2021-2026 Audi Pre Sense Restricted Function Icon TSB

If you own a 2021-2026 Audi and notice a "restricted function" icon for Audi pre sense or active front assist appearing on your instrument cluster shortly after starting the engine, you might be concerned. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 17 2059891/7, issued by Audi on July 31, 2024, clarifies that this is not a malfunction but rather a normal part of the vehicle's system initialization process. This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, 90 24-95, dated May 31, 2024, providing updated information for a wider range of models and model years.

This bulletin applies to numerous Audi models from 2017 through 2026, including the Audi e-tron, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, and their performance variants like the S and RS models. The appearance of the Audi e-tron pre sense icon, or similar warnings in other models, is a common observation that this TSB addresses.

Symptoms You Might See

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe one of the following messages or icons displayed on the instrument cluster for approximately 20 seconds after the engine starts:

• "Audi pre sense / active front assist not available at the moment"
• "Audi pre sense not available at the moment" (for models up to MY2020)
• "Audi pre sense not available at the moment" (for models from MY2021 onwards)
• "Audi pre sense / active front assist - restricted or not available at the moment" (for models from MY2024 onwards)

These messages are typically accompanied by a corresponding warning symbol. In some Audi models, the vehicle may need to be moved a short distance before this initialization indicator disappears. This behavior, including the appearance of the Audi e-tron pre sense icon, is considered normal.

Technical Explanation

This temporary display of a restricted function icon, such as the Audi e-tron pre sense icon, occurs because the driver assist system sensors, particularly the R242 front camera, undergo a self-initialization process immediately after the ignition is turned on. During this brief period, typically around 20 seconds, the Audi pre sense and active front assist systems, along with their associated functions, are temporarily unavailable.

The time required for these systems to fully initialize and for the warning light to extinguish can vary. For certain models, the vehicle's movement is also a factor in completing this initialization. The warning light serves as an indicator that these systems are still coming online, not that there is a fault. Audi confirms that this is the expected operational characteristic of these advanced driver assistance systems.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi's Technical Service Bulletin 90 24 17 2059891/7 explicitly states critical information for both technicians and vehicle owners:

• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." This means that if you experience this symptom, there is no underlying fault, and attempting to repair it would be unnecessary and could result in charges not covered by warranty.
• "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." This emphasizes that the temporary warning is a normal part of the system's startup sequence.
• "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." As this is not a defect or a repairable condition, it does not fall under warranty claims.

Therefore, if you see the Audi e-tron pre sense icon or any of the mentioned messages, you should not be concerned, and no action is required on your part or by a service center.

Superseded Bulletin

This current TSB, 90 24 17 2059891/7, updates and replaces the previous Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 24-95, which was issued on May 31, 2024. The revisions include adding new models, updating the condition description with "active front assist" nomenclature, and clarifying the technical background.

What Owners Should Do

If you observe the "restricted function" icon for Audi pre sense or active front assist after starting your 2021-2026 Audi, no action is needed. This is a normal operational characteristic of your vehicle's driver assistance systems as they initialize. You do not need to take your vehicle to a dealership for this specific indication, as no repair is necessary or applicable under warranty.

NHTSA ID: 11005928