RSQ3 Fan Failure Causing Dangerous Engine Overheating

The symptoms match what I encountered with my Q5 2.0T (2011). The vehicle overheating issue turned out to be a faulty fan motor control module, not the fan motor itself. The engine cooling system would struggle particularly during idle, causing temperature spikes. The cooling system problem was initially misdiagnosed as a thermostat issue. After replacing several parts without success, a specialized diagnostic revealed the fan control module had corroded connector pins, causing intermittent fan operation. The engine cooling fan would appear completely dead at times, then suddenly work again. This required removing the front bumper to access the control module. The repair involved installing a new control module and rewiring the fan motor connections. It was a serious issue that could have led to engine damage if left unaddressed. Suggest checking the fan motor operation first, it should run at low speed when the engine is warm and high speed when hot. If the fan doesnt respond properly, the control module and wiring harness need inspection by a qualified technician who understands these specific cooling system components.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Audi RSQ3 had the exact same overheating symptoms last summer. The electric fan was indeed the culprit, but in my case both the fan clutch and wiring were damaged. The temperature control issues cleared up immediately after the repair. Did you track how much the final fix cost you? Also curious if your cooling system has been running smoothly since the repair or if you noticed any other issues? The radiator fan on mine has been working perfectly for 6 months now, but I keep a close eye on the temperature gauge just in case.

Yes, everything has been running perfectly since having the temperature control system fixed. The vehicle overheating problems disappeared completely after repairing the faulty connection to the electric fan. In my case, the cooling system repair was straightforward, just a damaged wire and connector that cost 95 Euro to fix. The fan motor now responds properly at different engine temperatures, activating at both low and high speeds as needed. The cooling system maintains stable temperatures even in slow traffic, which was the main issue before. Unlike the complex repairs some face, mine turned out to be a simple electrical connection problem. No other cooling-related problems have surfaced in the months since the repair. The regular temperature readings and consistent fan operation confirm the diagnosis was correct. Worth noting that catching these issues early helps prevent more extensive damage to other engine components.

The overheating nightmare is finally over. After getting a second opinion from a different mechanic, they immediately spotted the real problem, both the fan clutch and temperature control module were failing. The engine cooling issues were resolved with a complete fan motor assembly replacement, which cost 480 Euro total including labor. The radiator fan now kicks in exactly when it should, and the temperature gauge stays firmly in the normal range, even during rush hour traffic. Such a relief after months of stress watching that temperature needle climb. The new mechanic also cleaned out the entire cooling system while they had it apart, which probably helped too. The repair has held up perfectly for 6 months now. No more panicking when stuck at traffic lights. Lesson learned though, sometimes you need to try different shops until you find one that really knows their stuff with these specific cooling system problems. Should have done that sooner instead of letting the first mechanic take multiple unsuccessful attempts.