2023-2024 Audi e-tron Pre Sense Restricted Function Icon

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2024 Audi e-tron vehicles may observe a specific Audi e-tron pre sense icon and the message "Audi pre sense not available at the moment" displayed in the instrument cluster. This warning typically appears for about 20 seconds immediately after the engine starts and then disappears.

The icon displayed can vary by model year. For earlier models, the icon is a vehicle outline with an exclamation mark in a triangle (Figure 1). For MY2021 and newer vehicles, the icon features a vehicle outline with a warning symbol (Figure 2). In some models, the vehicle may need to be moved a short distance to receive a velocity signal before this initialization indicator goes out completely.

Technical Background

Audi pre sense systems rely on various sensors, including a front camera for driver assist systems, identified as R242. This camera requires a brief period, approximately 20 seconds, to fully initialize after the ignition is switched on. During this initialization phase, or until a velocity signal is received in some models, the pre sense system is temporarily unavailable, and the warning icon is displayed to inform the driver.

This behavior is considered normal operation and is not indicative of a malfunction within the Audi pre sense system or the R242 camera itself. Further technical details regarding occupant protection and infotainment systems can be found in Self-Study Program (SSP) 970363–2017 Audi Q7 Occupant Protection and Infotainment System More Info | Launch.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has explicitly stated that no repair is available for this condition, as it represents normal system behavior. Owners should be aware of the following:

• Do not perform any repairs related to this concern. Any attempts to repair this behavior may be denied warranty coverage.
• If you experience the "Audi pre sense not available at the moment" message or the Audi e-tron pre sense icon, understand that it is the front camera (R242) starting up. This is normal behavior.
• Dealers are instructed to inform customers that the 20-second display of the icon is part of the system's normal startup sequence.

Service Information

For technicians and service centers, it is crucial to understand that no repair is necessary for this condition. The TSB explicitly states:

1. Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied.
2. Inform the customer that it takes the front camera for the driver assist system (R242) about 20 seconds to start up and the icon informs the driver of this fact. This is normal behavior.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. It is not applicable to any Audi warranty claims, as the described condition is considered normal vehicle operation rather than a defect or malfunction.

Additional Resources

More information on the Audi pre sense system and related components can be found in Self-Study Program (SSP) 970363–2017 Audi Q7 Occupant Protection and Infotainment System More Info | Launch. This SSP is a prerequisite to the 2017 Q7 ILT and e-launch package, providing in-depth technical background for service personnel.

Bulletin History

This Technical Service Bulletin, numbered 90 23 10 2059891/4, was issued on March 8, 2023. It supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 90 number 20-73, dated October 7, 2020. The bulletin has undergone several revisions for various reasons:

• Revision 4 (March 8, 2023): Revised header to update models and model years.
• Revision 3 (October 7, 2020): Revised header to update models.
• Revision 2 (September 15, 2020): Added new models, revised the Condition section (changing initialization time, velocity requirement, and adding the MY2021 icon), and updated the Technical Background to reflect new models.

Source: NHTSA ID 10233302