2021-2022 Audi Driver Assist Malfunction TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi vehicles may experience several issues related to their driver assistance systems. The primary symptom is that the driver assistance systems become inoperable. This condition is typically accompanied by a warning message displayed in the instrument cluster.

Common warning messages reported by customers include:

• "Audi adaptive light malfunction"
• "Audi pre sense system error"
• "Adaptive vehicle assistance restricted"
• "Adaptive vehicle assistance predictive regulation currently restricted"

These warnings may appear intermittently, with the driver assistance systems becoming available again after a few seconds. If you see an "Audi adaptive light malfunction C12D5FA" message, it indicates an issue with the system's diagnostic sensitivity.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, technicians will likely find a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the vehicle's control module for driver assist systems, J1121 (address word 00A5).

Code	Description	Symptom Code
C12D5FA	Control unit for driver assist systems, picture processor does not respond	221281

This DTC C12D5FA points to an issue where the picture processor within the driver assist control unit is not responding as expected, triggering the warning messages.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the root cause of the Audi adaptive light malfunction C12D5FA and other related driver assist system warnings is an overly sensitive diagnostic function. This sensitivity leads to the intermittent storage of DTC C12D5FA, even when there isn't a permanent hardware fault. A permanent solution for this condition is currently under development by Audi and is anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2022.

Important Warnings for Owners

If your 2021-2022 Audi vehicle displays the "Audi adaptive light malfunction" or other related driver assist warnings and DTC C12D5FA is stored, it is crucial to understand the recommended action from Audi. The Technical Service Bulletin explicitly states:

• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."

This means that replacing parts like the J1121 control module will not fix the underlying issue, as the problem stems from a software-related diagnostic sensitivity rather than a faulty component. Owners should be aware of this to avoid unnecessary repairs.

Repair Procedure Summary

For technicians, the interim service procedure outlined in Technical Service Bulletin 2060332/4, revision 4 (superseding TSB 21-90 dated February 26, 2021), involves the following steps:

1. Delete the DTC C12D5FA: The primary action is to clear the stored diagnostic trouble code from the vehicle's system.
2. Customer Communication: Explain to the customer that a permanent solution is expected in the first quarter of 2022. Reiterate that no repairs are necessary at this time, and no components should be replaced, as this will not resolve the issue.
3. Create PSS Record: Technicians must create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record in the PSS application via AccessAudi (under Related Links >> Service) or through the Technical Assistance page in Elsa. This helps Audi track affected vehicles and the prevalence of the Audi adaptive light malfunction C12D5FA issue.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims related to this issue fall under specific guidelines:

• Claim Type: Standard warranty coverage applies for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, G10 claim type is used after verifying ownership.
• Service Number: The service number associated with this bulletin is 9093.
• Damage Code: The damage code specified is 0039.
• Diagnostic Time: The diagnostic time allocated is GFF 0151 0000, with a maximum of 25 Technical Units (TU).
• Claim Comment: Claims should be submitted as per TSB #2060332/4.

If the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10203171