2022-2026 Audi Driver Assist System Fault DTC C12D5FA

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 55 2076396/1 to address intermittent issues with various driver assistance systems in certain 2022-2026 Audi models. This TSB specifically targets instances where warning messages appear on the instrument cluster, accompanied by a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

The TSB clarifies that these issues are typically sporadic and do not require replacement of vehicle components. Instead, a simple diagnostic procedure is recommended to resolve the Audi driver assist system fault C12D5FA.

Symptoms of the Audi Driver Assist System Fault C12D5FA

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe various warning messages displayed on the instrument cluster. These messages indicate that certain driver assist systems are temporarily unavailable or restricted. The reported symptoms include:

• "Audi adaptive light: system fault."
• "Audi pre sense: system fault."
• "Adaptive cruise assist: restricted."
• "Adaptive cruise assist: predictive control currently restricted."

A key characteristic of this issue is its intermittent nature. The warning messages typically disappear, and the systems become available again after the ignition is switched off and back on, or following a bus sleep cycle.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, workshops will find a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in the Driver assist systems control unit -J1121- (address word 00A5).

This DTC, C12D5FA, along with symptom number 221281, indicates a sporadic communication issue within the image processing processor of the driver assistance systems control module.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi's TSB 90 24 55 2076396/1 includes critical information that owners should be aware of to prevent unnecessary repairs and costs:

• This TSB does not apply in the event of an active/static issue. If the problem is constant and not intermittent, or if the DTC C12D5FA is not stored, this bulletin's recommendations may not apply.
• Do not replace any parts! Replacing parts will not remedy the customer complaint. This is a crucial point, as replacing components like the Driver assist systems control unit -J1121- will not fix the sporadic fault and will result in unjustified labor and parts charges.
• Replacing parts or attempting repairs will not fix the problem. Unjustified labor/replacement parts will be debited. Owners should ensure their service facility is aware of this TSB to avoid being charged for ineffective part replacements.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi driver assist system fault C12D5FA is straightforward and focuses on the electrical system rather than component replacement. The primary step outlined in TSB 2076396/1 is to delete the stored DTC C12D5FA (symptom number 221281) from the Driver assist systems control unit -J1121-.

It is explicitly stated that replacing any parts will not resolve the customer complaint. This suggests the issue is often a temporary glitch that can be cleared from the system's memory. Technicians should follow standard diagnostic protocols to confirm the sporadic nature of the DTC before proceeding with clearing it.

What Owners Should Do

If you are experiencing intermittent driver assist system warnings such as "Audi adaptive light: system fault" or "Adaptive cruise assist: restricted" in your 2022-2026 Audi, and these messages disappear after restarting the vehicle, it is recommended to visit an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the symptoms and mention Audi Technical Service Bulletin 90 24 55 2076396/1.

Ensure that the service center is aware of the TSB's guidance to not replace parts for this specific sporadic DTC C12D5FA. The labor operation associated with this service is primarily to charge the battery, indicating a potential link to voltage stability, though the primary repair is clearing the code.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims related to this issue, identified by Service Number 9093 and Damage Code 0039, must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The claim comment should reference TSB 2076396/1. If your vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance.

NHTSA ID: 11012511