2021-2026 Audi High Beam Assist Fault TSB 2059201/9

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, including the 2021 Audi e-tron, may experience instrument cluster messages indicating an issue with driver assistance systems, often linked to Audi e-tron C12B3FD. These messages commonly appear shortly after the vehicle is started and include:

• "High beam assist currently not available. Camera view restricted because of environmental factors."
• "Traffic sign detection: currently not available. Camera view restricted because of environmental factors."

These warnings are typically intermittent, disappearing once the camera's visibility is restored.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, an intermittent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C12B3FD may be stored in the Driver Assistance Systems (DAS) control module. This specific code points to a temporary view limitation of the front camera for driver assistance systems.

The workshop findings indicate that this DTC, along with symptom code 221284, is stored in the J1121 control unit, which is the front camera module.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The underlying cause of the issue leading to Audi e-tron C12B3FD is often traced to the front camera for driver assistance systems (J1121 control unit), which may register a temporary view limitation. This DTC C12B3FD is logged if the front camera detects a visibility restriction for more than 77 seconds.

Audi vehicles are equipped with a heating element under the front camera cover. This element activates at low temperatures or when restricted visibility is detected to prevent fogging and ensure clear camera operation. The warning messages typically disappear once the camera's view is no longer obstructed.

Owner Action

If you experience these warning messages in your 2021-2026 Audi, here are some recommended steps:

1. Understand Camera Heating: Your dealer can explain how the front camera's heating system works to maintain clear visibility.
2. Inspect Camera Area: The next time the message appears, inspect the viewing area of the front camera. This area can become fogged up from either the inside or outside of the windshield. Figures in the TSB illustrate what a fogged-up viewing area looks like from both perspectives.
3. Utilize Wipers: Often, simply activating your vehicle's wiper system can clear external obstructions and resolve the concern.
4. Clean Lens Hood: If the front camera regularly fogs up from the inside, it may be beneficial to remove its lens hood and clean and dry the viewing area of the camera. This is a more involved step that may require dealer assistance.

This Technical Service Bulletin is informational. If your vehicle is outside of warranty, any diagnostic or repair costs would typically be your responsibility.

Warranty Information

For warranty claims, the service number is 9638 and the damage code is 0010. Labor operations include removing and installing the camera for assistance systems (9638 1999, 20 TU), cleaning and drying the windscreen (6410 2999), general function testing (GFF 0150 0000), and charging the battery (2706 8950). Claims are processed according to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Source: NHTSA ID 11025362