2022-2024 Audi Seat Belt Warning DTC B101C07 TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2022-2024 Audi vehicles may notice a "Seat belt warning" or "Pre Sense warning" appearing sporadically in the driver information system (DIS) while driving. This issue is typically accompanied by the storage of a specific diagnostic trouble code in the vehicle's airbag control module.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the Audi seat belt warning B101C07 occurs, the following diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the airbag control module/safety computer, identified as -J234- (address word 0015):

Code	Description
B101C07	Driver seat belt switch mechanical malfunction

Technical Background

The Safety Computer in your Audi continuously monitors the status of the seat belt latch switch, E24. This system is designed to detect when the seat belt is buckled or unbuckled. If a seat belt extender, a seat belt cheat device, or a continuously buckled seat belt is present, the Safety Computer receives a constant signal that the seat belt is latched. If the Safety Computer does not detect a change in the belt latch switch signal within five drive cycles, it will store DTC B101C07 and trigger the "Pre Sense warning" in the DIS. The system interprets this constant signal as if a seat belt cheat device is installed.

A complete drive cycle, as defined by Audi, involves a sequence of actions:

1. Unlock the door.
2. Open the door.
3. Close the door.
4. Latch the seat belt.
5. Turn on the ignition and drive.
6. Park.
7. Unlatch the seat belt.
8. Turn off the ignition.
9. Open the door.
10. Close the door.
11. Lock the door.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

**DANGER**
The risk of serious or fatal injury increases if the seat belt is not fastened, if it is worn incorrectly, or if it is damaged.

*   See the Owner's Manual for additional information and warnings.

**NOTICE**
Parts replacement does not solve this issue. Claims for replaced parts will be subject to review.

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2056421/8 is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This means that any diagnosis or repair related to this specific issue may not be covered under warranty if it is determined to be caused by external factors such as seat belt extenders or cheat devices.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

If your Audi is displaying the Audi seat belt warning B101C07, a technician will follow these steps:

1. Connect to ODIS Service: The vehicle will be connected to the ODIS Service system, and a Guided Fault Finding (GFF) procedure will be performed.
2. GFF Test Plans: If DTC B101C07 is found stored in the airbag control module/safety computer, the technician will follow all applicable GFF test plans to further diagnose the issue.
3. Customer Notification: If the GFF diagnostic process indicates that the seat belt latch switch itself is not defective, the customer will be informed that the use of a seat belt extender, a seat belt cheat device, or continuously leaving the seat belt buckled could be the cause of the Audi seat belt warning B101C07.
4. Clearing the Warning: Performing one complete drive cycle that includes both latching and unlatching the seat belt is typically sufficient to change the DTC B101C07 from a static fault to a sporadic one, and to clear the Pre Sense warning from the instrument cluster.

Owner Action

If you experience a sporadic "Seat belt warning" or "Pre Sense warning" in your 2022-2024 Audi, especially if you use a seat belt extender or frequently leave the belt buckled when not in use, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi service center. Be prepared to discuss any accessories or habits related to seat belt usage. As parts replacement is generally not the solution for this specific issue, the focus will be on diagnosis and understanding the vehicle's behavior.

NHTSA ID: 10250802