2022-2024 Audi A3/S3/RS3 No Start System Fault TSB

Symptoms of the "Engine/power unit start system: fault"

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS3 vehicles may experience a no-start condition. When this occurs, a warning message will appear in the instrument cluster. This message can be either "Engine start system: fault" or "Power unit start system: fault". This indicates a problem with the vehicle's starting system. If you encounter an Audi A3 no start system fault, a diagnostic scan will likely reveal specific trouble codes.

Fault Codes (DTCs)

When diagnosing the "Engine/power unit start system: fault" condition, technicians will typically find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the onboard supply control unit (J519, address word 0009) or other modules:

Diagnostic Address	DTC	Description
J519 (0009)	B114815	Terminal 15 open circuit/short circuit to B+
0003	U140500	Terminal 15, implausible signal
0015	B201C00	Supply voltage implausible signal
0023	C121E00	Terminal 15, implausible signal
0044	U112300	Data bus error value received
0069	U140500	Terminal 15, implausible signal
0075	U112300	Data bus error value received

The presence of these codes, particularly B114815, points to an issue with Terminal 15, which is responsible for supplying power to various components when the ignition is on.

Technical Background

The root cause of the "Engine/power unit start system: fault" and the associated DTCs is a hardware conflict within the onboard supply control unit, specifically the J519 module (address word 0009). This conflict leads to incorrect signals or an open circuit condition for Terminal 15, preventing the vehicle from starting.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 97 23 02 2069999/4 outlines the necessary steps to resolve this no-start condition. The primary repair involves updating the software of the onboard supply control unit J519.

1. Software Update: The J519 control unit (address word 0009) must be updated using the Software Version Management (SVM) code 09A059. This update will install new software version 0183 (or higher) to address the internal hardware conflict.
2. DoIP Communication: When flashing the control module, technicians are instructed to always use DoIP (Diagnostic over Internet Protocol) via ODIS. This requires activating "Only allow DoIP communication" in the diagnostic tool settings (Administration>>General>>GFF Process>>DoIP communication). This setting will automatically reset after the diagnostic session.
3. Headlight Adjustment: After the software update is successfully completed, the headlight aim should be checked and adjusted if necessary.

This procedure aims to correct the underlying hardware conflict and eliminate the Audi A3 no start system fault.

Required Tools

To perform the software update and diagnosis, technicians will need the following specialized equipment:

• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: A VAS tester running the current version of ODIS (Windows 10).

Important Warnings

Audi provides specific instructions for technicians regarding the diagnostic and repair process:

• "Always use DoIP when flashing a control module via ODIS in supported vehicles."
• "To Activate DoIP, select Administration>>General>>GFF Process>>DoIP communication>>Only allow DoIP communication"
• "This setting will automatically reset when the diagnostic session is ended."
• "You can tell if DoIP is active by observing a red LED on the VAS 6154(A)"
• "There may also be related terminal 15 implausible DTCs stored in various modules. Please review the table below." (referring to the DTC table provided in the TSB).

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) specifies warranty coverage for the repair. The claim type is "110" for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is "G10," requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of these warranty parameters, the TSB serves as informational guidance only, and the repair may not be covered.

The service number for this procedure is 9710, with a damage code of 0039. Labor operations include 0151 0000 for the software update of the J519 control unit and 9415 16XX for headlight adjustment if needed. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10245696