2022-2024 Audi A3 Radiator Blind Fault & Speed Limit TSB

Symptoms of the Audi A3 Radiator Blind Fault

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3 vehicles may observe a warning message in the Audi virtual cockpit stating: "Radiator blind: fault. Maximum speed limited to 10 mph. Please contact workshop". This message typically appears due to a fault with the radiator blind system. While the message indicates a 10 mph speed limit, the vehicle's actual maximum speed is limited to 100 mph when this fault occurs. The correct message that should be displayed is "Radiator blind: fault. Maximum speed limited to 100 mph. Please contact workshop". The incorrect 10 mph display is a software issue within the Audi virtual cockpit.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

When the Audi A3 radiator blind fault occurs, one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored in the engine control unit J623 (diagnostic address 0001):

These codes indicate specific issues related to the active grille air shutters, which are components of the radiator blind system.

The Problem Explained

The root cause of the Audi A3 radiator blind fault is a malfunction of the radiator blind itself. However, the primary concern addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074984/1 is a software issue within the Audi virtual cockpit. This software glitch causes the vehicle to display an incorrect maximum speed limit of 10 mph when the radiator blind fault is present, instead of the actual 100 mph limit. The TSB aims to correct this misleading display to accurately reflect the vehicle's operational status.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the incorrect speed limit display associated with the Audi A3 radiator blind fault, a software update for the Audi virtual cockpit is required. This procedure, detailed in TSB 2074984/1, involves activating DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) communication in the ODIS tester. Technicians must navigate to "Administration" → "General" → "GFF Process" and select the option to "Only allow DoIP communication". After the diagnostic session, these settings will automatically reset.

Using SVM code 17A051, the Audi virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017) needs to be updated to one of the following software versions: 5350, 7390, 0232, or 0322. The specific target version depends on the currently installed software and the vehicle's model year. The update is initiated on the workshop tester by selecting "flash" and entering the specified SVM code. A diagnostic interface such as VAS 6154 or VAS 6154A is necessary for DoIP communication.

Important Information for Owners

Owners should be aware that if their 2022-2024 Audi A3 is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin 2074984/1 is considered informational only. This means that the cost of the software update to correct the Audi A3 radiator blind fault may not be covered by Audi, and the owner might be responsible for the repair expenses. It is always recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center to determine warranty coverage and estimated repair costs.

Warranty Information

For vehicles under warranty, claims related to this issue should reference Service Number 9025 and Damage Code 0039. The claim comment should specify "As per TSB 2074984/1". Labor operations for the software update are listed as 0151 0010 or 0151 0060, depending on the specific diagnostic protocol.

Source: NHTSA ID 11007256