2021-2024 Audi Parking Sensor Fault Message TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2024 Audi vehicles may experience several issues related to the rear parking sensors. These include the "rear parking sensor sometimes does not work" condition, a physically "rear parking sensor is loose," or a persistent "rear parking sensor fault message" appearing on the dashboard. Additionally, the parking aid system might issue false warnings, indicating obstacles that are not present, due to the sensor mounts separating.

Root Cause

The primary cause of these issues is identified as insufficient adhesive strength of the parking aid sensor brackets. Over time, this weakness allows one or more sensor mounts to separate from the rear apron. This separation leads to the sensor becoming loose, resulting in intermittent functionality or inaccurate readings, which trigger the "Audi e-tron parking sensor fault" message or false warnings.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 2068573/4 focuses on securely re-attaching the loose parking sensor mounts to the rear bumper. This process requires precise steps and specialized tools to ensure a durable bond.

1. Preparation: The repair begins with removing the rear bumper cover. Technicians then meticulously remove any old adhesive tape from the bonding surfaces on both the rear apron/spoiler and the affected sensor brackets. These surfaces are lightly sanded and thoroughly cleaned using plastic cleaner D 009 401 04 or an equivalent isopropyl alcohol solution, followed by a 5-minute drying period. A thin coating of primer D 822 150 A1 is applied to both the rear apron and the bracket, which then dries for 10 minutes. All brackets requiring repair are prepared up to this stage before the bonding process.
2. Mounting and Bonding: A specialized tool, VAS 6614/C, is employed to accurately center and clamp the sensor mounts. This tool set includes various diameter holders to accommodate different PDC sensor sizes. The bracket is slid onto a centering pin (part of the VAS 6614 tool) and pushed through the rear apron/spoiler. A counter-hold tool is then positioned from the outside, and a knurled nut is tightened slightly. The bracket is carefully aligned to its correct position. Plastic adhesive D 180 KU2 A1 is applied to specific areas between the parking aid bracket and the rear apron. It is critical to discard the first 3-5 cm of adhesive from the mixing nozzle to ensure proper chemical mixture and to prevent any adhesive from running into the groove on the bonding surface. The knurled nut is then tightened at the centering pin, firmly compressing the mount against the spoiler. This bonding process is repeated for all affected brackets.
3. Final Steps: After a minimum drying time of 30 minutes for the 2-component plastic adhesive D 180 KU2 A1, all centering pins are removed. The rear apron must remain undisturbed during this crucial drying period to allow the adhesive to cure properly. Finally, the rear bumper cover is re-installed, and the parking aid system's operation is confirmed to ensure the "Audi e-tron parking sensor fault" is resolved.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this repair, specific parts and tools are necessary:

• Parts:
  • Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws (as needed per repair manual, identified via ETKA/ELSA)
  • D180KU2A1: Plastic adhesive (quantity: 1)
  • D822150A1: Primer (quantity: 0.1)
  • D 00940104: Plastic cleaner or equivalent (isopropyl alcohol) (quantity: 0.1)
• Special Tools:
  • VAS 6614C: PDC holder tool set
  • VAS 5155: Hand cartridge gun
  • VAS 6160/VAS 6150: VAS tester with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10)

Important Warnings

• Multiple Brackets: If multiple parking aid brackets are loose, technicians must ensure each bracket remains in its original position. Each mount needs to be re-bonded in the same position and orientation to the rear apron.
• Photo Documentation: When submitting claims for this service, technicians are required to attach photos or videos that clearly show the complaint to DOC-IT. These images or videos must include the vehicle's VIN and the date, must not be edited, and should be in focus with adequate lighting. It is also important that they do not show any persons, faces, license plates, or customer data.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin outlines procedures for repairs that may be covered under warranty. The relevant codes for processing claims are:

• Service Number: 9175
• Damage Code: 0018
• Labor Operations:
  • Remove and install rear bumper cover: 6369 19xx (refer to SRT for associated operations)
  • Modify/bond on 1 sensor/bracket: 9175 4999 (50 Technical Units)
  • Modify/bond on all other sensors/brackets: 9175 5099 (20 Technical Units)
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2068573/4.

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty coverage, this TSB serves as informational guidance only.

NHTSA ID: 11012517