2021-2026 Audi Overhead Camera Fault TSB 2055188/13

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 54 2055188/13 to address concerns with the overhead view camera system in various 2021-2026 Audi models. This TSB, which supersedes previous bulletin 24-36 dated October 14, 2024, outlines diagnostic steps and repair procedures for instances where individual overhead view cameras are inoperative, or the camera picture appears blurry or fogged up. Owners experiencing an Audi overhead camera fault should be aware of the detailed troubleshooting steps provided in this document.

The TSB specifically covers situations where Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as B200FFA, B127C04, and C12AE02 are stored in the driver assist systems control unit -J1121- (address word 00A5). This document aims to guide technicians in accurately diagnosing and resolving the root cause of the camera system malfunction.

Symptoms

Owners may notice one or more of the following issues with their overhead view camera system:

• "One of the overhead view cameras is steamed up."
• "The overhead view camera system does not work (intermittent/static issue)."
• "Individual overhead view cameras do not work (intermittent/static issue)."
• "Multiple overhead view cameras do not work (intermittent/static issue)."
• An individual overhead view camera is fogged up or the image from it is cloudy or blurry.

Fault Codes (DTCs)

Workshop findings often include one or more of the following DTCs stored in the driver assist systems control unit -J1121-:

Description	Fault	Video cable signal error	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 (symptom 282648 or 282649) may be present.

Important Warnings

Audi has issued critical advisories within TSB 90 24 54 2055188/13 to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary repairs:

• CAUTION: "Replacing the driver assist systems control unit -J1121- (address word 00A5) because of DTC B200FFA - Internal malfunction (symptom 282648 or 282649) will NOT fix the customer complaint."
• NOTICE: "Please note that during the following checks, the vehicle must enter bus sleep after each step so that the overhead view camera system is reinitialized."
• NOTICE: "Replacing the driver assist systems control unit -J1121- without clear findings will NOT resolve the issue."

These warnings emphasize that a B200FFA code does not automatically mean the J1121 control unit needs replacement, and proper diagnostic steps, including bus sleep cycles, are essential.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Diagnosis for the Audi overhead camera fault is divided into three scenarios:

Scenario 1: Individual Camera Fogged Up or Blurry

If an individual overhead view camera is fogged up or the image is cloudy or blurry, the TSB advises replacing the affected camera along with its adapter wiring harness. This should resolve the visual complaint and clear any related DTCs.

Scenario 2: Multiple DTCs Stored

When several DTCs related to various cameras are stored, it indicates a potential issue with the driver assist systems control unit -J1121-'s diagnostic capability or a fault in one or more cameras, video cables, or due to water ingress. To pinpoint the problem, technicians must disconnect all cameras from the J1121 control unit. Then, each camera is reconnected individually, with a bus sleep cycle performed after each connection to reinitialize the system. After each camera is connected, the overhead view camera system is activated, and the MMI screen is checked for a clear image while operating doors, hood, or trunk as relevant to the camera's position.

Once the faulty camera branch is identified, all coupling points and coax cables between the J1121 control unit and the specific overhead view camera (e.g., -R243-, -R244-, -R245-, -R246-) must be inspected for loose connectors, pushed-back pins, corrosion, or damage. If no clear cause is found, further steps include swapping individual overhead view cameras or video cable connections to isolate the faulty component. If the harness issue cannot be located, technicians are directed to refer to TSB 2076264 for additional guidance.

Scenario 3: Single DTC Stored for One Camera

If only a single DTC is logged for one individual overhead view camera, a bus sleep cycle should be performed to reinitialize the J1121 control unit. The overhead view camera system is then activated, and the image checked for proper display. If the DTC persists and matches the initial one, technicians should inspect all coupling points and coax cables between the J1121 control unit and the affected overhead view camera (-R243-, -R244-, -R245-, -R246-) for any damage or loose connections. Similar to Scenario 2, if no cause is found, swapping the camera or video cable connection can help narrow down the problem. If the fault follows a swapped coax wire, the wire should be overlaid to the camera.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for an Audi overhead camera fault typically involves a detailed diagnostic approach rather than immediate part replacement. Key steps include:

1. Initial Diagnosis: Verify customer complaint and check for stored DTCs in the J1121 control unit.
2. Bus Sleep Cycles: Perform bus sleep cycles as instructed after each diagnostic step to reinitialize the camera system.
3. Visual Inspection: For fogged or blurry cameras, replace the camera and its adapter wiring harness.
4. Component Isolation (Multiple DTCs): Disconnect all cameras, then reconnect them one by one, performing a bus sleep cycle and checking the MMI display after each connection to identify the faulty camera branch.
5. Wiring and Connection Inspection: Thoroughly check all coupling points and coax cables for the identified camera branch for any physical damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. Component Swapping: If physical inspection doesn't reveal the fault, swap individual overhead view cameras or video cable connections to confirm the faulty component.
7. Harness Repair/Replacement: If a harness issue is identified, refer to TSB 2076264 for specific guidance on harness repair or replacement.

Warranty Information

For warranty claims related to TSB 90 24 54 2055188/13, the claim type is 9083 and the damage code is 0040. The claim comment should reference "As per TSB 2055188/12". All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an Audi overhead camera fault in your 2021-2026 Audi vehicle, particularly if your overhead view cameras are inoperative, blurry, or fogged up, or if you suspect related DTCs, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the specific symptoms you are observing. Technicians will utilize TSB 90 24 54 2055188/13 to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11012510