2022-2024 Audi A3 / S3 / RS 3 Radiator Blind Fault (TSB 2073088/3)

Symptoms and Warning Messages

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 models may encounter a specific warning message in their instrument cluster. This message, displayed verbatim, states: "Radiator blind fault Maximum speed limited to 10 mph. Please contact workshop."

When this message appears, the vehicle's maximum speed is restricted to 10 mph. This condition indicates a problem with the engine's radiator blind system, which helps regulate engine temperature.

Associated Fault 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 Module (ECM), specifically J623 (address word 0001):

Code	Description	Module
P05AF00	Active radiator blind 2 sticks open (symptom 28397)	ECM, J623
P05B200	Active radiator blind 2 lost communication (symptom 28405)	ECM, J623
P05A000	Active radiator blind 1 sticks open (symptom 28396)	ECM, J623
P05A300	Active radiator blind 1 lost communication (symptom 28408)	ECM, J623

These codes pinpoint issues with either radiator blind 1 or 2, indicating they are stuck open or have lost communication with the ECM.

Technical Background and Diagnosis

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2073088/3 explains that this condition stems from an engine control unit issue. While the warning message indicates a 10 mph speed limit, the system's intended speed limit for this fault should be 100 mph. For issues related to the incorrect 10 mph display, technicians are advised to refer to TSB 2074984.

In many cases, the "Audi A3 radiator blind fault" can be temporarily resolved by cycling the ignition off and on again. However, Audi notes that the complaint may reappear, especially when driving at speeds greater than 100 mph.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has provided critical guidance for this condition:

• "Explain to the customer that a solution is not expected to be available before the 2nd quarter of 2025 (subject to change), no increased wear or other negative effects on the vehicle are to be expected, and that no repairs are necessary at this point." This means owners should not expect an immediate repair and that the condition is not expected to cause further damage.
• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." This is a crucial warning, preventing unnecessary and costly component replacements that will not fix the underlying software issue.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, or RS 3 displays the "Radiator blind fault Maximum speed limited to 10 mph. Please contact workshop." message, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer. While no immediate repair is available, technicians are instructed to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record for the issue, referencing TSB 2073088/3.

Creating a PSS record helps Audi track the prevalence of this "Audi A3 radiator blind fault" and ensures that your vehicle is noted for future updates or solutions. A permanent solution is anticipated in the second quarter of 2025.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11015773