2017-2024 Audi pre sense Warning, Jolt, and Braking TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 23 31 2058077/7 to address concerns regarding unexpected Audi pre sense front interventions in various 2017-2024 models. This TSB, issued on July 19, 2023, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 90 number 23-11 dated March 8, 2023.

This bulletin provides guidance for technicians on how to diagnose and explain situations where the Audi pre sense system activates without an apparent reason, leading to a warning, jolt, or braking action.

Symptoms

Owners may report an unexpected Audi pre sense front intervention. This can manifest in several ways:

• An "Audi pre sense front warning" appearing in the instrument cluster.
• An "Audi pre sense front warning jolt," which is a brief, noticeable application of the brakes.
• "Audi pre sense front partial braking" where the system assists the driver in braking.
• "Audi pre sense emergency braking," where the vehicle brakes independently to prevent a collision.

Simultaneously with these events, the Audi pre sense symbol appears in the instrument cluster, and an audible warning is issued. Importantly, the hazard flashers are typically not activated, nor are the side windows closed during these unexpected interventions.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

When a customer reports an unexpected Audi pre sense warning or intervention, technicians are instructed to ask specific questions:

• The exact date of the Audi pre sense front intervention.
• Whether the red Audi pre sense symbol was displayed in the instrument cluster.
• If a warning tone was issued at the same time.
• Whether the hazard warning lights were on or side windows were closed.

Following this, technicians perform the "Audi pre sense test program" using the ODIS diagnostic system. This program is found under Test plan > Select self-test > Diagnostic capable system > 00A5 - Front sensors for driver assistant systems > 00A5 - Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) > Audi pre sense. The test program uses the customer's reported date to check for recorded pre sense interventions within a three-day window before and after the incident.

Repair Procedure Summary

This TSB primarily focuses on diagnosing and explaining the behavior of the Audi pre sense system rather than a physical repair. Depending on the results of the ODIS test program, technicians are guided on the appropriate next steps:

• No Audi pre sense intervention recorded: If the customer did not see the Audi pre sense symbol and no intervention is recorded, the technician continues their analysis, and this TSB does not apply.
• Audi pre sense basic event: If the customer saw the Audi pre sense symbol but no warning tone sounded, the technician explains the system's operation and limits using owner's literature and self-study programs.
• Audi pre sense rear event: If the ODIS program indicates a rear event, the technician explains the function and limits of Audi pre sense rear. This involves radar sensors (control units J769 and J770) monitoring traffic behind the vehicle, even if Audi side assist is off. The data bus diagnostic interface J533 transmits critical situation data to the airbag control unit J234, which then activates other control units. For these cases, the TSB does not apply for further repair.
• Audi pre sense front warning: If a front warning occurred, the technician explains the system's operation, including how visual and acoustic warnings are provided when approaching a vehicle in a critical situation. They also inform the customer about the Audi pre sense adjustment options (early/medium/late/off) in the MMI, which affect warning timing.
• Audi pre sense front warning jolt: If a warning jolt occurred, the technician explains that this is an urgent warning from the ABS control unit J104, applying brief braking to regain the driver's attention and signal the need for immediate action to prevent a collision. This is part of the Audi pre sense city and Audi pre sense front systems.
• Audi pre sense front partial braking: If partial braking occurred, the technician explains that the system increased braking performance when the driver applied the brakes but not sufficiently to prevent a collision.
• Audi pre sense front emergency braking: If emergency braking occurred, the technician explains that the ABS control unit J104 independently braked the vehicle because the driver did not react to the warning jolt or only released the accelerator pedal. If the customer believes the vehicle braked without reason, they should contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that the "Audi pre sense test program" can only be performed once per complaint. However, if the customer reports multiple instances of the issue, the test program may be run a maximum of three times for that specific complaint.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue fall under Claim Type 110 for vehicles up to 48 months/50,000 miles. For CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles, Claim Type G10 applies, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. The Service Number associated with this bulletin is 9163, and the Damage Code is 0039. Diagnostic time is coded as GFF, 0150 0000, with a maximum of 100 Technical Units (TU). Road tests conducted before or after the service procedure are not allowed for separate billing (0 TU).

Additional Information

Further details on the Audi pre sense system can be found in SSP 662, which covers Audi A8 type 4N safety and assist systems. Another relevant bulletin is TSB 2069662, addressing 90 Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt, and/or brake engagement for MQB/MEB platform vehicles.

Source: NHTSA ID 10239690