2024-2026 Audi A3/S3/RS3 AC Not Working TSB 2080697/1

Symptoms

Owners of 2024-2026 Audi A3, S3, and RS3 models may experience their air conditioning system occasionally not working. This intermittent malfunction typically resolves itself after the vehicle is switched off and then completes a bus sleep cycle. When the Audi S3 AC not working condition occurs, the air conditioning system may fail to provide cooling or proper climate control.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the air conditioning system occasionally does not work, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the HVAC Electronics (automatic control) module, J979 (address word 0008), may be stored. These codes indicate specific issues within the system.

Code	Description
U193500	Interior air conditioning function restriction
B10AE22	High pressure sensor, upper limit exceeded

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Audi workshops have found that the complaint of the air conditioning system occasionally not working can sometimes be reproduced during a road test. During this diagnostic process, various entries related to the control motors are logged in diagnostic address 0008, confirming the presence of an issue within the HVAC system. The storage of DTCs U193500 and B10AE22 further points to a specific problem with the interior air conditioning function and the high-pressure sensor.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the root cause of this intermittent air conditioning malfunction as a software issue. This means the problem is not due to a faulty mechanical component but rather an error in the vehicle's control software that manages the air conditioning system's operation.

Production Solution

The software issue causing the intermittent air conditioning problem was addressed in vehicle production starting in week 51 of 2024. This indicates that newer vehicles produced after this period should not exhibit this particular fault.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2080697/1 provides critical guidance for this specific issue. Owners should be aware of the following:

• Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern. This is a key instruction, as replacing parts like the control motor will not fix the underlying software problem and could lead to unnecessary costs or delays.
• Replacing parts or attempting repairs on the control motor will not fix the problem.
• Unjustified work/replacement parts will be charged back. Invoicing under warranty is not permitted. This emphasizes that dealers are instructed not to perform unauthorized repairs or replace parts for this known software issue.
• No repairs are necessary at this point. Audi is actively reviewing the matter, and a definitive action plan is expected in the future.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2024-2026 Audi A3, S3, or RS3 and experience your Audi S3 AC not working intermittently, it's important to understand that a permanent fix is currently under review by Audi. According to TSB 2080697/1, a resolution is expected to be available by the second quarter of 2026, though this timeline is subject to change. At this time, no repairs are necessary, and no components should be replaced.

When you visit your Audi dealer, explain the issue and mention that you are aware of Technical Service Bulletin 2080697/1. The dealer is instructed to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record through the PSS application. This record helps Audi track the prevalence of the issue and ensures that your vehicle is noted for future action once a solution is released. Do not authorize any part replacements for this specific intermittent AC issue, as they will not resolve the problem.

Warranty Information

Audi has explicitly stated that replacing parts or attempting repairs on the control motor for this specific condition will not fix the problem. Any unjustified work or replacement parts performed by a dealership will be charged back, and invoicing for such work under warranty is not permitted. This reinforces the instruction that owners should not pursue part replacement for the intermittent Audi S3 AC not working issue until Audi releases an official repair.

Source: NHTSA ID 11028449