of alarm issues, modules like ‘Address 46: Central Conv.’ (Central Convenience) are particularly relevant. The diagnostic log below provides an example of a scan, showing various modules and their status. Notably, in this example, no fault codes were initially found, highlighting that intermittent or subtle issues might not always trigger a stored fault code.
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Address 30: Special Function II (J843) Labels: 8K0-907-440.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 440 B HW: 8K0 907 440
Component: STS H04 0020
Revision: S0H04000 Serial number: 00000000013976
Coding: 01010101000000000000000102 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 2D5B25507404F276001-8078
No fault code found.
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Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386) Labels: 8K0-959-793.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 793 H HW: 8K0 959 793 D
Component: TSG FA H11 0306
Revision: Serial number: 0000009962160
Coding: 011C02204021410001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 458B7DF0CCB42A36E81-8010
No fault code found.
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Address 46: Central Conv. (J393) Labels: 8K0-907-064-46.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 064 DP HW: 8K0 907 064 DP
Component: BCM2 1.1 H02 0327
Revision: 00002001 Serial number: 0126104558
Coding: 013B062220390C000030023280000000 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 810329E0181C4616149-80D4
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8K0 951 177 Component: DWA-Sensor H02 0040
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C Component: LIN BACKUP HO H05 1501
No fault code found.
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Address 47: Sound System (J525) Labels: 8T0-035-223-BOM.clb
Part No SW: 8T0 035 223 AN HW: 8T0 035 223 AK
Component: DSP Prem H10 0190
Revision: 00010001 Serial number: 34882001151201 VCID: 7AF1DE0CF5CA95CED53-802F
No fault code found.
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Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387) Labels: 8K0-959-792.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 792 H HW: 8K0 959 792 D
Component: TSG BF H11 0306
Revision: Serial number: 0000009948537
Coding: 011C02204021410001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 448D60F4C78E133EFFF-8011
No fault code found.
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Address 53: Parking Brake (J540) Labels: 8K0-907-801-V1.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 907 801 H HW: 8K0 907 801 H
Component: EPB Audi B8 H09 0100
Revision: 00000003 Serial number: 10000000423999
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 VCID: 346D3034972EA3BE4FF-8061
No fault code found.
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Address 55: Xenon Range Labels: 8K0-907-357.clb
Part No: 8K5 907 357
Component: Dynamische LWR H01 0010
Revision: 00000001 Serial number:
Coding: 0000004 Shop #: WSC 06334 000 00000 VCID: F7F7473886D808A62AD-80A2
No fault code found.
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Address 56: Radio (R) Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No SW: 4F0 035 053 J HW: 4F0 035 053
Component: Radio U Basic H45 0052
Revision: AB001007 Serial number: 341B-0A7699532
Coding: 010003010000000001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 244DC07427CE333EDFF-8071
No fault code found.
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Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794) Labels: 4E0-035-6xx-5F.clb
Part No SW: 8T2 035 666 F HW: 8T2 035 666 E
Component: H-BN-EU H47 0143
Revision: -------- Serial number: 475BV0A7544071
Coding: 01010101020681ED01000B1E000000030000 Shop #: WSC 00047 210 184061 VCID: 3E79121CA96279EEA9B-806B
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8R0 060 884 J Component: EUR 2010 1005
Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 4F0 919 604 HW: 4F0 919 604 Component: DU7 High H43 0306
Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8T0 919 609 F HW: 8T0 919 609 F Component: E0380 Bedient H08 0100
Subsystem 4 - Part No: 8R0 906 961 A Component: CD-Database 1293
No fault code found.
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Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388) Labels: 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 795 C HW: 8K0 959 795 C
Component: TSG HL H10 0306
Revision: Serial number: 0000102691423
Coding: 010C02204021210001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 428166ECDD9A1D0ECD3-8017
No fault code found.
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Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389) Labels: 8K0-959-795.clb
Part No SW: 8K0 959 795 C HW: 8K0 959 795 C
Component: TSG HR H10 0306
Revision: Serial number: 0000102691442
Coding: 010C02204021210001 Shop #: WSC 06335 000 00000 VCID: 428166ECDD9A1D0ECD3-8017
No fault code found.
End ---------------------------------------------------------------------To delve deeper, interrogating the convenience module (Address 46) using VAG-COM is crucial. By accessing specific measuring blocks, you can observe real-time data related to the alarm system’s components. Below are examples of measuring blocks from the convenience module, displaying values that can provide clues about the alarm’s behavior.
Understanding these measuring blocks is key to diagnosing Audi alarm problems. For instance, Block 18 in Module 46 is particularly relevant for alarm system status. Values within this block, as indicated in service bulletins and tech tips, can point to specific issues.
Service Bulletins (TSB) and technical documents can offer valuable insights into interpreting these values. A TSB for similar Audi models (A4, A5, S4, S5) might reference specific values in Module 46 Block 18. For example, a value of ‘2’ could indicate “no communication” or potentially a “Front Passenger Rotary Latch Switch” issue, as suggested by VW ‘Tech-Tips’.
Based on these findings, a potential troubleshooting direction involves investigating door latch switches, especially if the measuring blocks or service information point towards door-related issues. It’s also important to consider vehicle handedness (RHD/LHD) when interpreting fault locations, as component positions can differ.
Further scans of other relevant modules, such as door modules and CAN gateway (Address 19), might provide additional context and help narrow down the source of the Audi alarm problem. Examining measuring blocks within these modules, similar to the convenience module, could reveal anomalies or inconsistencies that contribute to the alarm malfunction.
Diagnosing Audi alarm system issues requires a systematic approach using tools like VAG-COM and consulting relevant technical documentation. By carefully analyzing scan data, measuring blocks, and service information, you can effectively troubleshoot and address the root cause of your Audi alarm problems.
