Audi A3 Cruise Control Dead, Common Fix Guide

I had a similar issue with my Audi A4 2.0 TDI from 2018. As someone with some experience working on cars, I first thought it was a simple fuse box issue too, but it turned out to be more complex. The problem was traced to a faulty clock spring connection behind the steering wheel, which affected both the cruise control and steering wheel buttons. The workshop found that the wiring connection between the cruise control switch and the main control unit had deteriorated over time. After a full diagnostic scan, they discovered that the pedal switch was also sending inconsistent signals, which prevented the cruise control from engaging properly. The speed sensor readings were all normal though. The fix involved replacing the clock spring assembly and repairing the wiring connection. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostics. Before I can provide more specific advice about your case, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues? Do your steering wheel buttons all work normally? Does the brake pedal switch make an audible click when pressed? Any warning lights on the dashboard?

Thanks for sharing your experience. My A3 has 111138KM and was last serviced 3 months ago. This issue started right after a long highway trip. The dashboard light for cruise control briefly flashes when trying to activate, but no other warning lights appear. All steering wheel buttons work fine except cruise control. The brake pedal switch does click normally and brake lights work as expected. Interested in your mention of the clock spring, would explain why only cruise control is affected while other steering wheel functions still work. The throttle position sensor also reads normally according to my OBD scanner. Will probably need to get it properly diagnosed, but wanted to confirm if these symptoms match what you experienced before investing in repairs.

Your symptoms do sound very similar to what I experienced with my A4. The flashing cruise control dashboard light but otherwise normal steering wheel functions matches exactly what happened to me. The clock spring in these models can fail partially, affecting only specific circuits, which explains why other steering wheel functions still work. When mine started acting up, the cruise control was the first thing to go while everything else kept working normally. Since your throttle position readings are normal and the brake pedal switch is functioning, this further points to the clock spring or wiring connection being the likely culprit rather than sensor issues. The fact that it started after a long highway trip is also telling, extended periods of straight driving can sometimes accelerate wear on the clock spring components. The diagnostic scan will be worth it, in my case it clearly showed communication errors between the cruise control switch and the main unit. Given your mileage is similar to what mine was when the issue occurred, the repair costs should be in the same range of around 100 Euro if it turns out to be the same problem. Just watch out for any other electrical issues developing, if you start noticing intermittent problems with other steering wheel functions, get it checked right away to prevent more extensive damage to the wiring.

Thanks for the detailed replies and analysis. This really helps narrow down the most likely cause. I will schedule a proper diagnostic scan this week focusing on the clock spring and wiring connections you mentioned. The symptoms you described match mine exactly, especially the part about the cruise control being the only affected steering wheel function. Knowing that the repair was around 100 Euro in your case also gives me a good baseline for what to expect cost-wise. I will keep monitoring for any other electrical issues developing with the steering wheel buttons as suggested. And you make a good point about the highway trip possibly contributing to the wear, I do quite a bit of highway driving so that could explain the timing. Will report back once I get the diagnostic results and hopefully confirm if the clock spring is indeed the culprit. Thanks again for sharing your experience, saved me from unnecessarily checking speed sensors and other components that are likely working fine.