2015-2026 Audi Steering Wheel Hands-Off Detection Prompt TSB

Symptoms of the Hands-Off Detection Prompt

Owners of certain 2015-2026 Audi vehicles may experience an unexpected "take over steering" prompt displayed on the instrument cluster, even when their hands are firmly on the steering wheel. This can occur despite the driver actively holding the wheel.

The manufacturer notes several complaint types related to this Audi hands-off detection prompt, including:

• The system activating without apparent cause.
• Irregular or sporadic responses from the hands-off detection.
• Activation without proper authorization or an incorrect operation sequence.
• The system responding too early.

These symptoms are related to the vehicle's assistance systems, specifically the lane assist feature and its driver steering intervention request.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Notably, this specific issue with the Audi hands-off detection prompt does not typically generate diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Workshop findings indicate that DTCs related to steering wheel touch recognition are usually absent, even when the complaint can be reproduced during a test drive.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The core of this issue lies in the vehicle's hands-off detection system. Audi vehicles equipped with PR numbers 612 and 616 feature a hands-off detection mat within the steering wheel. This mat is designed to sense when a driver's hands are placed on the wheel. Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, this system can have one, two, or three sensor zones:

• One zone: Detects hands on the wheel generally, but not their specific position.
• Two zones: Can detect hands on the left and right sides of the wheel.
• Three zones: Detects hands on the left and right, and can determine if the driver is actively gripping the steering wheel.

Vehicles without these specific PR numbers (612 or 616) rely on a steering torque sensor to detect driver interaction with the wheel. The problem arises when the hands-off detection system incorrectly triggers the "take over steering" prompt.

Repair Procedure Summary

Since this TSB does not outline a specific repair, the primary action for technicians is to adapt the ODIS diagnosis system. This means ensuring the diagnostic tools are properly configured to investigate the fault when searching for the underlying cause of the unwarranted Audi hands-off detection prompt.

It's important to note that for vehicles without PR numbers 612 or 616, simply replacing the steering wheel will not resolve the issue, as these vehicles do not possess the hands-off detection mat sensors.

Owner Action

If your 2015-2026 Audi is displaying an unwarranted "take over steering" prompt, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Explain the symptoms clearly, emphasizing that the prompt appears even when your hands are on the steering wheel.

While no specific repair is detailed in this TSB, the dealer will use the ODIS diagnosis system to investigate the hands-off detection system. This issue typically does not involve DTCs, so a technician will need to reproduce the complaint during a test drive for proper diagnosis.

Source: NHTSA ID 11023767