Q7 MK 1 Discussion Discussion forum for the Audi Q7 SUV built from 2005 to 2015

Coding the mmi unit

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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 12:32 PM
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Default Coding the mmi unit

Just got told by dealer that the mmi unit is not sending power out or that is what the scan said
with that being said how difficult is it to code if find one
not paying dealer 6000$ to replace it
thanks is advance
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 05:16 PM
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Start by buying the Ross-Tech VCDS diagnostic scan too (VAGCOM)...it's $200 USD. Then you want to scan the car yourself. Sure, you can ask the dealership to provide you the diagnostic scan data, but they are in the business of telling you what makes them money, and what makes them money is replacing entire systems and/or control module units, which may not even be the root cause issue. These Q7s have a list of 'known issues' that occur as they age.

The MMI going dark is very typical to a failed MMI circuit board (sits beneath the MMI controller where spills can reach it/corrode the board, etc.). Sometimes it is the Bose amplifier in the rear of the cargo area that gets wet/corroded from a water leak in the rear sunroof drain hose connector on that side of car (there are two rear sunroof drains and they will both eventually leak, just perhaps not at the same time. )

My simple advice to you is do not EVER take your used Audi back to an Audi 'Stealership'. They are just going to mislead you and take advantage of your lack of research and/or car knowledge. You can buy a basic VAGCOM scan tool just for code reading for around $50 USD, but it won't be able to help you with real diagnostics / troubleshooting like the VCDS system can. If you don't have a clue what I just said, maybe you want to go find a local repair shop that has great reviews posted and is experienced with German cars. Chances are good they'll have a Ross-Tech VCDS in their shop.
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 06:15 PM
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I had everything tested and fiber looped everything tested properly except the module dealer stated
was not sending power to the other modules once looped said the other modules where able to communicate again
The dealer diagnostics was my last resort
Seems that I will have to purchase a Ross tech and scan myself to see
unless any other way to figure out issue
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 07:16 PM
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So very vague in your details about a technical issue; ok, you seem to already know what 'module' or component has failed based on the fiber loop bypass test (done by whom?) and you say the Audi dealer confirmed the same component/module as being failed and quoted $6k USD to repair it, or am I just losing my reading comprehension?

If someone other than the Audi dealer did the fiber-optic bypass loop testing on it, then that is following the correct 'manual' testing procedure to locate the break/problem item(s) within the fiber-optic network. The component that is failed does not pass through the signal it receives back to the fiber optics system, which is why you use 'the testing loop' to plug into each component's fiber optic harness connection, as that will bypass the bad component and restore communications through the system, etc., unless there is more than one break point, which would be unusual.

In the VCDS scan tool interface, it has a unique fiber optic diagnostic option, and if there is a bad component in the Audio/MMI infotainment system, which has myriad linked components all connected by fiber optics, then it will show you. That's using the tech-side of diagnostics testing to save a lot of time.

I'm still a bit bewildered by Audi's suggested repair estimate; read that carefully as it should detail exactly what they are saying you should allow them to replace, and what could they possibly be replacing that they would charge you $6k USD for? Start with that repair estimate and mine it for specific details...stop being vague and get specific. Copy/paste/take a pic and upload their estimate into this thread, just be specific; please and thank you.
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Old Feb 18, 2025 | 08:52 PM
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here is the diagnostic from the dealership
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Old Feb 19, 2025 | 08:41 PM
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The dealer should have texted info or links to the info, or emailed, or otherwise have provided you with a detailed estimate to include exactly what they suggested replacing and how much it costs...how many labor hours, etc. total pricing of suggested work, etc.

This excerpt of tech notes only has a generic description of a fault found at the 5F Control Module, which can be interpreted as likely being the control head in the dash, which houses the NAV maps memory, hard disc for music storage, DVD/CD player, etc.,etc., but you really need to know exactly what they are quoting you for. If you don't have a detailed breakout of their suggested work/components to be replaced, then ask for it. You already paid them $340 for a diagnostic scan (5 minutes), and a manual check based off the scan to verify using the fiber optic bypass loop (about 10-15 min...maybe), so don't let them off the hook...get the exact information from your service advisor.

You haven't even said what year or trim level your Q7 is, and so again, the details matter. To get remote assistance, you need to gush details about your car and any pertinent details the dealership has provided you about the scope of work. It they just tossed you a softball with a vague description of work and large pricetag, then go ask for the details.
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Old Feb 19, 2025 | 09:35 PM
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2014 q7 s line 3.0 50,000 miles
They sent a video
summary of tech said electrical malfunction in the 5F module or Mmi infotainment module which controls the majority of the vehicle’s functions the module was not powering on the mmi controls preventing the system from turning on. The tech tested other components like the radio module and amp and noticed that the 5f control module is the central point where the system is routed through therefore the tech recommended replacement of the 5f module to resolve issue
then of course went on to say the tech can further evaluate the condition of vehicle
Tech noted 5f module hard drive unit inop
module $5747.82
labor 659.99
total 6838.90 / with tax
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Old Feb 20, 2025 | 09:27 PM
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So, if they actually are telling you the truth, or at least a partial truth, then the question then becomes is that head unit actually faulty, which would be a rarity, or is it simply something low-tech 'upstream', such as a blown fuse that's keeping it from powering up.

Stranger things have happened, and that's the entire role of any fuse...to protect the expensive stuff further down the circuit the fuse is sacrificial and intended to fail. If it is a fuse only, that would cost you maybe a few dollars to pick up an assortment of correct sizing, and have some spares. And then you'd wanna be looking to see if your HVAC drain is clogged perhaps...that's a pretty common issue, and the water travels through the air pipes when it backs up, or may soak the carpet where other wiring and control modules reside, etc. The point being if the fuse blew, there's likely a reason related to a common known issue on this car.

Trust what the Audi dealership tells you at your own financial peril. I've had waaay too many bad experiences with them trying to cheat me (lots of dealerships in multiple states) and create financial opportunity for the dealership to ever trust them with my car again, and I was only taking it to them for warranty services. Never again. Make good decisions. If it does come down to needing to replace that head unit, you can get one off eBay from a recycler, and you'd only have to pay Audi a security coding fee, or find an independent shop that has the ODIS system to do the security coding for you at lower cost.

https://fuseandrelay.com/audi/q7.html



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Old Mar 2, 2025 | 08:13 PM
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Found a replacement unit mmi came back to life
some functions done work needs coding
not sure where to begin on that
Suggestions would be appreciated
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Old Mar 3, 2025 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Sweaver1
Found a replacement unit mmi came back to life
some functions done work needs coding
not sure where to begin on that
Suggestions would be appreciated
Congrats!
Now, read through this thread again and paying attention to the part about use of specific details.
After disconnect/reconnect of most any electrical/ major component, there will be many error/fault codes stored linked to that action and/or replacement of that component...unplugging it sends 'shockwaves'; like dropping a pebble in a pond.
You need to clear all the fault codes caused by disconnecting this unit, as those can impair 'normal function' of this, and other linked components.

A VAGCOM scan tool with full access is needed; suggest you get the Ross-Tech VCDS to do DIY basic coding within a control module, and also support the future diagnostic and DIY repairs/services your Q7 will require.

For security coding-specific related problems you will have to pay for that coding as it requires a connection to the 'mother-ship' in Germany, and there's only two options...already covered that info in this thread.
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