2022-2023 Audi A3/S3/RS3 Start System Warning TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2022-2023 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 vehicles may notice a specific warning message appearing in their instrument cluster. The verbatim message displayed is: "Vehicle start system: fault. Please contact workshop". This indicates a problem with the vehicle's starting system that requires professional attention.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the "Vehicle start system: fault" message appears, a diagnostic scan of the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECM) J623 (diagnostic address 0001) will typically reveal one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

Code	Description
P086D00	Neutral Position Sensor "A" Circuit High
P086E00	Neutral Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

These codes specifically point to an issue with the neutral position sensor circuit.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of this Audi S3 start system warning and associated DTCs has been identified as a manufacturing defect. On certain vehicles produced within a specific period, the supply line connecting to the gearbox neutral position sender G701 may be too short. This insufficient length can lead to stress and eventual damage to the wiring, causing the circuit high or intermittent/erratic signals that trigger the fault codes.

Audi has implemented a production solution to address this by increasing the length of the harness in newer vehicles.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi S3 start system warning and the related DTCs, technicians will perform a specific repair procedure outlined in TSB 2071791/1. The process involves checking the wiring at the gearbox neutral position sender G701 for any signs of damage. If any of the three wires are found to be damaged, all three wires must be repaired. The repair includes lengthening the wires by 20 mm to prevent the problem from recurring. This ensures adequate slack and reduces strain on the wiring harness.

Required Tools or Parts

Performing this repair requires specific parts and a special tool to ensure a lasting fix. The following items are necessary:

• Part Number 000979034EA: Individual wire (quantity 2)
• Part Number 000979940: Butt connector (quantity 3)
• Part Number 3C0972741: Wiring seal (quantity 3)
• Tool Number VAS 1978 B: Wire harness repair set

Additional fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be needed as per the repair manual, which can be sourced via ETKA/ELSA.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) outlines a repair procedure that may be covered under warranty. For eligible vehicles, coverage is typically up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles may also be covered under the G10 program, subject to owner verification. If your vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this bulletin serves as informational guidance, and repair costs may apply.

Owner Action

If your 2022-2023 Audi A3, S3, or RS 3 is displaying the "Vehicle start system: fault. Please contact workshop" message or if you suspect an issue related to the gearbox neutral position sensor, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the problem, confirm the presence of DTC P086D00 or P086E00, and perform the necessary repair as per TSB 2071791/1.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10244474, TSB ID: 2071791/1