2021-2022 Audi Driver Assist Malfunction DTC C12D5FA

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi vehicles may experience intermittent issues with their driver assistance systems. These systems may become inoperable, and a warning message will appear in the instrument cluster. The Audi e-tron C12D5FA issue is characterized by specific messages such as:

• "Audi adaptive light malfunction"
• "Audi pre sense system error"
• "Adaptive vehicle assistance restricted"
• "Adaptive vehicle assistance predictive regulation currently restricted"

Typically, after a few seconds, the driver assistance systems become available again, indicating an intermittent fault rather than a continuous failure.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, technicians will find a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the control module for driver assist systems, identified as J1121 (address word 00A5). The code is:

• DTC C12D5FA: (control unit for driver assist systems, picture processor does not respond) with symptom code 221281.

This code points to an issue where the picture processor within the driver assist system control unit is not responding as expected, leading to the observed malfunctions.

Technical Background

The root cause of the intermittent driver assistance system malfunctions and the stored Audi e-tron C12D5FA DTC is an overly sensitive diagnostic function. The system's diagnostic logic is too finely tuned, causing it to incorrectly detect a fault in the picture processor even when no actual hardware failure exists. This sensitivity leads to false warnings and temporary system inoperability.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued critical guidance regarding this condition:

• No Repairs Necessary at This Point: Owners should be informed that a permanent solution is forthcoming in the first quarter of 2023, and no repairs are necessary at this time.
• Do Not Replace Components: Technicians are explicitly instructed: "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." Replacing parts will not fix the underlying issue and will result in unnecessary costs or effort.

Current Status and Future Solution

This bulletin serves as an interim measure. Audi states that a permanent solution is currently under development and will be released in an updated bulletin when more information becomes available. The goal is to refine the diagnostic function to prevent false fault detections.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles exhibiting these symptoms and storing the Audi e-tron C12D5FA DTC, the current service procedure is straightforward and temporary:

1. Delete the DTC C12D5FA: Using appropriate diagnostic tools, the stored fault code C12D5FA should be cleared from the control module.
2. Release Vehicle: After clearing the DTC, the vehicle can be returned to the customer.

This procedure does not address the root cause (overly sensitive diagnostic function) but clears the warning messages and restores system functionality until a permanent software update or fix is released.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this condition fall under specific guidelines:

• Claim Type: 110 for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• CPO Vehicles: G10 for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, requiring owner verification.
• Out of Warranty: If the vehicle is outside warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
• Service Number: 9093
• Damage Code: 0039
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (0151 0000), with a maximum of 25 Technical Units (TU) for time stated on the diagnostic protocol.
• Road Test Allowance: No allowance for road tests prior to or after service procedure (0 TU).
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2060332.

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

Bulletin Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to include additional information and updates:

• Revision 5: Revised Service (Changed expected date).
• Revision 4 (November 3, 2021): Revised header (Added Models and Model Year).
• Revision 3 (February 26, 2021): Revised header (Added additional SW version) and Revised Service (Changed expected date).
• Revision 2 (October 15, 2020): Revised header (Added additional SW version).

This bulletin (2060332/5) supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 21-21, dated November 3, 2021.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10207099