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MMI screen flickering and freezing in my 2018 A4

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:41 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Audi A4 Premium Plus

My 2018 Audi A4 Premium Plus has been having some really annoying issues with the MMI system lately. The screen will randomly flicker, sometimes go completely black, and then freeze up. It's making navigation and using Apple CarPlay almost impossible.

I've tried restarting the car multiple times, and even tried holding down the volume knob to force a reset, but the problem keeps coming back. It seems to happen more frequently on longer drives.

Has anyone else experienced this with their B9 A4? Is there a known fix or a common cause for this kind of MMI malfunction? It's really frustrating for a car this new.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 26, 3:41 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer: MMI system issues like flickering or freezing are not uncommon in Audi vehicles, including the B9 A4. These problems can stem from several sources, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures.

Here are steps and potential causes:

  1. Perform a Hard Reset: While you've tried the volume knob reset, ensure you're doing it correctly: press and hold the volume knob (MMI control knob) and the two buttons immediately above it (RADIO/MEDIA) simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds until the screen goes black and the system reboots. This can often resolve temporary software glitches.
  2. Check for Software Updates: Audi periodically releases software updates for the MMI system. A dealership can check if your specific MMI version has any pending updates that address known bugs. Outdated software is a common culprit for stability issues.
  3. Inspect Connections: While less likely for an intermittent issue, loose connections behind the MMI unit or screen can cause flickering. This typically requires professional diagnosis.
  4. Diagnose Hardware Failure: If software solutions don't work, the issue might be hardware-related. This could involve the MMI control unit, the display screen itself, or even wiring harnesses.

When to see a shop:

  • If the hard reset or checking for updates doesn't resolve the issue.
  • If the problem is persistent and makes the system unusable.
  • If you notice other electrical anomalies in the car. A qualified Audi technician has specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause, whether it's a software bug, a failing MMI module, or a screen issue. They can perform a deeper diagnostic scan and recommend specific repairs or module replacements.
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