Have you ever wondered what Audi’s safety system malfunction is? Well, we got you covered.
Audi vehicles are known for their high-quality German engineering, providing drivers with advanced technology, comfort, and prestige. However, even the best cars can sometimes experience issues, including malfunctions within their safety systems.
In this article, we will discuss the components and functions of Audi’s safety system, common causes of malfunctions, and solutions for when such problems arise.
Is the car drivable when it shows a “safety system malfunction” warning prompt?
Yes, your Audi is still drivable when you see the “safety system malfunction” warning on your dashboard. However, it is important to exercise caution and take your vehicle to the nearest service center as soon as possible. This warning does not interfere with the functioning of the car but serves as an alert for a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
How Your Audi’s Safety System Works
The safety system in your Audi is comprised of active and passive systems, which work together to prevent accidents and protect the occupants in the event of a collision.
Active Safety Systems
Active safety systems are responsible for avoiding accidents in the first place and are always “active” in maintaining vehicle control. Some of the active systems include:
- Vehicle Stability Assist/Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control The traction control system works with the anti-lock braking system to prevent your Audi from losing balance when accelerating. If the wheels start to lose traction, the engine power is automatically reduced to match the amount of grip available.
- Anti-Lock Braking System During braking, wheel speed sensors monitor the rotation of the wheels. When one or more tires try to cease rotation, a system composed of hydraulic valves takes over the wheel’s braking to prevent the vehicle from skidding.
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is a subsystem of the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system and traction control. The EBD system uses the vehicle’s traction control and ABS to determine the ideal brake force distribution to all four wheels in a braking event.
- Brake Assist Brake assist automatically brakes the vehicle in the event of an accident, reducing the danger of skidding and the risk of further collisions. The function uses the relevant sensors to detect a collision; the severity of the crash and the speed reduction are calculated by the safety computer.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System Many Audi models are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system integrated into the electronic stabilization program (ESP). It alerts the driver in the event of pressure loss by displaying a warning on the onboard monitor.
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Passive Safety Systems
Passive safety systems are not actively performing a specific job but contribute to making your car safer. Many of these features are designed for comfort and only act as additional safety features. Some of the passive systems include:
- Audi adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and Traffic jam assist Your Audi’s cruise control adapts responsively to improve efficiency and adjust speed in heavy and light traffic. The advanced traffic assist system uses a front camera, sensors, and radar to brake and accelerate automatically, making driving in traffic less bothersome.
- Vehicle exit assist The Audi vehicle exit assist, available on pricier models, uses your car’s LED lights to warn you when vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians are too close. It also prevents your door from colliding with other vehicles as you exit or enter.
- Turn assist & Collision avoidance assist Your Audi’s turn assist and collision avoidance systems rely on radar and camera data to monitor oncoming traffic. The system senses when you are preparing to turn and is on standby to apply emergency brakes if it detects an imminent collision.
- Night vision assistant Driving at night adds to the risk factor of poor visibility. The night vision assistant aims to compensate for this and allow you to detect hazards ahead. This automated system warns you when you come within 100m of a potential hazard.
- Airbag System The airbag system is designed to cushion the driver and passengers from impact in a collision. It is deployed immediately after an accident and inflates quickly to reduce the injuries sustained by occupants.
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Causes of the Safety System Malfunction
Safety system malfunctions can be caused by various issues, including:
1) Internal adjustments
Adjusting your car’s driver’s seat can disrupt the electronic control module (ECM) located beneath the seat. This can lead to the display of the warning light.
2) Airbag issues
The warning light and message prompt may indicate problems affecting the airbag. This can occur if your car has been involved in a road traffic accident or if the airbag sensor detects a technical fault within the airbag.
3) Braking system malfunction
Damaged brake rotors, often caused by driving on worn-out brake pads, can trigger the warning light. As the brake pad wears down, the metal becomes exposed, causing metal-on-metal contact when you apply the brakes to stop. This contact can cause deep grooves on the rotor, leading to brake rotor system damage.
4) Traction control system damage
The traction control system can develop problems with the wheel speed sensors, which can be vulnerable when exposed to elements. Dirt or other buildups can interrupt the magnetic operation on the traction control sensors.
5) Anti-lock braking system damage
Just like the traction control system, the anti-lock system is vulnerable to elements such as water, dust, or other buildups. The anti-lock braking system functions via an intricate system of sensors that can be easily damaged by these elements.
6) Major road accidents
Major road accidents can damage most, if not all, of the safety systems discussed earlier. This can lead to the persistence of the warning light despite complete repair of the vehicle’s systems.
The sensors responsible for the warning prompt are difficult to repair and return to a normal state, which can result in a constant display of the warning light and message prompt.
Solutions in Case of Safety System Malfunction
If your Audi experiences a safety system malfunction, follow these steps to address the issue:
1) Running a diagnostic test on the car
Take your car to a certified dealer who can run a diagnostic test on the car’s electronic control module (ECM). This helps identify the issue with pinpoint accuracy and rules out the unnecessary display of the warning light when internal seat adjustments are made.
2) Proper garage selection
If your car has been in a major accident, ensure that the garage you entrust with the repair is certified. Proper sensor restoration during repairs is crucial to avoid the constant display of the warning light. A good garage or service center is essential for solving this issue.
Preventing the Safety System Malfunction
To prevent a safety system malfunction in your Audi, consider the following:
- Regular, thorough servicing and check-ups of the car Ensure all components necessary for the smooth running of the car are checked during servicing. If faulty brake pads are detected, replace them with brand-new ones.
- Careful driving Taking care of your Audi can prevent many issues, including safety system malfunctions. Most problems discussed in this article are related to damage sustained by your car. If damage can be avoided, the safety system will remain intact.
- Pay attention to warning lights Be proactive in taking your car for a diagnostic test when you see a warning light on your dashboard. Ignoring warnings can be detrimental to your car’s overall performance if there’s an issue that needs attention.
Audi Safety System Fault FAQs
What is the Audi pre sense safety fault?
The Audi Pre-Sense is a safety system that uses sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and potential collisions, and it can display a “pre sense fault” warning on the dashboard if it malfunctions.
The most common causes of this warning are dirty sensors or a dirty windshield, which can be cleaned to fix the issue.
In rare cases, failing sensors or other malfunctions can cause the warning. To fix and reset the warning, it is recommended to go to a certified mechanic.
If the windshield has been recently changed, the cameras may need recalibrating. Maintaining the vehicle’s sensors, actuators, and control unit is crucial for the proper functioning of the Audi Pre-Sense system.
Where is the Audi pre sense sensor located?
The Audi pre sense sensor is located in the rear bumper of the car. This sensor uses radar technology to detect a possible rear-end collision and initiates preventive safety measures to avoid it.
However, it’s worth noting that the pre sense system comprises various sensors, actuators, and control units that work together to provide a comprehensive safety feature for your Audi vehicle.
If you encounter an error message on your dashboard indicating an Audi pre sense fault, it could be due to dirty sensors or a dirty windshield. In such cases, it’s advisable to take your car to a certified Audi technician who can diagnose and fix the issue correctly.
How much do Audi sensors cost?
The cost of Audi sensors varies depending on the type of sensor and the model of the car. For example, the cost of an Audi A4 Backup Warning System Sensor Replacement ranges from $1128 to $1158 on average.
However, it’s important to note that the Audi pre sense sensor, which is located in the rear bumper of the car and uses radar technology to detect possible collisions, is part of a larger system that includes various sensors, actuators, and control units.
If there is an error message related to the pre sense system, it could be due to dirty sensors or a dirty windshield, and it’s best to take the car to a certified Audi technician for diagnosis and repair.
Do all Audis have pre sense?
Not all Audi models come with Audi Pre-Sense as standard, but most models do have it as an optional feature that can be added.
The level of Audi Pre-Sense technology also varies between models, with the 2018 Audi A3 having standard basic pre sense® and the A7 having standard rear pre sense®.
Other popular models like the A4, A6, Q5, and Q7 have different levels of pre sense® technology. To learn more about Audi’s pre sense packages and which models have them, customers can contact their local dealership.
How to turn on and off Audi Safety Features >> Check out the video below: