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michaelwolf1

Audi A4 Wiper System Complete Failure After Repairs

My wipers completely stopped working on my 2013 Audi A4 (gas, 39942km). The error light came on and my mechanic previously messed up some repairs. The wiper switch feels normal when turning it, but nothing happens. Has anyone experienced similar issues? Looking for advice before going back to a shop, as I suspect it might be just the switch itself. What should I watch out for when getting it fixed?

4 comment(s)

eliasthunder43

Had the same problem on my 2016 Audi A6 2.0 TFSI last winter. The wiper motor completely failed to respond despite the wiper switch feeling normal. After inspection, it turned out the electrical connector at the wiper motor base was corroded and partially disconnected. The issue was more complex than just a faulty switch. The rain sensor and wiper motor wiring harness needed proper testing with diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact failure point. A repair shop should check the entire wiper system circuit, including: Wiper motor connections, Rain sensor functionality, Wiring harness condition, Switch signal output, Control module communication The repair was significant since accessing the wiper motor assembly required partial removal of the cowl panel. This isnt a simple switch replacement job, proper diagnosis is essential to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily. The windshield wipers failing completely is a safety concern that needs professional attention. Based on the symptoms, recommend having a certified technician perform a full system diagnostic before replacing any components.

michaelwolf1 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your A6 wiper repair. Currently dealing with an identical situation on my 2013 A4. The wiper motor also stopped responding despite the wiper switch feeling fine. Noticed this especially during recent rains. Just wondering, do you remember how much you ended up paying for the complete repair? Also curious if youve had any other wiper-related issues since getting it fixed, especially with the wiring harness or rain sensor? Considering taking it to a specialist since the windshield wipers are a crucial safety feature. Want to get a rough idea of costs before heading to the shop.

eliasthunder43

Thanks for asking about the repair cost. After taking my A6 to the mechanic, they fixed the wiper system issue completely. The problem turned out to be simpler than initially feared, just a loose connection in the wiring near the steering column where the wiper switch connects to the main harness. The total repair cost was 95 Euro, which covered diagnosing and fixing the cable connection. Much better than having to replace the entire wiper motor or rain sensor unit. The windshield wipers have worked flawlessly since the repair, with no issues in wet weather. Getting it properly diagnosed was key, the technician tested all components including the wiper blade mechanism and electrical connections before finding the actual fault. For your A4, I recommend having them check the wiring connections first before replacing more expensive parts. Since the repair last winter, the wiper system has performed perfectly in all conditions. The rain sensor responds correctly, and the wipers activate smoothly at all speeds.

michaelwolf1 (Author)

Thanks for the advice. I took my A4 to a certified shop yesterday after dealing with the windshield wiper problems. The mechanic found that the wiring harness had multiple damaged spots near the wiper motor connection. They also discovered the rain sensor was misaligned from previous work. Total repair came to 280 Euro, which included fixing the wiring harness and properly adjusting the rain sensor position. The cruise control was also affected by the damaged wiring, so they recalibrated that while fixing everything else. The wipers now work perfectly, tested them this morning with the water spray. The wiper switch feels more responsive too. Glad I had it properly diagnosed instead of just replacing parts out of nowhere. Lesson learned: always get a full system check when dealing with electrical issues. What seemed like a simple wiper motor problem turned out to be more complex with the wiring. Worth every cent to have it working safely again.

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