2022-2025 Audi A3, S3, RS 3 Parking Aid Sensor Malfunction

Owners of certain 2022-2025 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 models may encounter a warning message regarding their vehicle's parking aid system. This issue, specifically addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 23 45 2069694/2, describes situations where the parking aid may not function correctly due to environmental influences.

This TSB, released on November 7, 2023, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 91 number 23-80, dated March 15, 2023. It provides updated information for diagnosing and addressing the Audi S3 parking aid malfunction.

Symptoms

Owners may observe the warning message "Front/rear parking aid: Sensor view restricted because of environmental factors" displayed in the instrument cluster. This message indicates that the parking aid system is temporarily unavailable or experiencing a malfunction due to external conditions.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing an Audi S3 parking aid malfunction, technicians may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the parking aid control module (-J446-, address word 0076):

DTC Code	Symptom Code	Description
B107BF0	1080304, 13959168, 13959179	Rear parking aid sender, malfunction because of environment influences
B107BF1	1080304, 13959168, 13959179	Rear parking aid sender, malfunction because of environment influences
B10FCF0	1113328, 13959169, 13959178	Front parking aid sender, malfunction because of environment influences
B10FCF1	1113328, 13959169, 13959178	Front parking aid sender, malfunction because of environment influences

These codes indicate that the ultrasound parking aid sensors are detecting problems caused by external factors such as dirt, ice, or other environmental conditions. The system is designed to temporarily disable itself to prevent false warnings to the driver when these conditions are present.

Diagnosis and Repair Summary

To address the Audi S3 parking aid malfunction, technicians should perform a series of checks on the ultrasound sensors, depending on the specific DTCs stored. The general procedure involves:

1. Visual Inspection: Thoroughly check the ultrasound sensors for any dirt, ice, foreign objects, or stickers. Ensure the license plate is properly fitted and not obstructing the sensors.
2. Damage Assessment: Inspect the bumper, air intake grille, and underbody for any signs of damage, such as impacts, stone chips, or scratches, which could affect sensor function.
3. Component Fitment: Verify the correct fitment of the sensors, bumpers, and surrounding trim components.
4. Measured Values Check: In the parking aid control module (-J446-), examine the measured values for "Parking aid sender settling time." Look for any cyclic or dynamic changes in these values when approaching an obstacle.

Based on the findings, two scenarios are possible:

• Scenario 1 (Sporadic Occurrence): If the parking aid concern occurs only sporadically, it is likely due to temporary environmental influences. In this case, no further repair measures are necessary.
• Scenario 2 (Reproducible or Static Concern): If the issue can be consistently reproduced or is static, it suggests a potential fault with one of the ultrasound sensors, its mountings, or associated circuits. Standard diagnostic procedures should then be followed to pinpoint and resolve the specific component failure.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of a critical warning from Audi regarding this issue:

"NOTICE: In this case, replacement of the driver assistance systems -J446- (address word 0076) or sensors without clear findings is not effective. Part replacement does not solve this issue. Claims for replaced parts will be subject to review."

This means that replacing the parking aid control module or the sensors without clear evidence of a component fault will not resolve the problem and may lead to warranty claim rejections. The TSB also notes that a significantly increased frequency counter for a fault code under standard ambient conditions may indicate a malfunction.

What Owners Should Know

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 91 23 45 2069694/2 is provided for informational purposes. It outlines diagnostic steps and potential resolutions for the described parking aid issues. This TSB is not applicable to any Audi Warranty, meaning any repairs performed under the guidance of this bulletin may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty if the issue is determined to be environmental or not a manufacturing defect.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10245538