2010-2026 Audi ABS/ESC Speed Sensor Implausible Signal TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2072304/3 to address instances where an Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal leads to various warning lights and messages in the instrument cluster. This TSB applies to all Audi models from model years 2010 through 2026. The bulletin identifies external contamination of the ABS speed sensors or wheel bearing sensor rings as the primary cause for these implausible signals.

Symptoms and Customer Complaints

Owners may observe a range of warning indicators or messages related to an Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal. These symptoms often appear without an obvious underlying mechanical issue, such as actual tire pressure loss. The TSB specifically notes the following customer complaints and indicator displays that may activate or malfunction:

• Driving Dynamics Regulation (ESC) Indicator Display: The ESC indicator may activate, suggesting a problem with the vehicle's stability control system.
• Tire Pressure Information Display: This display may activate without cause, indicating a potential issue with tire pressure monitoring.
• ABS Malfunction Display: An ABS malfunction display may activate, signaling a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System.
• Tire Pressure Loss Warning Display: This warning may activate without cause, similar to the tire pressure information display.
• Cruise Control System (ADR, ACC) Malfunction Display: The adaptive cruise control or standard cruise control system may show a malfunction.
• Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Indicator Display: The ASR indicator display may fail to activate when expected, or activate incorrectly.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Malfunction Display: A specific malfunction display for the TPMS may activate.
• Tire Pressure Loss Information Display: This display may activate without cause, similar to other tire pressure warnings.
• Emergency Braking Function Warning Indicator: The vehicle's emergency braking system may show a warning.

Additionally, customers may report two specific verbatim messages in the instrument cluster:

• "TPMS warning appears in the instrument cluster although there is no pressure loss."
• "ABS/ESC warning message appears in the instrument cluster."

Fault Codes and Diagnosis

During diagnosis, technicians may find a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the ABS control unit J104 (address word 0003). This DTC will specifically refer to an implausible signal originating from a rotational speed sender. It's important to note that the TSB indicates that multiple rotational speed senders may be affected, and while it specifies the control unit and the nature of the DTC, it does not provide a specific alphanumeric DTC code (e.g., Pxxxx, Cxxxx, Uxxxx).

To properly diagnose the Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal, technicians are instructed to perform a thorough visual inspection. This involves carefully checking the ABS speed sensors and the sensor rings located on the wheel bearing for any signs of foreign objects, grease, or dirt. If no irregularities are found during this initial check, further diagnosis should proceed using Audi's Guided Fault Finding procedures to pinpoint the exact cause of the implausible signal.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal is often external contamination. The ABS speed sensors and the sensor rings on the wheel bearing are critical components for accurately measuring wheel rotation speed. If dirt, foreign objects, or grease accumulate in this area, they can interfere with the sensor's ability to read the rotational speed correctly. This interference distorts the signals transmitted by the ABS speed sensor, causing the vehicle's control unit to interpret the signal as implausible. This implausible signal then triggers the various warnings and malfunctions described in TSB 2072304/3.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 2072304/3 is focused on inspection and meticulous cleaning to resolve the Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal. Technicians should follow these steps:

1. Thorough Inspection: Carefully inspect all ABS speed sensors and the corresponding sensor rings on the wheel bearings. The inspection should specifically look for any foreign objects, excessive grease, or dirt that may be interfering with the sensor's operation.
2. Component Cleaning: If any foreign objects, grease, or dirt are found, thoroughly clean all affected components. This cleaning must be performed with great care to ensure no further damage or contamination occurs.
3. DTC Erasing: After cleaning the components, all stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the vehicle's system should be erased.
4. Verification and Further Diagnosis: If, after the inspection and cleaning process, no irregularities were detected or if the issue persists, technicians are advised to proceed with Guided Fault Finding. This advanced diagnostic process will help identify any underlying issues that were not resolved by cleaning.

No specific part numbers, special tools, or software updates are mentioned as being required for this particular TSB, indicating that the solution primarily involves physical inspection and cleaning.

Important Warranty Information

Owners should be aware of the specific warranty conditions related to this Technical Service Bulletin 2072304/3. The TSB explicitly states: "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This means that any diagnostic or repair costs associated with addressing an Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal as described in this bulletin may not be covered under standard Audi warranty terms. Owners are encouraged to discuss potential costs with their Audi service center.

Additional Information for Technicians and Owners

Audi emphasizes that all part and service references provided in TSB 2072304/3 are subject to change or removal. Technicians are advised to always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) for the latest information and parts bulletins. Furthermore, for any repairs, the Repair Manual should be consulted for specific instructions regarding fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair process.

TSB Revision History

This TSB has undergone several revisions to ensure its accuracy and applicability:

• Revision 1: Initial publication of the bulletin on December 13, 2023.
• Revision 2: The header of the document was revised to include updated model year information on September 20, 2024.
• Revision 3: A further revision to the header was made to add model year information, with this version released on October 17, 2025.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2010-2026 Audi model and are experiencing any of the described warning lights or messages, particularly those related to ABS, ESC, or TPMS, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the symptoms you are observing and mention Technical Service Bulletin 2072304/3. While the TSB is informational and may not be covered by warranty, a professional diagnosis can confirm if an Audi ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal due to contamination is the cause.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11025336