2022-2024 Audi A3/S3/RS 3 Radiator Blind Fault TSB

Symptoms of the Audi A3 Radiator Blind Fault

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 models may encounter a warning message in the virtual cockpit stating, "Radiator blind - fault. Maximum speed limit to 10 mph." This message typically appears after the ignition is switched on and may disappear after the vehicle is turned off and restarted. While the message indicates a 10 mph speed limit, the vehicle's actual maximum speed is limited to 100 mph, not 10 mph. This discrepancy is due to a software issue in the virtual cockpit.

Beyond the specific warning, owners might also notice other related complaints. These can include issues with instrument display symbols, engine output characteristics, cooling system performance, coolant fan control, and irregular engine running. These symptoms are often linked to the active grille air shutters.

Fault Codes (DTCs)

When this 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):

Code	Description	Storage State
P05A300	Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Control Circuit Range/Performance	Static/Intermittent
P05AF00	Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Stuck On	Static/Intermittent
P05B200	Active Grille Air Shutter "B" Control Circuit Range/Performance	Static/Intermittent
P05A000	Active Grille Air Shutter "A" Stuck On	Static/Intermittent

Diagnosis

The presence of these DTCs in the engine control unit (J623, diagnostic address 0001) confirms the issue. The root cause is identified as a software problem within the Audi virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017) that incorrectly displays the maximum speed limit when a radiator blind fault is detected. The vehicle's actual speed limitation is 100 mph, not the 10 mph shown in the warning message.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that the warning message "Radiator blind - fault. Maximum speed limit to 10 mph" is misleading. The actual speed limitation imposed by the vehicle when this fault occurs is 100 mph, not 10 mph. The correct message, which should be displayed, is "Radiator blind: fault. Maximum speed limited to 100 mph. Please contact workshop". This TSB aims to correct this display error.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi A3 radiator blind fault and the incorrect speed limit display, a software update for the Audi virtual cockpit is required. This update is performed using the SVM (Software Version Management) code 17A051.

The repair involves updating the virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017) to one of the following target software versions, depending on the installed version and vehicle model year: 0232, 0322, 5350, or 7391. The original software versions that may be present include 0212, 0218, 0220, 0222, 0224, 0226, 0228, 0230, 0308, 0310, 0316, 0318, 0320, 5330, 5345, 7340, 7362, 7364, 7370, and 7380.

Before performing the software update, technicians must activate DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) communication in the ODIS tester. This involves navigating to "Administration" → "General" → "GFF Process" and selecting the option to "Only allow DoIP communication." The diagnostic interface VAS 6154 or VAS 6154A is necessary for this communication. These DoIP settings will automatically reset after each diagnostic session.

Required Tools and Software

• Diagnostic Interface: VAS 6154 or VAS 6154A
• Diagnostic Software: ODIS tester with DoIP communication enabled.
• SVM Code: 17A051
• Target Software Versions for Virtual Cockpit (Diagnostic Address 0017): 0232, 0322, 5350, 7391 (specific version depends on vehicle configuration).

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin 2074984/3 outlines a software update that is generally covered under warranty. The service number for this repair is 9025, and the damage code is 0039. Labor operations include 0151 0010 for the software update, which refers to the Service Repair Time (SRT) with associated operations, and 0151 0060 for the software update, with time stated on the diagnostic protocol. Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this TSB is informational only, and costs may apply.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11015737