We have identified a potential performance issue with a specific production batch of ADS-THR-AU2 t-harnesses. The following describes the symptoms as well as the steps we are taking to remedy the matter.

The affected batch of ADS-THR-AU2 V0.4 t-harnesses carry a production date of 2019/08/28. Please verify the label affixed directly to the t-harness to ascertain the production date; the label printed on the outside of the ADS-THR-AU2 box may show a different date and cannot be used to accurately identify affected t-harnesses.

Affected t-harnesses may cause vehicles to remote start intermittently or not at all, regardless of whether or not a key was used in the install. It is important to note that NORMAL STARTING / OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNAFFECTED. Affected t-harnesses were built with a component that does not meet our design requirements for consistent and predictable remote start performance.

WHAT ADS WILL DO

The affected component resides on a PCB housed in a small plastic casing on the t-harness. ADS will produce replacement boards within the next 45-60 days and deliver them to distributors who have purchased the affected AU2 t-harnesses. An in-field swap of the PCB will render affected t-harnesses fully functional without the need to handle inventory or return to distributors and/or ADS.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Distributors and retailers alike should quarantine the affected t-harnesses until replacement PCBs arrive. Instructions on how to swap out the PCB will accompany as replacement boards are distributed. The process is very simple and should only take a moment to perform.

A hardwired key-wrap solution exists for all vehicles covered by the ADS-THR-AU2. While this installation is necessarily more involved than the t-harness approach, it remains an alternative to dealers who wish to perform or update installations on compatible Audi models pending the arrival of new PCBs: