I've had this long time on my mind to ask. Where can be the software updates for control modules gotten from and is it possible to update them without going to a dealer.

I know there is an update for the transmission module, but I was told that only dealer can do it. I'm sure there are more updates for a 2002 A6 3.0QT.

 

...which updates are available.

The only way to properly update a control module is indeed the dealer, unless you are willing to spend some thousand $$$ for a VAS diagnostic tool. The updates are usually being supplied through an online connection which also costs a nice amount of money, not to mention the actual software license costs for the diagnostic tools (no these are not included in the actual tool price). So to be able to perform updates you may need to spend close to 10.000 USD in the first year...

 

Here is the complete scan:

VAG-COM Version: Release 704.1
Data version: 20070422
Chassis Type: 4B - Audi A6 C5
Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 17 25 35 37 56 0F

VIN: WAULT64B82Nxxxxxx
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: None
Part No SW: 8E0 909 559 D HW: 8E0 909 059
Component: 3.0L V6/5V G 0003
Coding: 0016752
Shop #: WSC 02325

1 Fault Found:
17887 - Brake Boost Vacuum System: Mechanical Failure
P1479 - 008 - Implausible Signal
Readiness: 0000 1001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01V-927-156.LBL
Part No: 4B0 927 156 DE
Component: AG5 01V 3.0l5V USA 0809
Coding: 0001002
Shop #: WSC 02325

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 4B0-614-517.LBL
Part No: 4B0 614 517 H
Component: ABS/ESP allrad 1728
Coding: 06497
Shop #: WSC 00000

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: None
Part No: 4B0 820 043 AD
Component: A6-Klimavollautomat 0105
Coding: 00110
Shop #: WSC 02325

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: None
Part No: 4B0 959 655 N
Component: Airbag 8.4E 4001
Coding: 0000307
Shop #: WSC 02325

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 4B0-920-xxx-17.LBL
Part No: 4B0 920 983 EX
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. VDO D15
Coding: 03262
Shop #: WSC 08167
WAULT64B82Nxxxxxx

1 Fault Found:
01304 - Radio
49-00 - No Communications

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 25: Immobilizer Labels: None
Part No: Bitte Adress
Component: e 17 eingeben

No Faults Found
or DTCs not supported by controller
or a communication error occurred

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 35: Centr. Locks Labels: 4B0-962-258.LBL
Part No: 4B0 962 258 J
Component: Central Lock/Alarm D35
Coding: 15885
Shop #: WSC 08166

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 37: Navigation Labels: 8E0-035-192-RNSE.LBL
Part No SW: 4B0 035 192 P HW: 4B0 035 192 P
Component: RNS-E US3 H50 0150
Coding: 0512133
Shop #: WSC 25712

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio Labels: 8E0-035-192-RNSE.LBL
Part No SW: 4B0 035 192 P HW: 4B0 035 192 P
Component: RNS-E US3 H50 0150
Coding: 0512133
Shop #: WSC 25712

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 0F: Digital Radio Labels: 8E0-035-593-XM.LBL
Part No SW: 8E0 035 593 E HW:
Component: SDAR XM 0080

No fault code found.

End --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Your version is 8E0-909-559-D @ 0003, while the current one is 8E0-909-559-E @ 0004 - so the software part number and the software version itself changes too. This update helps with an issue with the camshaft adjustment which can cause fault codes (cam related or lambda related) and misfires.

The transmission version changes from 4B0-927-156-DE @ 0809 to 4B0-927-156-FF @ 1213, this fixes some issues with rough gear changes and similar things.

 

Thank you.

At some point in the past the dealer told me , there is a factory recall for the transmission controller software. I indeed experience rough gear changes sometimes, but otherwise there are no issues.

I've had misfires recently, but after replacing spark plugs, all went away.