2021-2024 Audi Unintentional Horn Beep TSB 2066712/2

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2066712/2 to address customer complaints regarding an unintentional horn beep. This bulletin, which supersedes an earlier version (22-56 dated April 1, 2022), provides diagnostic guidance for technicians when the horn activates without driver input, particularly when starting the vehicle or turning the steering wheel. The issue affects various 2021-2024 Audi models, including the A3, S3, RS3, and Q3.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience the horn beeping without warning. This unintentional horn beep typically occurs under two specific conditions:

• When starting the vehicle.
• When turning the steering wheel.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the unintentional horn beep, technicians may find one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Electronic Central Electrical control module (BCM), also known as -J519- (address word 0009):

Diagnosis and Technical Background

Audi's technical background for TSB 2066712/2 indicates that various steering column switch modules have been replaced in the past for this condition, but these replacements did not consistently resolve the concern. This suggests that the steering column switch module itself is often not the root cause of the unintentional horn beep.

The diagnostic procedure focuses on isolating the source of the horn activation. If a customer reports an Audi S3 unintentional horn beep, the technician's first step is to attempt to reproduce the complaint. If the issue can be consistently replicated, further investigation into the airbag assembly and its harness is required.

Repair Procedure Summary

The TSB outlines a specific diagnostic and repair sequence for the unintentional horn beep:

1. Remove and Disconnect Airbag: The technician will first remove the airbag from the steering wheel and disconnect its electrical connection. This step is crucial for isolating the potential source of the problem.
2. Test for Reproduction: With the airbag disconnected, the technician will attempt to reproduce the customer's complaint. If the horn no longer beeps unintentionally, it indicates that the issue lies within the airbag assembly or its associated wiring.
3. Inspect Airbag Assembly and Harness: If disconnecting the airbag resolves the problem, the technician will then thoroughly inspect the airbag assembly and its harness for any faults, damage, or improper connections that could be causing the horn to activate inadvertently.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners should be aware that while this document provides a diagnostic and repair path, the costs associated with the repair may not be covered under standard Audi warranty terms.

NHTSA ID: 10242956