snagitseven

VCDS was reporting what occurred at the time (a short), not what the state was afterward (open circuit). That's typical of many fault codes.

DB22

So although you clear the fault code, the error still shows even though there is no short? That is actually quite clever:
Short creates problem.
Code is set.
Fault is now open but remains reporting short until a resistance is recognized.

It is good for diagnostics because it will continue to point to the issue even though the subsequent issue is the opposite. I would be willing to bet that there is only one error code - Short, even though it maybe Open.

Many people state issues inverted but I'm surprised that the Germans didn't allow for both conditions.

snagitseven

Since it only reports one condition, I'd prefer the one that caused the problem. A short. I would think continuing to report that is more useful in determining the cause of the issue. For example, you wouldn't gain much insight if VCDS reported a "fuse has blown". I would rather it pointed to the thing that caused it to blow in the first place. Both conditions would be nice but it is what it is.

JRomulus

Sorry to hear about this. Do you know what model year A6 the other 3 you found had ?

Mattbult

FYI, after the event and saving the report, I cleared the codes and the short to ground code did not come up. This was before I replaced the fuses. So I think the event caused a 40 amp draw, tripped the fuses and the code. Still working fine after multiple hot days in traffic. Though I have not tried to reproduce the circumstances/event that caused the fuses to blow. Nor will I.

-m

Mattbult

Everyone that I have heard of experiencing this problem also had 2012 model years. I also had my thermostat fail at about 25k miles, FYI. Replaced under warranty.

Vodka G

i have thew same fault code, but to ONE of the fan not both, pulled off the brace to check the fuse and yep one of them is blown....

great post THANKS!

Mattbult

Awesome! Seriously glad it helped.

-m