2023-2026 Audi Models High Beam Assist/Traffic Sign Detection Limited

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 96 24 11 2059201/8, updated on November 20, 2024, to address concerns regarding limited functionality of the high beam assist and traffic sign detection systems. This bulletin supersedes TSB Group 69 number 23-01, dated November 15, 2023. Owners of various 2023-2026 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron C12B3FD issue, may experience warning messages in the instrument cluster.

Symptoms

Owners typically report seeing the following messages appear in the instrument cluster, most often shortly after the vehicle is started:

• "High beam assist currently not available. Camera view restricted because of environmental factors."
• "Traffic sign detection: currently not available. Camera view restricted because of environmental factors."

Fault Codes / DTCs

While some Audi A3 models may not store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for this condition, most other affected vehicles will store the following DTC in the front camera for the driver assist systems control module, J1121 (address word 00A5):

• DTC C12B3FD (front camera for driver assist systems - temporary view restriction) with symptom code 221284.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The DTC C12B3FD with symptom code 221284 is logged if the front camera detects a visibility restriction for more than 77 seconds. When visibility is restored, the message disappears, and the systems become available again, with the DTC often becoming sporadic.

The front camera is equipped with a heating element located under its cover to ensure unobstructed visibility. This heating element activates automatically after engine start at low temperatures, when restricted visibility is detected, or when there's a risk of the glass fogging up.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Audi e-tron C12B3FD issue primarily involves understanding and ensuring clear visibility for the front camera. The recommended steps for technicians and owners include:

1. Educate the customer on how the camera's heating system operates.
2. Advise customers to visually inspect the viewing area of the front camera when the message appears. This area can fog up from either the outside (as shown in Figure 1 of the TSB) or the inside (as shown in Figure 2).
3. Suggest using the wiper system as it can often resolve external fogging.
4. If the front camera regularly fogs up from the inside, removing its lens hood to clean and dry the viewing area of the camera can help.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. Any repairs or diagnostics performed may incur charges.

Owner Action

If you experience the