Audi A5 Power Seat Failure, Common Switch Issues Fix

I had a similar issue with my Audi A4 (2013) where the passenger seat adjustment stopped working completely. Having some experience with electrical problems in cars, I first checked the basic stuff like fuses, but the issue persisted. The root cause turned out to be a completely discharged battery that damaged the seat control module. The automotive seat harness was fine, but the low voltage had affected the control unit. The seat wiring itself was intact, which was a relief since replacing the entire seat harness would have been much more expensive. The workshop diagnosed it properly with their diagnostic tool and fixed the issue by replacing the battery and resetting the seat adjustment system. Total cost was 290 Euro including labor and parts. Before giving more specific advice, could you share: Did this happen suddenly or gradually? Are there any other electrical issues in your car? Does the driver seat adjustment still work normally? Can you hear any clicking sound when trying to adjust the passenger seat? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if its something else in the seat wiring system.

Last serviced 2 weeks ago at 137280 KM. Thanks for sharing your experience. The passenger seat issue happened quite suddenly, was working fine one day, completely dead the next. The driver seat adjustment works perfectly normal, and I dont hear any sounds when trying to move the passenger seat. All other electrical components in the car work fine too. I checked all the fuses related to the power seats as suggested, but they all seem intact. The seat motor isnt making any noise when activated, which makes me think the issue might be with the seat control module rather than the wiring or motor itself. Really hoping its not the entire seat harness that needs replacing. Would you recommend going straight to an authorized dealer for the control module diagnosis, or is this something an independent workshop could handle with the right diagnostic tools?

Based on your description, this really sounds identical to what I experienced, especially with the sudden failure and complete silence from the seat motor. The symptoms match exactly, no response, no noise, while other electrical systems remained functional. Since you mentioned all other electrical systems are working fine and the driver seat operates normally, I am even more convinced its the seat control module, just like in my case. The lack of any mechanical noise when attempting adjustment is a telltale sign that the electric seat control unit isnt sending any signals to the seat motor. An independent workshop can definitely handle this, as long as they have proper diagnostic equipment for Audi vehicles. The key is ensuring they can properly interface with the seat control module. When I had mine fixed, the independent shop did a great job at about 40% less than what the dealer quoted. Just make sure they: Run a full diagnostic scan of the passenger seat electronics, Check the voltage output to the seat motor, Verify the seat wiring connections are secure, Test the seat control module specifically Given the matching symptoms and how common this issue is with our model years, I would bet on the control module being the culprit rather than a more complex problem with the entire seat wiring harness or motor assembly.

Thanks for all this great input. Feeling much more confident now about the likely cause and repair approach. Will contact a few independent workshops tomorrow that specialize in Audi electronics to get quotes for diagnosing and potentially replacing the passenger seat control module. The fact that your symptoms were so similar and it turned out to be the control module gives me hope this wont require a complete power seat overhaul. The price you mentioned seems reasonable compared to what I was worried it might cost for major electric seat repairs. Since my car was just serviced and all other systems are working fine, I agree its probably an isolated issue with the seat electronics rather than a broader electrical problem. Will make sure to ask the workshop about their diagnostic capabilities for Audi seat systems before booking it in. Really appreciate the detailed explanation of what to have them check. Having this information will help ensure they do a proper diagnosis of the seat control module and wiring before replacing any parts.