Parking Assist System - False Warnings Set
91 Parking assistance provides false warnings
91 13 74
2024323/3
February 5, 2013
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 12-61 dated October 1, 2012 for reasons listed.
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Vehicle Information
Condition
Customer states one of the following:
^ Parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles when none exist.
^ Parking aid is inoperative or provides constant warning.
Technical Background
^ Various parking aid sensor fitting issues.
^ Environmental conditions.
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
Misaligned parking aid sensors or various vehicle mountings can cause parking aid malfunctions. This TSB provides diagnosis tips related to
parking aid systems.
1. Verify that the coding within J446 - Parking Aid Control Module is valid for the equipment installed on the vehicle (i.e.: trailer hitch, tow bar,
etc.).
2. Check the vehicle fault memory and proceed according to GFF.
^ If GFF identifies a problem with a specific sensor, proceed with the test plan.
^ If GFF does not identify a specific sensor, check MVBs in J446 - Parking Aid Control Module starting with MVBs for oscillation.
MVBs for internal sensor oscillation (if applicable) (acceptable values = 0.8 to 1.5ms). If the oscillation is not within specification, proceed
to step 10.
MVBs for distance calculations (255 = no obstruction). If an obstruction is identified but none exists, proceed to step 3.
Tip:
Vehicles can be equipped with 4- or 8-channel parking aid systems. Refer to ElsaWeb for vehicle-specific information.
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3. Check parking sensors for obvious issues:
^ Mechanical damage (stone chips, scratches).
^ Dirt, ice, foreign bodies, foil adhered to sensor.
^ Damage to the bumpers that may indicate an accident (or paint indicating a previous incident).
Tip:
Exterior damage to the vehicle, including stone chips and scratches, is not covered by Audi Warranty. When painting sensors, the special painting
instructions" for parking sensors in the paint repair manual must be observed.
4. Check for non-Audi Genuine Accessories which can interfere with parking aid operation, including:
^ Aftermarket towing bar.
^ Aftermarket lowering kit.
^ Aftermarket spoiler or air deflector.
^ Aftermarket bumper.
5. For 8-channel systems, check the installation of the front license plate holder for:
^ Protrusion. The license plate and holder must fit on flat.
^ Bent corners. Any bent-open corners may cause false readings.
^ Correct fit. Oversized license plate holders or frames can obstruct parking aid sensors.
6. Pressure check for a tight fit and correct attachment of the parking sensors. If the sensor is not snug or feels loose, remove the bumper and
reinstall the sensor.
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7. Check that the decoupling ring is correctly seated. If the ring is folded or bulging, remove the bumper and reinstall the sensor.
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8. Verify that the sensor is centered inside of the mounting hole. If the sensor is mounted off-center, remove the bumper and reinstall the sensor.
9. Ensure the sensor sits flush with the bumper. If the sensor is recessed or bulging, remove the bumper and reinstall the sensor.
10. Re-evaluate the concern:
^ If an issue was identified and the concern was remedied, proceed to step 15.
^ If no issues were identified and the concern cannot be duplicated, proceed to step 15.
^ If the concern still persists, proceed to step 11.
11. Remove the bumper and check the connectors on the sensors, the socket box of the bumper, on the control unit for parking assistance and on the
sound generator of the parking assistance for:
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^ Corrosion.
^ Water ingress or water marks.
^ Bent-open pins.
^ Pushed-back pins.
^ Correct fit of plug seal.
Tip:
If a specific sensor is identified by the diagnostic tester, proceed forward for that specific sensor only.
12. Check the cables in the bumper for damage and sufficient length. Cables that are too short can cause damage to the harness.
^ If the cable is damaged, repair the cable using VAS Repair Kit 1978.
^ If the cable is too tight, correct the routing by moving the support clip so the cable is no longer under tension.
13. Check the connectors on the parking sensors and the socket box for correct installation. If the connectors are not installed properly, reinstall.
14. Re-evaluate the concern:
^ If an issue was identified and the concern was remedied, proceed to step 15.
^ If the concern still persists, swap affected parking aid sensors or control modules until issue is identified, remedy the concern, and proceed
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to step 15.
15. Various environmental factors can cause incorrect warnings. Notify the customer that the following may affect parking aid operation:
^ High plants and curbs.
^ Gravel paths, cobblestone paths, pot holes, grates, sharp bends in the road, slopes, driveways or ramps.
^ Water on the parking sensors.
^ Ice, snow on the parking sensor or the bumper.
^ Exhaust gases of the vehicle under certain weather conditions.
^ Conflicting ultrasound sources (pneumatic brakes on trucks, animal alarms, parking aid systems of other vehicles, etc.).
^ Fluorescent lighting.
Warranty
Accounting for an incorrectly fitted license plate holder or for cleaning the sensors is not permitted under warranty. For the potential remounting of
parking assist sensor, replacing of the parking assist sensor bracket, or repairing system wiring.
All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims are subject to
review or audit by Audi Warranty.
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service
manuals for the latest information.
