Scary thing happened this morning, Presense

I was enjoying some "spirited" driving this morning. I passed a truck and was moving quite nicely, got about 1/2 mile ahead of the truck. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the brakes activated, a message on the dash saying the presense was activated, the ABS was firing, and as fast as it turned on, it turned off. There was absolutely nothing in front of me, it's a sunny, clear day.

Called the Audi stealer, and asked what was going on. The service advisor told me because he wasn't there, he doesn't have any idea. I asked if this is a common problem, his answer was I should turn off the presense. While I don't enjoy non-answers, I decided to play his game. I asked what happens if there was someone behind me, he said the presense scans for cars behind me, sounds like BS to me.

If anyone can lend some knowledge on what happened with my car, it's really appreciated.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GR8UK

I was enjoying some "spirited" driving this morning. I passed a truck and was moving quite nicely, got about 1/2 mile ahead of the truck. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the brakes activated, a message on the dash saying the presense was activated, the ABS was firing, and as fast as it turned on, it turned off. There was absolutely nothing in front of me, it's a sunny, clear day.

Called the Audi stealer, and asked what was going on. The service advisor told me because he wasn't there, he doesn't have any idea. I asked if this is a common problem, his answer was I should turn off the presense. While I don't enjoy non-answers, I decided to play his game. I asked what happens if there was someone behind me, he said the presense scans for cars behind me, sounds like BS to me.

If anyone can lend some knowledge on what happened with my car, it's really appreciated.

---

Ive had it kick in when nothing is behind me when reversing into a parking spot. But never while driving.

Sometimes it scans objects around you and triggers. For example if you were flying up on a corner it may have seen an object straight ahead of you and though you were going to crash because you hadn't started turning the wheel yet. I also looks at the corner and can hit the brakes if it thinks you are going too fast to safely make the turn. I don't recommend turning it off, but you can set it to react "late" and then it will wait longer before taking action. The plus side is that it'll wait longer to see if you brake or steer, but the down side is, when it does take action, it will be more aggressive.

that's a false positive. it's making its best guess, it's not always right. It can't see the world or reason about it like humans, but it's always paying attention and can see some things you can't. It's only as good as the tech and the humans programming it allow for, which are both imperfect.

In 3 years, I've had 2 or 3 false positives. Certainly gets the blood pumping[drool] Not perfect, but for me it's worth it for the one real positive. Yes, if there is someone tailgating, it could be a close call. Fortunately, no one on the forums has had this cause an accident. When it did happen, I'm pretty quick to override with the gas pedal (and check the rear view mirror).

I've wondered if it could be dirt on the sensors, a bird flying by, or vegetation. No way to know. It's one of the reasons I initially wanted a dash cam. I thought it might prove their fault in case of accident. But without a true black box, there is no proof. I wondered what the news was talking about with regard to the black box in regard to Tiger's accident. Maybe there is one in our cars we don't know about that records all this.

You can change the sensitivity of it. I keep mine on early and really have only had 1 or 2 false positives. I’ve had it save my ass a few times too. Scary system but works well imo.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Yeah my S3 did this shit all the time however, the sensor was in the bumper in that car so shit set it off all the time even SNOW! The B9 has a camera in the windshield so could have been a damn bird that it picked up... the system is very sensitive and the faster you go, the harder it goes.. I have had it come on a 30mph and it just gave me a warning on the dash but no brakes... another time I was doing 90 and got cut off and the damn thing nearly broke my shoulder it locked it up with the seatbelt too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spindlewood

In 3 years, I've had 2 or 3 false positives. Certainly gets the blood pumping[drool] Not perfect, but for me it's worth it for the one real positive. Yes, if there is someone tailgating, it could be a close call. Fortunately, no one on the forums has had this cause an accident. When it did happen, I'm pretty quick to override with the gas pedal (and check the rear view mirror).

I've wondered if it could be dirt on the sensors, a bird flying by, or vegetation. No way to know. It's one of the reasons I initially wanted a dash cam. I thought it might prove their fault in case of accident. But without a true black box, there is no proof. I wondered what the news was talking about with regard to the black box in regard to Tiger's accident. Maybe there is one in our cars we don't know about that records all this.

---

Blood pumping - absolutely! Along with really big eyes, and a little shaking, yes, the blood pressure was elevated for sure.

My car had just been washed, it was super clean. Living in Illinois, we don't have a lot of roads that I would call "curvy" nor a lot of elevation change. In fact it's downright flat around here. And where I was driving, not a lot of trees (farm country). I made an appointment at a very highly regarded dealer for this Thursday, they're going to dump the computer/"black box" to hopefully understand what the car was doing and why. I'll post what is found late next week.

My $0.02, I don't feel safe in the car if there is a potential malfunction of this nature.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kifac

Ive had it kick in when nothing is behind me when reversing into a parking spot. But never while driving.

---

Thats the rear traffic cross assist that checks for cars coming from the sides when reversing... Fortunately, on my 2021 they added the ability to turn only that specific feature off, and it remembers the setting. It can quickly be turned back on from the menu that appears when you reverse on the touchscreen, all the way at the end.

My gets spooked when backing in to a parking spot at work where there is a road parallel to the parking lot.. Also -- rain and snow easily confuses it.. I've found that if you hold your foot on the brake while reversing, its less prone to kicking in.

I’ve had the same thing happen to me on the highway, definitely scared the shit out of me. my car was very dirty I just assumed the sensors were dirty and picked something up that wasn’t there. As there were no other cars close by. Thankful no on was behind me as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Auddiss

I’ve had the same thing happen to me on the highway, definitely scared the shit out of me. my car was very dirty I just assumed the sensors were dirty and picked something up that wasn’t there. As there were no other cars close by. Thankful no on was behind me as well.

---

That must be freaking scary. I am glad no one was behind. Did your car completely stop from like 60mph to 0mph?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GR8UK

Blood pumping - absolutely! Along with really big eyes, and a little shaking, yes, the blood pressure was elevated for sure.

My car had just been washed, it was super clean. Living in Illinois, we don't have a lot of roads that I would call "curvy" nor a lot of elevation change. In fact it's downright flat around here. And where I was driving, not a lot of trees (farm country). I made an appointment at a very highly regarded dealer for this Thursday, they're going to dump the computer/"black box" to hopefully understand what the car was doing and why. I'll post what is found late next week.

My $0.02, I don't feel safe in the car if there is a potential malfunction of this nature.

---

I got the car back late last week from the dealer, here is what they told me...

-They reviewed the data from the Presense, there were no errors that came from the system.
-This means the system was operating "correctly", and did it's job.
-There is no "black box" that they can look back to understand the scenario where the car suddenly pumped the brakes. I'm looking for some validation on this from you
-The service tech indicated the same thing happened to him, for him they concluded it was a difference in pavement temperature (going from bright sunlight into a tunnel).
-They indicated the Presense was operating correctly. I asked what we should do if it happens again, they said to bring it back in. Then I asked what happens if there's an accident because it fires and someone hits me, they shrugged their shoulders.

At the end of this, I have concluded the Presense system is poorly designed and executed. If normal operation includes sudden brake actuation for no reason, don't put it on the car. I'm getting into the habit of turning this thing off when I start the car. However, I bought the car with Presense, I think it should work correctly all the time.

I looked through various sites for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). There are quite a few on this car, but none of them have to do with Presense.

This issue makes me nervous to drive the car. I am absolutely NOT satisfied with Audi's response from the dealer. My next step will be to contact the corporate HQ in North America.

As always, your thoughts are appreciated!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GR8UK

I got the car back late last week from the dealer, here is what they told me...

-They reviewed the data from the Presense, there were no errors that came from the system.
-This means the system was operating "correctly", and did it's job.
-There is no "black box" that they can look back to understand the scenario where the car suddenly pumped the brakes. I'm looking for some validation on this from you
-The service tech indicated the same thing happened to him, for him they concluded it was a difference in pavement temperature (going from bright sunlight into a tunnel).
-They indicated the Presense was operating correctly. I asked what we should do if it happens again, they said to bring it back in. Then I asked what happens if there's an accident because it fires and someone hits me, they shrugged their shoulders.

At the end of this, I have concluded the Presense system is poorly designed and executed. If normal operation includes sudden brake actuation for no reason, don't put it on the car. I'm getting into the habit of turning this thing off when I start the car. However, I bought the car with Presense, I think it should work correctly all the time.

I looked through various sites for a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). There are quite a few on this car, but none of them have to do with Presense.

This issue makes me nervous to drive the car. I am absolutely NOT satisfied with Audi's response from the dealer. My next step will be to contact the corporate HQ in North America.

As always, your thoughts are appreciated!

---

I would recommend you get a dash cam and try to capture the next occurrence

i have had this happen once in my 2019. two lane roadway cars in the opposite direction were stopped at a light. i was going maybe 25 mph around a very slight bend when all of a sudden the ding went off and at the same time the brakes engaged. heavily. only lasted for a split second but scared the crap out of me.

I had this happen to me a few times during the lockdown. There were no cops so I was doing a good amount of "spirited driving". Every Time I was traveling at a high rate of speed and switching lanes on a highway. It felt like I stomped on the break for a split second then it cut out. I haven't had it happen since.

I feel like someone would have to be really tailgating you for it to result in someone hitting you as it doesn't seem to slow you down that much... I think its meant to pre load the breaks so they would have quicker response if you actually needed to quickly slow down to avoid something. In addition to a few random instances, I've had it kick on when I come up too quick on tractor trailers on the highway and don't switch into the left lane early enough. It feels worse than it actually is... which I think is bc you aren't expecting it.

Not the response you probably want to hear. I completely get your frustration, it should probably bother me more. I spend a lot of time track driving which has made me a bit numb to small instances at highway speeds.... which is probablyy not a good thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marchetta070

I feel like someone would have to be really tailgating you for it to result in someone hitting you as it doesn't seem to slow you down that much...

I live in the Chicago area, tailgating is ridiculous here. The one positive is traffic hasn't gotten back to pre-pandemic levels yet.

I think its meant to pre load the breaks so they would have quicker response if you actually needed to quickly slow down to avoid something. In addition to a few random instances, I've had it kick on when I come up too quick on tractor trailers on the highway and don't switch into the left lane early enough. It feels worse than it actually is... which I think is bc you aren't expecting it.

I'm getting used to turning the Pre Sense off every time I start the car.

Not the response you probably want to hear. I completely get your frustration, it should probably bother me more. I spend a lot of time track driving which has made me a bit numb to small instances at highway speeds.... which is probably not a good thing.

---

I will be taking it on the track sparingly, I sold my Cayman last year which allowed me to buy the S4. My intent is to stay at 5-6/10. BTW, what brake pads are you using?

SHCKR, excellent suggestion, thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rhexis

i have had this happen once in my 2019. two lane roadway cars in the opposite direction were stopped at a light. i was going maybe 25 mph around a very slight bend when all of a sudden the ding went off and at the same time the brakes engaged. heavily. only lasted for a split second but scared the crap out of me.

---

With everyone getting the crap scared out of them, Audi is going to need to install a TP holder in the car.

Best use of the center console I've heard yet. 😄

This happened to me a couple of times in my S4, and the first time scared the crap out of me...
So I learned that it is likely to happen on a curved road where the S4 can see something on the edge of its detection field but yet it's clear to me that there is nothing dangerous in front of me.
I tried to avoid those situations, and it never happened again.

Twice to me in an 18 SQ5. Once was a curvy road and the other was a very hilly road I was driving spirited on. It does shock you if you aren’t expecting it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is why I just turn it off when I get in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GR8UK

I was enjoying some "spirited" driving this morning. I passed a truck and was moving quite nicely, got about 1/2 mile ahead of the truck. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the brakes activated, a message on the dash saying the presense was activated, the ABS was firing, and as fast as it turned on, it turned off. There was absolutely nothing in front of me, it's a sunny, clear day.

Called the Audi stealer, and asked what was going on. The service advisor told me because he wasn't there, he doesn't have any idea. I asked if this is a common problem, his answer was I should turn off the presense. While I don't enjoy non-answers, I decided to play his game. I asked what happens if there was someone behind me, he said the presense scans for cars behind me, sounds like BS to me.

If anyone can lend some knowledge on what happened with my car, it's really appreciated.

---

This is one of the reasons I just unplugged mine on my s3. I had a few smaller scale incidents that pumped the brakes for me and it freaked me out. I unplugged it. Yes there was a pre sense message on the dash but I didn’t care.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

The system isn't malfunctioning, it's just overly sensitive.
I've had similar experiences with my 2016 W205 C class and in a 2019 Toyota Camry.

Have you ever had something fly towards your windshield and you flinch slightly and then realize it was just a leaf as it careens away from the car?
Same thing happening here. The system gets a false positive but before it can determine it is false, it chooses to react. Usually as soon as it reacts, more info comes through the sensors and it realizes it's false.

There's really nothing you can do except turn it off when you're going to drive aggressively.

For any of you that have also experienced this issue, I have contacted the NHTSA, and a file has been started. You can go to https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ to file a complaint for the Audi Presense braking hard for no apparent reason. Actually, the more of you who do reach out to NHTSA, the more attention it will receive.

Thanks, Keivn

I had a very weird pre-sense occur today. While sitting at a red light with the windows down all of a sudden my seatbelt REALLY pulled in and tightened up. All the windows and sunroof closed, presense blared and flashed on screen. Absolutely no reason for it that I could see. It was very bizarre.

Was there a vehicle behind you that was approaching too fast and might not have been able to stop before hitting you - isn't that the scenario for pre-sense rear to activate?

There was a line of cars already stopped behind me, so no. I was in the left lane and there were cars moving in the turn lane but no where near anything resembling and impact. It’s freaked me out like when my fiancé co-pilots and thinks everyone is out to hit us.

Any chance it was windy and caused some debris to blow in front of the car quickly? I had a similar experience with a plastic grocery bag getting blown in front of the car and causing the presense to lock the brakes and scare the piss out of me.

I've had pre-sense activate inappropriately a few times while 1) attempting to turn across road, in front of oncoming traffic that was more than a safe distance away, 2) while stopped at red lights and 3) while backing up when nothing was in the way. I've changed settings to activate late which seems to have solved all but the occasional issue while at a stop light. Maybe it's sensing oncoming traffic that has the green turn signal or maybe a bird flying in front of sensor or something.

I had this happen the other day to me too. Left hand turn on my car slammed on the brakes, left me half way in the middle. Had to floor it to get through.

What settings do you all keep yours on? It loooks like there is early, medium, and late? I want to set mine to the least reactive, I'm guessing late?

I have my pre-sense set to late… even still it’s very sensitive and twitchy… it can unnerving even if you’re just backing up slowly… I know it’s a safety feature… but I do not like it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gpm24780

I have my pre-sense set to late… even still it’s very sensitive and twitchy… it can unnerving even if you’re just backing up slowly… I know it’s a safety feature… but I do not like it

---

Every system in the car was made to make the car safest in the world. Is there any way to deactivate the system. I think this system is good in City and not good on Highway! What do you say?

Happened to me once in my B9 A4 before I upgraded, but nothing in the S4 yet thankfully. Was only going about 25 mph, great weather, no noticeable flying debris, and a car about 30ft in front of me. Scared the shit out of me that's for sure.

Had this happen today in my RS3. Was on an empty 2 lane road, driving at 30mph. No warning light, belts tightened and the car put on the anchors. This was on a street that is normally busy, but for some reason I lucked out and wasn't rear ended.

I have had this happen on 3 occasions where I was making a left turn on an unprotected light/from a turning lane with oncoming traffic. I would slowly begin to roll forward and presense would (very harshly) stop the car. It has happened during the day and night. I have not had it happen while driving at any speeds (which would be MUCH worse)

Haven't had this happen on my B9 S4 yet, but when I had my B9 A4 it happened once while I was pushing the car hard around a banked highway clover interchange that's about nine stories high. I was shocked I didn't ruin my pants. Wasn't really even at the limit, it just freaked out and went full brakes for about a tenth of a second.