2023 Audi Q5 / SQ5 DTC C11EA12 Ghost Code TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 45 23 31 2069733/1 to address a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may appear in the Brake Electronics control unit of certain 2023 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. This TSB clarifies the nature of DTC C11EA12 and provides guidance for technicians and owners.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles will typically experience no noticeable symptoms or warnings in the instrument cluster. The presence of the Audi Q5 C11EA12 DTC is usually discovered during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or other diagnostic work performed by a workshop. This means the issue does not manifest as a functional problem for the driver.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) addressed by this bulletin is:

• C11EA12: Sensor for roof rack recognition Short circuit to B+, active/static

This DTC is stored in the Brake Electronics control unit, identified as -J104- (address word 0003).

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The Audi Q5 C11EA12 DTC arises due to a compatibility issue between the G625 Roof Rack Recognition Sensor and the J104 Brake Electronics control unit. This incompatibility causes the system to incorrectly register the C11EA12 code. Audi classifies this as a 'ghost DTC' because it does not indicate an actual malfunction or require immediate attention. No warnings are illuminated in the instrument cluster when this DTC is present.

Technicians are advised that the test plan for this DTC should only be performed if there is a genuine customer concern related to the roof rack recognition system. If initiated without a customer complaint, a pop-up window will appear, stating: "You are about to perform a test program, which is included in the test plan due to unjustified DTC memory entries. Work on this test program only if there is a customer concern. Would you like to run the program?"

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi's TSB 45 23 31 2069733/1 provides critical instructions to prevent unnecessary repairs and costs:

• Do not replace any components should this DTC C11EA12 appear. Replacing parts will not resolve this specific issue.
• Replacement of any component will not eliminate this DTC. The code is a result of a compatibility issue, not a faulty part.
• Claims for replaced parts will not be reimbursed by Audi if the replacement was performed solely based on this ghost DTC without an actual customer concern.
• Technicians are instructed to ignore this DTC and continue with PDI completion or other diagnostic work.
• This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty. It serves as guidance rather than a repair procedure covered by warranty.
• The test plan for this DTC should only be performed if there is a customer concern.

Production Solution

To address the underlying compatibility problem, Audi has implemented an alternative version of the G625 Roof Rack Recognition Sensor in production. This updated sensor aims to correct the compatibility issue and prevent the C11EA12 ghost DTC from setting in newly manufactured vehicles.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2023 Audi Q5 or SQ5 and a technician informs you about the presence of DTC C11EA12, it is important to understand that this is likely a false positive. Based on Audi TSB 2069733/1, no repair or component replacement is necessary for this specific code unless you are experiencing an actual, observable issue with your roof rack recognition system. The Audi Q5 C11EA12 code does not indicate a safety concern or a functional defect requiring immediate action.

Always refer to official Audi service information or consult with an authorized Audi dealership for any concerns regarding your vehicle.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10233528