2021-2026 Audi Parking Assistance False Warnings TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 87 2024323/11 to address customer complaints regarding false warnings from the parking assistance system. This TSB, dated November 26, 2024, supersedes previous bulletin Group 91 number 23-06 and provides comprehensive diagnostic and repair information for technicians. This issue can affect various 2021-2026 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron, leading to an unreliable parking experience.

Symptoms of False Parking Warnings

Owners typically report that their "Parking aid does not work / warning is issued although there is no obstacle." This means the system might alert the driver to an unseen object or fail to function correctly when needed. If you are experiencing Audi e-tron parking warnings that seem inaccurate, this TSB outlines potential causes and solutions.

Common Causes of False Parking Warnings

Various factors can contribute to the parking aid system issuing incorrect warnings. These can be categorized into environmental conditions, vehicle-specific issues, and aftermarket modifications.

Environmental Conditions

• Natural Obstacles: Plants growing to certain heights and curbs can trigger incorrect warnings.
• Road Conditions: Gravel tracks, cobblestones, potholes, cattle grids, sharp bends in the road, and slopes may lead to false alerts.
• Weather and Ambient Conditions: Water, ice, or snow on the parking aid senders can widen their radiation pattern. Vehicle exhaust gases and water vapor can alter the physical properties of the air, affecting ultrasound transmission.
• Noise Disturbances: External ultrasound sources like pneumatic brakes from heavy goods vehicles, anti-rodent devices, or parking aid systems in other vehicles can interfere.
• Immediate Surroundings: Fluorescent tubes, induction loops at traffic lights or car park barriers, and ramps/driveways can also cause interference.

Vehicle-Related Factors

• License Plate Installation: Issues such as a protruding plate carrier, the use of advertising carriers, incorrect license plate size, or improper fitment (e.g., bent edges) can obstruct sensors.
• Add-on Parts and Modifications: Non-Audi Genuine Accessories like trailer hitches, lowered ride height, spoilers, bumpers, sound generators, or anti-rodent devices can cause erroneous warnings.
• Previous Damage: Areas with new paint applied after damage can sometimes affect sensor performance.

Diagnosis and Inspection Procedures

Audi technicians follow a detailed procedure to diagnose the root cause of false parking warnings. This involves several stages of inspection, both visual and using diagnostic tools.

External Visual Checks

Technicians first perform checks without removing any components or using a diagnostic tester:

• Sensor Condition: Inspect parking aid sensors for dirt, ice, foreign objects, or stuck-on film. They also check for damage on the bumper, air intake grille, underbody, and mechanical damage like stone chipping or scratches.
• Sensor Seating: Verify that parking aid senders are securely seated, engaged correctly, and centered. The decoupling ring must also be seated evenly, without bulging or folding (as shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the TSB). Sensors should be fitted flush with the bumper.

Diagnostic Tester Checks

If visual checks don't identify the issue, technicians proceed with diagnostic tools:

• Fault Memory: The vehicle's fault memory is checked for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to parking aid senders. If a DTC is present, the affected sender may need replacement. However, if the event memory entry is no longer logged, replacement is not necessary.
• Live Data Analysis: If false warnings persist, oscillation time and distance evaluation are observed in measured value blocks. Technicians may decouple a sensor by covering it with a foam element to absorb ultrasound. If this stops the warning, the surrounding area is checked for reflective objects, and replacement is not needed. If the warning continues despite decoupling and no visible damage, the sensor must be replaced.
• Control Unit and Part Numbers: The coding in the parking aid control unit is checked (e.g., for retrofitted towing brackets), and part numbers are verified against the parts catalog.

Checks Requiring Removal

In some cases, components may need to be removed for further inspection:

• Connections: Connections at the sensors, coupling point on the bumper, parking aid control unit, and sound generator are inspected for corrosion, water entry, bent pins, pushed-back pins, and proper seating of connector seals.
• Wiring Harness: Wires in the bumper harness are checked for damage, crushing, and sufficient length. Routing may be optimized to ensure wires are not under tension.
• Sensor Brackets: The bracket holding the sensor in the bumper is checked for damage, deformation, secure attachment, correct alignment, and dirt.

Important Notes for Owners

• Warranty Coverage: Stone chipping and scratches on parking aid sensors are generally not covered under warranty. Dirty sensors must be cleaned as part of routine maintenance.
• Sensor Painting: When replacing sensors, special painting instructions must be followed. The housing of the sensor itself must not be painted; only the outer surface within a specific range (2-8mm) should be painted.

Warranty Information

For warranty claims related to these issues, repairs should be claimed under the applicable Service numbers and Damage Code. The TSB specifies Service Number 9175 for the parking aid sensor, 9174 for the parking aid control unit, and 9759 for the wiring harness, all with Damage Code 0040. If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance.

NHTSA ID: 11011285