Audi A4 Cruise Control Dead: Common Causes & Costs

Had the same issue on a 2006 Audi A6 last month. The cruise control failure was traced to a faulty brake pedal switch, a common problem on these models. The dashboard light staying off is a typical indicator of this issue. The brake pedal switch tells the cruise control system when the brake is pressed. When it fails, the system deactivates as a safety measure. In my case, the mechanic found corroded connections at the switch, likely from moisture getting into the plug. The diagnostic revealed two potential causes: Damaged wiring between the pedal switch and control module, Failed brake pedal switch assembly The fix required replacing the brake pedal switch and cleaning the connector terminals. Not a serious repair, but requires proper diagnostic equipment to verify the fault codes and test the new switch installation. The speed sensor and related wiring should also be checked, as they can cause similar symptoms. If the fuse box shows signs of corrosion, that could point to a broader electrical issue needing attention. This repair is typically straightforward for a qualified shop with Audi diagnostic tools. Worth getting it fixed, as driving without working cruise control sensors could affect other safety systems.

Thanks for sharing your A6 experience. The symptoms do sound identical to what I had. My throttle position sensor also needed adjusting during the repair, but the main culprit was definitely that brake pedal switch. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? Also curious if your cruise control has been working reliably since the fix, or if you noticed any other related issues with the brake light or steering wheel controls? The shop I contacted wants to charge 450 Euro for diagnostics and repair, which seems steep compared to what others mentioned in different threads.

Good to hear you got this sorted. In my case, the repair was much cheaper, just 95 Euro to fix a faulty cable connection near the brake pedal switch. The cruise control has worked flawlessly since the repair three months ago. No issues with the brake light or any dashboard lights showing up. 450 Euro sounds excessive for this type of repair. The speed sensor and pedal switch diagnostics are straightforward procedures that should not cost that much. Most shops can quickly identify if its a blown fuse, wiring issue, or faulty switch. If the quoted shop is suggesting such a high price, might be worth getting a second opinion. The cruise control system on these models is generally reliable once the initial fault is properly fixed. My repair was simple, just needed to address the loose connection that was causing the system to deactivate.

After considering all suggestions, I decided to try a different mechanic who specializes in European cars. The final repair came to 180 Euro, much better than the initial quote of 450 Euro. The main problem was indeed the brake pedal switch, plus they found and fixed a loose connection in the clock spring assembly. The cruise control now works perfectly, no more issues with the dashboard lights or system deactivation. The brake light switch was also tested and recalibrated as part of the service. The entire diagnostic and repair process took about 2 hours. For anyone facing similar issues, I would suggest getting multiple quotes. The speed sensor and related components were all checked during diagnosis, and no blown fuse or additional problems were found. Worth the effort to find a reasonable shop that knows these systems well.