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rainerblade1

Audi's Rain Sensor Triggers Multiple System Failures

My 2018 Audi S1 has developed multiple electrical faults related to automatic functions. The rain detection system stopped working completely, and the auto headlights are not functioning either. The speedometer dimming is also affected. Several error codes are stored in the system. Looking at these symptoms, I suspect the rain sensor might be faulty, but I need to confirm before replacing parts. Has anyone experienced similar issues with their rain sensor causing multiple automatic features to fail? What was the actual problem and repair solution in your case? Would particularly appreciate hearing from those who had this fixed at a workshop and could share the diagnosed cause and repair costs involved. Thanks in advance for any insights.

4 comment(s)

manfred_moore92

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi A1 last year. With moderate experience working on car electronics, I initially thought it was just a simple rain sensor malfunction. The symptoms matched exactly, auto headlights, rain detection system and dashboard dimming all failing simultaneously. After inspection, my workshop found bubbles forming under the gel pad connecting the rain sensor to the windshield, causing poor contact and multiple system failures. The fix involved replacing the entire rain sensor unit and applying new gel padding. Total cost was 62 Euro for parts and labor. The auto sensor systems started working perfectly after the repair. However, your case might be different since these car electronics issues can have various causes. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Are there any visible signs of damage around the sensor area? When did the light sensor and rain sensor issues first appear, gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any water leaks around the windshield area? What specific error codes are stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches the common gel pad deterioration problem or points to something else.

manfred_moore92

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi A1 last year. With moderate experience working on car electronics, I initially thought it was just a simple rain sensor malfunction. The symptoms matched exactly, auto headlights, rain detection system and dashboard dimming all failing simultaneously. After inspection, my workshop found bubbles forming under the gel pad connecting the rain sensor to the windshield, causing poor contact and multiple system failures. The fix involved replacing the entire rain sensor unit and applying new gel padding. Total cost was 62 Euro for parts and labor. The auto sensor systems started working perfectly after the repair. However, your case might be different since these car electronics issues can have various causes. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Are there any visible signs of damage around the sensor area? When did the light sensor and rain sensor issues first appear, gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any water leaks around the windshield area? What specific error codes are stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches the common gel pad deterioration problem or points to something else.

manfred_moore92

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi A1 last year. With moderate experience working on car electronics, I initially thought it was just a simple rain sensor malfunction. The symptoms matched exactly, auto headlights, rain detection system and dashboard dimming all failing simultaneously. After inspection, my workshop found bubbles forming under the gel pad connecting the rain sensor to the windshield, causing poor contact and multiple system failures. The fix involved replacing the entire rain sensor unit and applying new gel padding. Total cost was 62 Euro for parts and labor. The auto sensor systems started working perfectly after the repair. However, your case might be different since these car electronics issues can have various causes. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Are there any visible signs of damage around the sensor area? When did the light sensor and rain sensor issues first appear, gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any water leaks around the windshield area? What specific error codes are stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches the common gel pad deterioration problem or points to something else.

manfred_moore92

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi A1 last year. With moderate experience working on car electronics, I initially thought it was just a simple rain sensor malfunction. The symptoms matched exactly, auto headlights, rain detection system and dashboard dimming all failing simultaneously. After inspection, my workshop found bubbles forming under the gel pad connecting the rain sensor to the windshield, causing poor contact and multiple system failures. The fix involved replacing the entire rain sensor unit and applying new gel padding. Total cost was 62 Euro for parts and labor. The auto sensor systems started working perfectly after the repair. However, your case might be different since these car electronics issues can have various causes. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Are there any visible signs of damage around the sensor area? When did the light sensor and rain sensor issues first appear, gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any water leaks around the windshield area? What specific error codes are stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches the common gel pad deterioration problem or points to something else.

manfred_moore92

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi A1 last year. With moderate experience working on car electronics, I initially thought it was just a simple rain sensor malfunction. The symptoms matched exactly, auto headlights, rain detection system and dashboard dimming all failing simultaneously. After inspection, my workshop found bubbles forming under the gel pad connecting the rain sensor to the windshield, causing poor contact and multiple system failures. The fix involved replacing the entire rain sensor unit and applying new gel padding. Total cost was 62 Euro for parts and labor. The auto sensor systems started working perfectly after the repair. However, your case might be different since these car electronics issues can have various causes. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Are there any visible signs of damage around the sensor area? When did the light sensor and rain sensor issues first appear, gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any water leaks around the windshield area? What specific error codes are stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches the common gel pad deterioration problem or points to something else.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My mileage is at 103904 KM, with the last service done just 2 months ago. The malfunctioning sensor started acting up about 3 weeks ago. Initially noticed some flickering of the auto headlights, then the rain sensor stopped completely. Took it to a workshop and they found corrosion on the sensor connectors causing an electrical fault. In my case, a gel pad replacement alone did not solve the issue. The entire auto sensor unit needed replacement due to internal damage from moisture. The repair, including parts and labor, came to 280 Euro. All automatic functions are now working properly again. The car electronics seem sensitive to moisture in this area. Might be worth checking if theres water getting in around your windshield seal to prevent future issues with car components.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My mileage is at 103904 KM, with the last service done just 2 months ago. The malfunctioning sensor started acting up about 3 weeks ago. Initially noticed some flickering of the auto headlights, then the rain sensor stopped completely. Took it to a workshop and they found corrosion on the sensor connectors causing an electrical fault. In my case, a gel pad replacement alone did not solve the issue. The entire auto sensor unit needed replacement due to internal damage from moisture. The repair, including parts and labor, came to 280 Euro. All automatic functions are now working properly again. The car electronics seem sensitive to moisture in this area. Might be worth checking if theres water getting in around your windshield seal to prevent future issues with car components.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My mileage is at 103904 KM, with the last service done just 2 months ago. The malfunctioning sensor started acting up about 3 weeks ago. Initially noticed some flickering of the auto headlights, then the rain sensor stopped completely. Took it to a workshop and they found corrosion on the sensor connectors causing an electrical fault. In my case, a gel pad replacement alone did not solve the issue. The entire auto sensor unit needed replacement due to internal damage from moisture. The repair, including parts and labor, came to 280 Euro. All automatic functions are now working properly again. The car electronics seem sensitive to moisture in this area. Might be worth checking if theres water getting in around your windshield seal to prevent future issues with car components.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My mileage is at 103904 KM, with the last service done just 2 months ago. The malfunctioning sensor started acting up about 3 weeks ago. Initially noticed some flickering of the auto headlights, then the rain sensor stopped completely. Took it to a workshop and they found corrosion on the sensor connectors causing an electrical fault. In my case, a gel pad replacement alone did not solve the issue. The entire auto sensor unit needed replacement due to internal damage from moisture. The repair, including parts and labor, came to 280 Euro. All automatic functions are now working properly again. The car electronics seem sensitive to moisture in this area. Might be worth checking if theres water getting in around your windshield seal to prevent future issues with car components.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details. My mileage is at 103904 KM, with the last service done just 2 months ago. The malfunctioning sensor started acting up about 3 weeks ago. Initially noticed some flickering of the auto headlights, then the rain sensor stopped completely. Took it to a workshop and they found corrosion on the sensor connectors causing an electrical fault. In my case, a gel pad replacement alone did not solve the issue. The entire auto sensor unit needed replacement due to internal damage from moisture. The repair, including parts and labor, came to 280 Euro. All automatic functions are now working properly again. The car electronics seem sensitive to moisture in this area. Might be worth checking if theres water getting in around your windshield seal to prevent future issues with car components.

manfred_moore92

Thanks for the update on your repair experience. The 280 Euro repair cost makes sense given the extent of damage you found. These auto sensor units are indeed quite sensitive to moisture intrusion. Your case actually helps confirm what happened with mine. After my initial 62 Euro gel pad fix, I started experiencing similar issues again about 6 months later. The sensor fault codes returned, and closer inspection revealed corrosion build-up inside the sensor housing just like yours. Had to get the complete sensor unit replaced too, which resolved all the malfunctioning sensor symptoms. My second repair ended up costing around 265 Euro, very close to your cost. The sensor calibration process was included in this price. The workshop explained that moisture damage often starts with the gel pad but can spread to affect internal car components if not addressed quickly. They recommended regular inspection of the windshield seal as preventive maintenance. Since the complete unit replacement, all auto functions have remained stable with no recurring sensor faults. Makes sense to share this follow-up since partial fixes might only provide temporary relief when dealing with rain-light sensor issues.

manfred_moore92

Thanks for the update on your repair experience. The 280 Euro repair cost makes sense given the extent of damage you found. These auto sensor units are indeed quite sensitive to moisture intrusion. Your case actually helps confirm what happened with mine. After my initial 62 Euro gel pad fix, I started experiencing similar issues again about 6 months later. The sensor fault codes returned, and closer inspection revealed corrosion build-up inside the sensor housing just like yours. Had to get the complete sensor unit replaced too, which resolved all the malfunctioning sensor symptoms. My second repair ended up costing around 265 Euro, very close to your cost. The sensor calibration process was included in this price. The workshop explained that moisture damage often starts with the gel pad but can spread to affect internal car components if not addressed quickly. They recommended regular inspection of the windshield seal as preventive maintenance. Since the complete unit replacement, all auto functions have remained stable with no recurring sensor faults. Makes sense to share this follow-up since partial fixes might only provide temporary relief when dealing with rain-light sensor issues.

manfred_moore92

Thanks for the update on your repair experience. The 280 Euro repair cost makes sense given the extent of damage you found. These auto sensor units are indeed quite sensitive to moisture intrusion. Your case actually helps confirm what happened with mine. After my initial 62 Euro gel pad fix, I started experiencing similar issues again about 6 months later. The sensor fault codes returned, and closer inspection revealed corrosion build-up inside the sensor housing just like yours. Had to get the complete sensor unit replaced too, which resolved all the malfunctioning sensor symptoms. My second repair ended up costing around 265 Euro, very close to your cost. The sensor calibration process was included in this price. The workshop explained that moisture damage often starts with the gel pad but can spread to affect internal car components if not addressed quickly. They recommended regular inspection of the windshield seal as preventive maintenance. Since the complete unit replacement, all auto functions have remained stable with no recurring sensor faults. Makes sense to share this follow-up since partial fixes might only provide temporary relief when dealing with rain-light sensor issues.

manfred_moore92

Thanks for the update on your repair experience. The 280 Euro repair cost makes sense given the extent of damage you found. These auto sensor units are indeed quite sensitive to moisture intrusion. Your case actually helps confirm what happened with mine. After my initial 62 Euro gel pad fix, I started experiencing similar issues again about 6 months later. The sensor fault codes returned, and closer inspection revealed corrosion build-up inside the sensor housing just like yours. Had to get the complete sensor unit replaced too, which resolved all the malfunctioning sensor symptoms. My second repair ended up costing around 265 Euro, very close to your cost. The sensor calibration process was included in this price. The workshop explained that moisture damage often starts with the gel pad but can spread to affect internal car components if not addressed quickly. They recommended regular inspection of the windshield seal as preventive maintenance. Since the complete unit replacement, all auto functions have remained stable with no recurring sensor faults. Makes sense to share this follow-up since partial fixes might only provide temporary relief when dealing with rain-light sensor issues.

manfred_moore92

Thanks for the update on your repair experience. The 280 Euro repair cost makes sense given the extent of damage you found. These auto sensor units are indeed quite sensitive to moisture intrusion. Your case actually helps confirm what happened with mine. After my initial 62 Euro gel pad fix, I started experiencing similar issues again about 6 months later. The sensor fault codes returned, and closer inspection revealed corrosion build-up inside the sensor housing just like yours. Had to get the complete sensor unit replaced too, which resolved all the malfunctioning sensor symptoms. My second repair ended up costing around 265 Euro, very close to your cost. The sensor calibration process was included in this price. The workshop explained that moisture damage often starts with the gel pad but can spread to affect internal car components if not addressed quickly. They recommended regular inspection of the windshield seal as preventive maintenance. Since the complete unit replacement, all auto functions have remained stable with no recurring sensor faults. Makes sense to share this follow-up since partial fixes might only provide temporary relief when dealing with rain-light sensor issues.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies about sensor issues. Following up on my repair experience to give closure to this thread. The auto sensor replacement has held up perfectly for 6 months now. All car electronics are functioning normally with no sensor faults showing up in diagnostics. The rain detection, auto headlights and dashboard dimming work just like new. One useful tip from my workshop, they applied additional sealant around the windshield sensor housing to prevent future moisture issues. This extra step seems to have helped prevent any electrical fault from returning. For anyone facing similar malfunctioning sensor symptoms, my advice would be to get a full diagnosis rather than just replacing the gel pad. While the 280 Euro repair cost was higher than expected, fixing it properly the first time saved money in the long run. Regular inspection of seals around auto sensors is now part of my maintenance routine to catch any early signs of moisture intrusion. Worth the effort to protect these sensitive car components from corrosion damage.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies about sensor issues. Following up on my repair experience to give closure to this thread. The auto sensor replacement has held up perfectly for 6 months now. All car electronics are functioning normally with no sensor faults showing up in diagnostics. The rain detection, auto headlights and dashboard dimming work just like new. One useful tip from my workshop, they applied additional sealant around the windshield sensor housing to prevent future moisture issues. This extra step seems to have helped prevent any electrical fault from returning. For anyone facing similar malfunctioning sensor symptoms, my advice would be to get a full diagnosis rather than just replacing the gel pad. While the 280 Euro repair cost was higher than expected, fixing it properly the first time saved money in the long run. Regular inspection of seals around auto sensors is now part of my maintenance routine to catch any early signs of moisture intrusion. Worth the effort to protect these sensitive car components from corrosion damage.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies about sensor issues. Following up on my repair experience to give closure to this thread. The auto sensor replacement has held up perfectly for 6 months now. All car electronics are functioning normally with no sensor faults showing up in diagnostics. The rain detection, auto headlights and dashboard dimming work just like new. One useful tip from my workshop, they applied additional sealant around the windshield sensor housing to prevent future moisture issues. This extra step seems to have helped prevent any electrical fault from returning. For anyone facing similar malfunctioning sensor symptoms, my advice would be to get a full diagnosis rather than just replacing the gel pad. While the 280 Euro repair cost was higher than expected, fixing it properly the first time saved money in the long run. Regular inspection of seals around auto sensors is now part of my maintenance routine to catch any early signs of moisture intrusion. Worth the effort to protect these sensitive car components from corrosion damage.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies about sensor issues. Following up on my repair experience to give closure to this thread. The auto sensor replacement has held up perfectly for 6 months now. All car electronics are functioning normally with no sensor faults showing up in diagnostics. The rain detection, auto headlights and dashboard dimming work just like new. One useful tip from my workshop, they applied additional sealant around the windshield sensor housing to prevent future moisture issues. This extra step seems to have helped prevent any electrical fault from returning. For anyone facing similar malfunctioning sensor symptoms, my advice would be to get a full diagnosis rather than just replacing the gel pad. While the 280 Euro repair cost was higher than expected, fixing it properly the first time saved money in the long run. Regular inspection of seals around auto sensors is now part of my maintenance routine to catch any early signs of moisture intrusion. Worth the effort to protect these sensitive car components from corrosion damage.

rainerblade1 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies about sensor issues. Following up on my repair experience to give closure to this thread. The auto sensor replacement has held up perfectly for 6 months now. All car electronics are functioning normally with no sensor faults showing up in diagnostics. The rain detection, auto headlights and dashboard dimming work just like new. One useful tip from my workshop, they applied additional sealant around the windshield sensor housing to prevent future moisture issues. This extra step seems to have helped prevent any electrical fault from returning. For anyone facing similar malfunctioning sensor symptoms, my advice would be to get a full diagnosis rather than just replacing the gel pad. While the 280 Euro repair cost was higher than expected, fixing it properly the first time saved money in the long run. Regular inspection of seals around auto sensors is now part of my maintenance routine to catch any early signs of moisture intrusion. Worth the effort to protect these sensitive car components from corrosion damage.

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