2021-2022 Audi Q5/SQ5 Airbag Warning Light TSB 2080575/1

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi Q5, Q5 e quattro, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles may experience an illuminated airbag warning lamp. This issue is addressed by Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2080575/1, which outlines diagnostic and repair procedures for faults within the front passenger seat-occupied recognition system.

The seat-occupied recognition system is a critical safety feature that uses sensors embedded in the passenger seat mat. Its primary function is to detect whether the passenger seat is occupied, which determines if the passenger airbag should be activated in the event of a collision. When this system malfunctions, it can trigger the airbag warning lamp on the instrument cluster, alerting the driver to a potential safety concern, such as an "airbag warning lamp is on" message.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners will notice is the illumination of the "airbag warning lamp is on" message in the instrument cluster. This light indicates a detected issue with the vehicle's airbag system, specifically related to the front passenger seat's occupancy detection. This can be a concerning issue, prompting owners to search for solutions related to their Audi Q5 airbag warning light B12251B.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the airbag warning lamp illuminates due to this specific issue, a technician performing a diagnostic scan will likely find one or both of the following event memory entries logged in the airbag control unit (diagnostic address 0015):

• B12251B – Seat Occupied Recognition Sensor Mat Resistance too High
• B1225F1 – Seat-occupied recognition sensor mat, shield wire, open circuit

These codes, stored in the airbag control unit (diagnostic address 0015), indicate an irregularity in the signal from the passenger detection system, suggesting a problem with the sensor mat itself or its wiring.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The seat-occupied recognition system relies on resistance values from sensors within the seat mat to determine occupancy. Irregularities or deviations in these resistance values can lead the system to register an issue with the signal characteristics. This, in turn, triggers the airbag warning lamp.

During diagnosis, technicians are instructed to carefully check the surface of the passenger seat for any signs of fluid damage. Fluid exposure can sometimes interfere with the sensor mat's operation, leading to false readings or system malfunctions. This visual inspection is a critical first step in determining the root cause of the illuminated airbag warning lamp.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of specific conditions that impact warranty coverage for this issue. If any signs of exposure to fluids are detected on the passenger seat, or if neither of the two specific event memory entries (B12251B or B1225F1) are logged in the airbag control unit, billing under warranty for this particular repair will not be possible.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process detailed in TSB 2080575/1 begins with a thorough diagnostic check. First, technicians must read the event memory of the airbag control unit (diagnostic address 0015) to confirm the presence of Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B12251B and/or B1225F1. This step is crucial to ensure the issue aligns with the scope of this Technical Service Bulletin.

Following the event memory check, a detailed visual inspection of the passenger seat's surface is required to look for any signs of fluid damage. This check is vital because fluid exposure can mimic the symptoms of a faulty sensor mat and may affect warranty eligibility.

If no third-party damage, such as fluid exposure, is found, and the relevant DTCs are confirmed, the next step involves ordering a specific repair kit. This repair kit is for the seat-occupied recognition system on the passenger side and should be sourced according to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA). The actual replacement work must then be performed precisely as described in the vehicle's Workshop Manual, ensuring proper installation and calibration of the new sensor components for the Audi Q5 airbag warning light B12251B issue.

Required Tools or Parts

While specific part numbers are not listed directly in the TSB, the repair requires a dedicated