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

Symptoms

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 vehicles may observe a specific warning message in their instrument cluster. The message states, "Radiator blind fault Maximum speed limited to 10 mph. please contact workshop."

This message indicates a potential issue with the engine's radiator blind system. When this fault occurs, the vehicle's maximum speed is significantly restricted to just 10 mph, which can be a major inconvenience and safety concern. The Audi S3 radiator blind fault directly impacts vehicle performance.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the "Radiator blind fault" message appears, technicians will typically find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM), specifically J623 (address word 0001). These codes pinpoint the nature of the radiator blind issue:

Diagnosis and Technical Background

This issue stems from a problem within the engine control unit's software. The system incorrectly interprets the state of the radiator blinds, leading to the erroneous warning message and speed limitation. While the instrument cluster displays a 10 mph limit, the technical background indicates that the maximum speed limit should actually be 100 mph.

It is important to note that the Audi S3 radiator blind fault may reappear, particularly at speeds exceeding 100 mph, even if it temporarily clears. The underlying cause is not a mechanical failure of the radiator blinds themselves but rather a software misinterpretation.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2073088/1 provides critical guidance regarding this condition:

• Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern. This is a software-related issue, and replacing hardware parts like the radiator blinds or associated modules will not fix the problem and may result in unnecessary costs.
• Audi expects a permanent software solution to be available by the end of the 4th quarter of 2024. This timeline is subject to change, and until then, no physical repairs are deemed necessary.
• In many cases, the complaint may temporarily resolve itself after an ignition cycle. However, this does not mean the underlying software issue is fixed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The long-term solution for the Audi S3 radiator blind fault is an improved software release for the engine control unit. As of the TSB's publication date (April 5, 2024), this software is still under development and expected later in 2024.

For current instances of the fault, if no actual mechanical fault is found with the component using Guided Fault Finding (GFF), the stored memory entry for the DTC can be deleted. Technicians are instructed to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record in the AccessAudi system to track these occurrences.

Warranty Information

This condition is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is under claim type G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of these warranty parameters, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Warranty claims should reference Service Number 1935 and Damage Code 0016. Diagnostic time (GFF) is allocated 0150 0010, and for a software update (when available), 0150 0060 (maximum 80 TU) is allotted. Claim comments should specify "As per TSB 2073088/1."

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" message, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi workshop. While a permanent software fix is pending, your dealer can diagnose the issue, confirm the presence of DTCs like P05AF00, P05B200, P05A000, or P05A300, and ensure your vehicle is documented for the upcoming software update.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10253251