2025-2026 Audi Driver Assist & Traffic Sign Recognition Fault

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2081403/1 to address concerns regarding the intermittent failure of driver assist systems and traffic sign recognition in certain 2025-2026 Audi models. Owners may experience these systems becoming inoperative, which can be linked to specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may notice that their driver assist systems and traffic sign recognition do not work properly. This can manifest through various warning symbols displayed in the instrument cluster. The specific warnings that may be displayed include:

• "Front assist"
• "Distance warning"
• "Lane departure warning"
• "Traffic sign recognition"

These warnings indicate a malfunction within the connectivity module or related systems, leading to the Audi driver assist inop U198C00 issue.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these driver assist and traffic sign recognition issues occur, specific event memory entries may be logged in diagnostic addresses 8103 or 00A5. Technicians can retrieve these diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to pinpoint the underlying problem. The relevant DTCs are:

Code	Description	Module	Diagnostic Address
U147C00	Emergency call module and communication unit, implausible signal	Emergency call module and communication unit (J949)	8103 or 00A5
U194E00	Ethernet application server 3 for system 1 infotainment, implausible signal	Ethernet application server 3 for system 1 infotainment	8103 or 00A5
U198C00	Road graph error value received	Connectivity module (related to GPS signal processing)	8103 or 00A5

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Audi driver assist inop U198C00 and related DTCs is identified as a software issue concerning the GPS signal. This can lead to the connectivity module receiving incorrect or implausible data, affecting the functionality of driver assist and traffic sign recognition systems. The issue can be reproduced by customer complaints and verified by the presence of the listed DTCs.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the driver assist and traffic sign recognition malfunction, Audi outlines a specific service procedure in TSB 2081403/1. This procedure aims to resolve the software-related GPS signal issue:

1. Perform a Terminal 30 Reset: A terminal 30 reset must be carried out at diagnostic address 0075, which corresponds to the emergency call module control unit and communication unit (J949).
2. Refer to Related TSB: Technicians should also refer to TSB 2077111, titled "91 Audi connect ConMod: New HCP cars having functional issues with connect services," for additional guidance.
3. Ensure Good Reception: After the reset, the vehicle should be driven outdoors for several minutes or left standing with the ignition on, ensuring it has good GPS reception.
4. Check Emergency Call LED: The status of the emergency call LED in the roof module must be checked. It should be permanently green when the ignition is switched on, indicating proper function.

For some country-specific versions, a final software solution (KD2* software package) is expected to be rolled out with initial availability in the second quarter of 2026.

Important Warnings

Audi emphasizes that this repair must only be performed if all specified criteria are met. It is crucial to verify that the model/type, chassis number, engine/motor, gearbox code, PR number(s), part number, and software version all precisely match the requirements outlined in the TSB. Failure to do so may result in the problem not being resolved, leading to repeat repairs. In such cases, Audi may reject warranty claims and charge back the cost of parts.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin is informational only if the vehicle is outside of its warranty period. For in-warranty repairs, the following details apply:

• Service Number: 9145
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • GFF / Guided Functions (0150 0010): Refer to SRT with associated operations.
  • GFF / Guided Functions (0150 0060): Labor according to the diagnostic log.
  • Service telematics control unit (9170 4199): 20 TU
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2081403/1

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

What Owners Should Do

If you experience issues with your driver assist systems or traffic sign recognition, or if you see warnings like "Front assist" or "Traffic sign recognition" in your 2025-2026 Audi, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. Inform them about the symptoms and mention Technical Service Bulletin 2081403/1. Your dealer can perform the necessary diagnosis and apply the outlined repair procedure to resolve the Audi driver assist inop U198C00 issue.

NHTSA ID: 11031049