2019-2026 Audi Overhead Camera Inoperative TSB 2055188/8

Owners of various 2019-2026 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron, may experience problems with their vehicle's overhead view camera system. This can manifest as an inoperative camera, a blurry or fogged-up picture, or an image that is cloudy. These issues are addressed by Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 05 2055188/8, which supersedes previous bulletin 23-55 dated November 15, 2023.

This TSB outlines specific diagnostic steps and repair procedures for technicians to follow, helping to resolve the Audi e-tron camera inoperative condition and related fault codes.

Symptoms

If your Audi is affected by this issue, you might observe one or more of the following symptoms:

• One of the overhead view cameras is inoperative.
• One of the overhead view cameras is fogged up.
• The picture from an overhead camera is blurry or cloudy.
• The image displayed on the MMI screen from a specific camera is unclear or absent.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Technicians may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the driver assist systems control unit (-J1121-, address word 00A5) when diagnosing an Audi e-tron camera inoperative condition:

Description	Fault Code (Video cable signal error)	Fault Code (Excess temperature)
Front overhead view camera	B127C04, C12AE02	B127C4B
Rear overhead view camera	B127D04, C12AF02	B127D4B
Left overhead view camera	B127E04, C12B002	B127E4B
Right overhead view camera	B127F04, C12B102	B127F4B

Additionally, DTC B200FFA (internal malfunction) may be stored with symptom codes 282648 or 282649.

Technical Background

The driver assist systems control unit, identified as -J1121-, has known limitations in its diagnostic capabilities. These shortcomings can lead to a partial or complete failure of the overhead view camera system. Issues such as a faulty camera, short/open circuits in the video cable, or water ingress can trigger these problems. It's important to note that the DTCs listed above might be logged even if only a single camera is truly affected. Furthermore, a blanked-out camera on the MMI screen might not directly correspond to the actual defective camera branch.

Important Warnings

Audi has issued a critical notice regarding the repair of this issue:

• Replacing cameras (-R243-, -R244-, -R245-, -R246-) or the driver assist systems control module (-J1121-) will not resolve this customer complaint. Claims for replaced cameras or driver assist systems control modules may be denied.

This means that simply swapping out these components without proper diagnosis, as outlined in the TSB, will not fix the problem and could lead to unnecessary costs.

Repair Procedure Summary

The TSB outlines several scenarios for addressing the Audi e-tron camera inoperative issue:

Scenario 1: Individual Camera Fogged or Blurry

If an individual overhead view camera is fogged up or its image is cloudy/blurry, the technician will replace the affected overhead view camera along with its adapter wiring harness. Clear pictures of the complaint must be taken for documentation.

Scenario 2: Multiple DTCs Present

When several or all of the listed DTCs are stored in the -J1121- control unit, the diagnostic process is more involved. Technicians will:

1. Disconnect all cameras from the -J1121- control unit.
2. Connect each camera individually.
3. After connecting each camera, perform a bus sleep cycle to reinitialize the -J1121- control unit.
4. Activate the overhead view camera system and move the doors, hood, or trunk (depending on the camera's position) to check if the image displays correctly and uninterrupted on the MMI screen. This helps pinpoint the affected camera branch.
5. Once the faulty camera branch is identified, inspect all coupling points and coax cables between the -J1121- unit and the affected overhead view camera (-R243-, -R244-, -R245-, -R246-). They will look for loose connectors, pushed-back pins, corrosion, or physical damage (e.g., pinched, overbent, or kinked cables).

Scenario 3: Single DTC Present

If only a single DTC is logged for one individual overhead view camera, the technician will:

1. Perform a bus sleep cycle to reinitialize the -J1121- control module.
2. Activate the overhead view camera system and move the doors, hood, or trunk to check the MMI display.
3. If the DTC persists, they will inspect the coupling points and coax cables between the -J1121- unit and the affected overhead view camera (-R243-, -R244-, -R245-, -R246-) for any loose connections, corrosion, or damage.
4. If no wiring problem is found, the affected overhead camera will be swapped with another one. If the fault follows the camera, the camera is replaced.
5. If the camera is not the problem, the wiring will be double-checked by removing the connector housing on the -J1121- side of the coax wire and swapping it with a camera at a different position. If the fault follows the swapped coax wire, the coax wire to the camera will be overlaid.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, it falls under the G10 claim type. If your vehicle is outside of these warranty parameters, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance.

The Service Number for this TSB is 9083, and the Damage Code is 0040. Labor operations include checking, removing, installing, and adjusting the overhead view camera, as well as diagnostic time and road tests. All work must be clearly documented for warranty claims.

NHTSA ID: 11003017