2022-2026 Audi Ghost Faults in ODIS Test Plans

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 00 23 76 2071721/1 to address instances of "unauthorized/unjustified DTC memory entries," commonly referred to as Audi ghost faults, that may appear during diagnostic procedures using the ODIS system. This TSB applies to all Audi vehicles from model years 2022-2026.

These ghost faults are diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that are erroneously stored in the vehicle's memory due to overly sensitive self-diagnostic checks. They do not indicate an actual problem with the vehicle's operation and typically do not cause any customer complaints.

Symptoms

When a technician performs a diagnostic scan using ODIS, they may encounter a test plan marked with a warning symbol. If they attempt to execute this test plan, a message will appear stating:

"Unauthorized DTC memory entries. You are about to perform a test program, which is included in the test plan due to unjustified DTC memory entries. Work on this test program only if there is a customer concern. Would you like to run the program?"

Examples of DTCs that might be flagged as unauthorized or unjustified include U112300 (Databus error value red) and U112200 (Databus implausible), as seen in diagnostic screenshots.

What are "Ghost Faults"?

Audi ghost faults are DTCs that are generated by the vehicle's self-diagnostic system but do not correspond to a genuine operational issue. They are often the result of incorrect or oversensitive checks within the vehicle's electronic control units. The key characteristic of these faults is that they have no impact on how the vehicle performs and do not lead to any noticeable problems for the driver. They are simply erroneous entries in the diagnostic memory.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi has issued specific instructions to prevent unnecessary repairs and costs related to these Audi ghost faults:

• Do not continue executing said test plan: If the ODIS system displays the "Unauthorized DTC memory entries" message, technicians are advised not to proceed with the test program unless there is a clear, customer-reported concern that directly relates to the fault.
• Do not replace any parts for unauthorized/unjustified DTCs! Replacing components based solely on these ghost faults will not resolve any actual issues and is an unnecessary expense.
• Any unauthorized test plans run, as well as any repairs resulting from running such test plans may be debited by warranty. This means that if a technician performs work based on these ghost faults without a legitimate customer complaint, the warranty claim may be rejected.
• Running a test plan for an "Unauthorized" or "Unjustified" DTC will not resolve the customer complaint, as those DTCs are entered erroneously by the vehicle and have no effect on its operation.

What Owners Should Know

If you own a 2022-2026 Audi vehicle, including models like the Audi e-tron, and a technician mentions diagnostic trouble codes that seem to have no impact on your vehicle's performance, it's important to understand the nature of these Audi ghost faults. These codes are not indicative of a real problem and should not lead to costly part replacements. Always ensure that any recommended repairs are tied to a tangible symptom or performance issue you are experiencing.

This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims for repairs based on these ghost faults.

What Technicians Should Know

Technicians should be aware of TSB 00 23 76 2071721/1 and the guidance it provides. When ODIS presents the "Unauthorized DTC memory entries" warning, it is crucial to verify if a customer concern exists before proceeding with any diagnostic steps or repairs. Ignoring this warning and performing repairs based on these ghost faults can lead to warranty debiting. The presence of codes like U112300 or U112200 in the diagnostic memory, when identified as unauthorized, should not automatically trigger a repair action.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10244320