RSQ3 Air Flap Failure Causes Engine Overheating Issues

Similar issue occurred on my 2017 RS3, which shares many cooling system components. Having some experience with these models, the symptoms match what I encountered, engine overheating and check engine light due to grille shutter malfunction. Diagnostic scan revealed a fault code related to the electromechanism controlling the active air flaps. The thermal management system was not getting proper airflow because the flaps were stuck in a closed position. Had it fixed at a workshop where they replaced the complete grille shutter assembly with actuator. Total repair cost was 590 Euro including labor. The fix resolved both the temperature issues and warning light. What trim level is your RSQ3 and how many kilometers has it done? Also, have you noticed if the grille flaps move at all when starting the car? This information would help confirm if we are dealing with the same underlying issue. Worth checking if the cooling system is otherwise working properly, coolant level, radiator fan operation, etc. These models can show similar symptoms from different causes, so proper diagnosis is important.

Thanks for the insights. Currently at 192959KM and last service was 2 months ago. During cold start, I monitored the grille shutter movement and noticed it seems stuck partially closed. When the check engine light appeared, I also heard a faint clicking noise from the front end. The previous owner mentioned the thermal management system was serviced once under warranty, but no details available. Given the mileage and symptoms matching your experience, I will schedule a diagnostic scan to check the fault codes and air flap system.

Good to hear back from you. Based on the symptoms you described, especially the clicking noise and stuck flap position, it strongly confirms my initial suspicion of the air flap motor failure. The high mileage on your RSQ3 matches the typical wear pattern I experienced with my RS3. The clicking sound you mention is a classic indicator of the flap motor attempting but failing to properly actuate the mechanism. When mine failed, it produced the same noise right before the check engine light appeared. A full diagnostic scan would definitely help confirm, but from the matching symptoms, engine overheating, clicking noise, and visibly stuck flaps, I would expect to see similar fault codes related to the air intake control system. Since your previous owner had warranty work done on the thermal management system, you might want to have the workshop check if any related components were replaced then. In my case, they initially only replaced the flap motor, but the entire assembly needed replacement to properly resolve the overheating issues. Keep monitoring the engine temperature closely until you can get it checked. If it starts running consistently hot, consider limiting high-load driving until the repair is completed.

I understand my RSQ3 issues better now. The symptoms clearly point to the air flap system, just as with your RS3 case. The clicking noise and stuck position of the grille shutter, combined with the engine overheating, match exactly what you experienced. Given that my car has nearly 193000KM on the clock, it makes sense the thermal management system components might be wearing out. I will book the diagnostic scan this week and expect to find similar fault codes related to the air flap control system. Since the previous warranty repair involved the cooling system, I will ask the workshop to review those records. Hopefully, this helps identify if any related parts were changed before. Based on your experience, I should probably prepare for a complete assembly replacement rather than just the motor. Until the repair, I will closely monitor the engine temperature and avoid any heavy acceleration. Thanks for sharing your repair costs too, helps me budget for the likely 590 Euro range expense. The matching symptoms give me confidence we have identified the root cause.