Audi Virtual Cockpit Fault - Causing B200041 & B200049

The Virtual Cockpit, introduced in 2014, provided a unique and stylish update to Audi’s already-lavish interiors in the form of a fully-digitised instrument cluster. Unfortunately though, first generation units are prone to malfunction, causing a host of not-so-impressive issues.

If you’ve lost complete or partial functionality of your Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, we can help, and you won’t need to replace it with a very expensive brand-new unit either.

SHOP NOW – Audi Virtual Cockpit Rebuild

Failure typically causes an ‘Error: Instrument cluster. Please visit workshop’ message to irritatingly appear on the screen and some concerning codes to store in your Audi:

B200041 - General Checksum Failure

B200049 - Internal Electronic Failure

*These codes might appear as 'Control Module Faulty' depending on the diagnostic equipment used.

Even more annoyingly, this defect has been known to illuminate random warning lights, mute indicator chimes and cause the fuel gauge to become unresponsive.

Don’t worry if you can’t see your Audi’s Virtual Cockpit below. These units are only just beginning to fail, so if B200041 / B200049 is present in your Audi, fill out our test form anyway and we’ll take a look at your Virtual Cockpit.

What’s an Audi Virtual Cockpit?

The Virtual Cockpit, found in some of Audi’s very-latest models, relates to the vehicle’s fully-digitised instrument cluster. You might find these units referred to as an FPK, which stands for Fully Programmable Kombiinstrument (Kombiinstrument meaning instrument cluster in German).

Although they don’t have any physical buttons, these innovative systems can either be controlled using steering wheel buttons or an MMI selector wheel positioned in the centre console.

Unfortunately though, these slick systems are known to suffer from serious reliability issues. Symptoms may vary, but a sure sign of this defect is the presence of codes B200041 and B200049 in your Audi.

Alarmingly, this issue isn’t exclusive to just Audi vehicles either. Volkswagen’s similar Digital Cockpit system suffers in an almost identical manner, find out more.

What causes Audi codes B200041 & B200049?

These codes both relate to a known issue with the Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, and it stems from an internal failure. This defect disrupts the normal behaviour within the control module which your Audi detects and attempts to alert you in the form of fault codes (B200041 and B200049).

The B200041 code in your Audi indicates a checksum mismatch. This is a process the Virtual Cockpit carries out on start-up to ensure everything is working as it should be, by comparing system status data to predetermined parameters. If the actual system state doesn’t match what’s expected, the control module flags this inconsistency by triggering B200041.

On the other hand, the Audi's B200049 code relates to a hardware issue. This means an internal defect in the control module is disrupting electrical flow, causing abnormal readings - the Virtual Cockpit detects this and stores B200049.

How to resolve Audi B200041 & B200049 issues

As these codes each stem from an internal defect, they won’t clear until you’ve rebuilt or replaced your Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

Many Audi owners attempt to remedy these codes by completely replacing their Virtual Cockpit with a brand-new module. However, this option leaves you vulnerable to re-malfunction as many replacement units contain the very same issue. Instead, you should have your Virtual Cockpit professionally rebuilt - this way the malfunction is not only eliminated, but it's prevented from returning.

This is exactly what we do. Our expert technicians are masters of returning these sophisticated units to full working order. We use custom-built testing rigs and higher-than-OEM-standard components to restore functionality for good. We'll even cover you with a lifetime warranty for further peace of mind.

Better still, we’ll do all of this in just 2-3 working days. Fill out our short test form to resolve your Audi’s B200041 and B200049 fault for good.

It’s important to note that although they each fail in the same way, these first-generation Audi Virtual Cockpits come in multiple configurations - we’ve broken this down below:

Common failure symptoms:

• ‘Error: Instrument cluster. Please visit workshop’ message that won't clear
• Unresponsive fuel and temperature gauges
• Virtual Cockpit doesn’t power up and screen remains blank
• Virtual Cockpit won't communicate with other control modules
• No sound coming from instrument cluster

Audi A3, RS3, TT, Q2

This iteration of the Audi Virtual Cockpit was introduced in 2014 on the Mk3 TT. It was soon included in the A3’s 2016 facelift. Some third-generation RS3s were fitted with this unit as an added extra, before they became a standard feature in fourth generation models.

Common fault codes (Audi)

• B200041 – General Checksum Failure
• B200049 – Internal Electronic Failure

Audi A6, A8, RS6, R8, Q7

You’ll find this Virtual Cockpit fitted to high-end models like the 2015 Audi R8 and the 2019 RS6 Avant. These units were included as standard in the 2018 A6 and the facelifted second-generation Q7.

Common fault codes (Audi)

• B200041 – General Checksum Failure
• B200049 – Internal Electronic Failure

Audi A4, A5, S5, Q5

This Virtual Cockpit is used across various Audi models from the last ten years. You’ll find these fitted to the popular fifth-generation A4 and the second-generation Q5.

Common fault codes (Audi)

• B200041 – General Checksum Failure
• B200049 – Internal Electronic Failure

Test and rebuild

We test all Audi Virtual Cockpits using state-of-the-art testing rigs before and after the rebuilding process. This ensures all faults have been properly eliminated and prevented from returning.

Programming

All programming information previously stored in your unit when you sent it to us is preserved throughout our process - this means you can simply refit your rebuilt unit as soon as you receive it back from us.

Quality

Thanks to thorough quality assurance practices and a company-wide commitment to continuous improvement, we’ve achieved a defect rate of just 0.49%.

Warranty:

Lifetime unlimited mileage*

How do I get my unit rebuilt?

To pay for the rebuild click the Shop Now link above, select your part number and click: Get yours rebuilt.

Print the payment/booking confirmation email.

Package the Audi Virtual Cockpit inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material (make sure you include your confirmation email in the box).

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received we will test, rebuild and return your control module with an unlimited mileage lifetime warranty. (if your unit turns out not to be faulty then we will refund your payment less a small testing fee and return shipping)

What if I don’t want to pay up front?

This is not a problem, if you prefer this option then follow these steps:

Fill in and submit this test form.

Print the booking confirmation email.

Package the Virtual Cockpit inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material (make sure you include your confirmation email in the box).

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received, we will test your control module and call you to advise on the outcome of testing, if your unit is faulty and you choose to go ahead with the rebuild then we will take payment over the phone using a debit/credit card.

We will then rebuild your unit and return it to you with an unlimited mileage warranty.

If you require further information regarding this Audi Virtual Cockpit then please contact us.