2021-2023 Audi Models Pre Sense Restricted Message TSB

If you own a 2021-2023 Audi and are seeing the warning message "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual" in your instrument cluster, but no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present, this article provides important information. Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 22 67 2059863/3 addresses this specific concern, explaining that the issue typically stems from discrepancies in your vehicle's wheel and tire setup rather than an electronic fault.

This TSB, identified as 90 22 67 2059863/3, supersedes an earlier bulletin, 90 number 22-64, and was last revised on June 6, 2022. It aims to help technicians and owners understand the underlying cause of the Audi pre sense restricted message when no traditional fault codes are logged.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners will notice is the explicit message displayed in the instrument cluster: "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual". This warning indicates that the Audi pre sense system, which is designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions, is not fully operational. Crucially, this condition occurs without any associated diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) being stored in the vehicle's control modules.

Diagnosis: No DTCs Present

One of the most perplexing aspects of this issue for owners and technicians alike is the absence of diagnostic trouble codes. Typically, a warning light or message would be accompanied by a DTC, such as a P-code, B-code, C-code, or U-code, which points to a specific system malfunction. However, in this scenario, the front camera -R242-, distance regulation control module J428 (address word 0013), and distance regulation control module 2 J850 (address word 008B) will not have any relevant DTCs stored.

This lack of fault codes indicates that the system's electronic components are functioning as expected. The problem lies not in a component failure, but in the data inputs that the Audi pre sense system relies upon to operate correctly. Therefore, standard diagnostic scans for electronic faults will not identify the root cause of the Audi pre sense restricted message.

Technical Background of Audi Pre Sense

Audi's pre sense system is an advanced safety feature that uses various sensors to detect potential hazards and assist the driver. A critical input for this system is the wheel speed signal, which is provided by the ABS control module, J104 (address word 0003). The system continuously monitors and compares the wheel speeds from all four wheels simultaneously.

When there are significant differences in wheel sizes, variations in tire tread depth, or if unapproved wheel/tire combinations are installed on the vehicle, the pre sense system detects these discrepancies. These inconsistencies can lead to the system incorrectly interpreting the vehicle's dynamics, causing it to restrict its functionality and display the "Audi pre sense currently restricted. See owner's manual" warning message. The system is designed to err on the side of caution, restricting operation if it cannot reliably assess the driving situation.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Audi pre sense restricted message when no DTCs are present is straightforward. The primary step involves inspecting the vehicle's wheel and tire setup. Technicians should:

1. Check Wheel/Tire Combination: Verify that the installed wheel and tire combination is appropriate for the specific vehicle model and year. This includes ensuring that all four wheels and tires match in size, type, and tread depth within acceptable tolerances.
2. Consult Repair Manual/Type Label: Refer to the official repair manual or the vehicle's type label for the correct wheel and tire specifications. This ensures that any aftermarket or replacement wheels and tires meet Audi's stringent requirements for proper system operation.

By ensuring the correct and consistent wheel and tire setup, the discrepancies that trigger the Audi pre sense warning can be resolved, allowing the system to function normally again.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware that this Technical Service Bulletin 90 22 67 2059863/3 is categorized as informational only. This means that any diagnosis or repair related to the conditions described in this TSB is generally not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners may be responsible for the cost of inspection and any necessary adjustments or replacements of wheels and tires if they are found to be non-compliant with factory specifications.

NHTSA ID: 10214751