2021 Audi A4, A5, Q5: Pre Sense Restricted Message TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe a specific warning message displayed in the instrument cluster. The primary symptom is the appearance of the message "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual". This indicates that the Audi pre sense system, a suite of safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions, is not fully functional.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Unlike many vehicle issues, this particular condition does not typically generate diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Workshop findings confirm that no relevant DTCs are stored in key control modules such as the R242 front camera, the J428 distance regulation control module (address word 0013), or the J850 distance regulation control module 2 (address word 008B). This absence of DTCs can make initial diagnosis challenging without specific guidance from a bulletin like 90 20 52 2059863/1.

Technical Background

The Audi pre sense system relies on various sensor inputs to operate effectively. A critical input comes from the wheel speed signals, which are processed by the J104 ABS control module (address word 0003). This module continuously monitors and compares the speeds of all four wheels simultaneously. The system uses this data to understand the vehicle's motion and potential risks.

When there are significant discrepancies in the wheel speed signals, the pre sense system may interpret this as an anomaly, leading to its restriction. Such discrepancies can arise from several factors related to the vehicle's wheels and tires. These include different wheel sizes installed on the vehicle, variations in tire tread depth between wheels, or the use of unapproved wheel/tire combinations. Any of these conditions can cause the system to display the "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual" message, as it cannot accurately assess the driving situation.

Repair Procedure Summary

Since the root cause of the Audi A5 pre sense restricted message is often related to the wheel and tire setup, the primary service action involves a thorough inspection of these components. Technicians should carefully check the installed wheel/tire combination on the vehicle. This inspection must ensure that the wheels and tires are applicable to the vehicle according to the official repair manual and the vehicle's type label. This includes verifying correct wheel diameter, tire size, and ensuring that tread depths are within acceptable tolerances across all four wheels. Any unapproved or mismatched components should be replaced to restore proper system functionality.

Important Warnings

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 90 20 52 2059863/1 is provided for informational purposes only. It is important for owners to note that this TSB is explicitly stated as not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This means that any diagnostic or repair costs associated with addressing the Audi A5 pre sense restricted message due to incorrect wheel/tire combinations may not be covered under the standard vehicle warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing the "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual" message in your 2021 Audi A4, A5, or Q5, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealership or a qualified service center. Inform them about the specific message you are seeing and mention Technical Service Bulletin 90 20 52 2059863/1. The technician will need to inspect your vehicle's wheel and tire setup to ensure it complies with manufacturer specifications.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10176757