2019-2024 Audi SOS Emergency Assist System Malfunctions TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 94 2074059/1 to address customer concerns regarding the SOS Emergency Assist System in various 2019-2024 models. This TSB provides information and a potential software update to improve the robustness of the system's driver inactivity detection.

Owners of affected vehicles may experience the Audi SOS Emergency Assist System engaging in situations they deem unjustified. This can lead to the vehicle slowing down unexpectedly or the emergency assist system tugging on the seat belt multiple times. The instrument cluster may also display specific warning messages related to the system's status.

Symptoms

Owners may notice one or more of the following symptoms related to the Audi SOS Emergency Assist System:

• The vehicle slows down due to the emergency assist in situations that the driver believes are unjustified.
• The emergency assist system tugs on the seat belt repeatedly.
• The instrument cluster displays the message: “SOS Emergency assist: activated. Please take over”.
• The instrument cluster displays the message: “SOS Emergency assist: cancelled”.
• After deactivating the emergency assist, the instrument cluster may show a white icon and the message: “Emergency assist: off”.

Important Warnings for Owners

• Unexpected Slowing: In manual driving mode, the Audi SOS Emergency Assist System may slow the vehicle without providing an acoustic warning beforehand. Drivers should remain attentive.
• Accelerator Pedal Input: If you press the accelerator pedal hesitantly or very slowly, the system may not detect this as driver activity. To override the system, a sudden and significant press is required.
• Warranty Coverage: This TSB is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty.

Technical Background

The Audi SOS Emergency Assist System is designed to detect driver incapacitation by monitoring driver activity. It engages if no input is detected on the steering wheel (torque), if a capacitive steering wheel is not firmly touched, if the brake pedal is not pressed, and if the accelerator pedal is not suddenly or significantly pressed.

Once activated, the system attempts to regain driver attention through visual, acoustic, and haptic warnings. These include speed reduction, driver messages, lowering infotainment volume, warning tones, seatbelt jerks, and brake jolts. If the driver remains inactive, the system will keep the vehicle in its lane and gradually bring it to a full stop.

There are two operating modes: manual driving and assisted driving. In manual driving mode (adaptive cruise assist and lane departure warning deactivated, speed above 40 mph), the system may intervene if it detects inactivity. In assisted driving mode (adaptive cruise assist or lane departure warning activated), the system engages if driver inactivity is detected.

Drivers can override an emergency assist intervention by moving the steering wheel, pressing the brake pedal, or pressing the accelerator pedal suddenly and significantly. When stationary, the system can be ended by shifting out of Park or releasing the parking brake.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the issues with the Audi SOS Emergency Assist System, technicians will perform the following steps:

1. Explain Technical Background: The technician will explain how the emergency assist system functions to the customer.
2. Check Software Version: The software version of the driver assist systems control unit -J1121- (diagnostic address 00A5) will be checked.
3. Software Update: If the current software version is lower than SW 0352, a software update for the driver assist systems is available through TSB 2063497. This update contains enhancements to the robustness of the emergency assist system.
4. No Further Action: If the software version is already SW 0352 or higher, no further measures are necessary, and TSB 2063497 will not be visible.

Alternative Measure

If a customer prefers not to use the emergency assist system, it can be deactivated via the MMI. This involves pressing the button for driver assist systems E617 in the center console's switch module, selecting the