tildadragon33
Audi A7 Cruise Control Failure Triggers Check Engine Light
Summary of the thread
The conversation centers around a 2015 Audi A7 experiencing cruise control failure and a check engine light activation. The issue is identified as a faulty clock spring, a component that connects steering wheel controls to the main electrical system. This problem is common in vehicles with over 100,000 km and can affect multiple systems, including airbag functionality. The suggested solution is to replace the clock spring, which resolved the issue for both participants, restoring cruise control functionality and clearing the dashboard warnings.
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4 comment(s)
tildadragon33 (community.author)
Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds very similar to what I am experiencing with my A7. The steering wheel controls feel a bit off too, which matches what you mentioned about the clock spring being the culprit. Could you remember roughly how much you paid for the full repair? Also wondering if any related issues have popped up since getting it fixed? My dashboard light is still on and I want to make sure I address everything at once to avoid multiple shop visits.
benjaminschmidt4
The repair turned out to be straightforward, costing 95 Euro to fix a faulty cable connection at the pedal switch assembly. The mechanic found the issue quickly using diagnostic equipment. After the repair, both the cruise control and check engine light issues were completely resolved. The steering wheel controls returned to normal function, and I have not experienced any related problems in the months since. The throttle position sensor and all related components were also tested during the diagnosis to ensure there were no other underlying issues. The blown fuse theory was ruled out early in the diagnostic process. Looking back, the symptoms matched perfectly, intermittent cruise control failure combined with dashboard warnings. If your steering wheel controls feel off, definitely have them check the entire system including all electrical connections. The total repair time was under two hours, much simpler than my initial concerns about potentially needing extensive electrical work or component replacement. Regular maintenance has kept everything working perfectly since then.
tildadragon33 (community.author)
I took your advice and visited my mechanic yesterday. The diagnosis confirmed exactly what you described, a faulty clock spring. My dashboard light was indeed linked to this issue. The repair cost came to 380 Euro including parts and labor. My mechanic explained the clock spring replacement process and showed me the worn component. The steering wheel had to be removed to access it properly. The cruise control works perfectly now and all dashboard lights have cleared. The steering wheel buttons feel crisp again, and the whole repair took about 3 hours. Much better experience than my last repair shop visit. For anyone else facing similar issues, the mechanic mentioned this is a common wear item that often affects multiple systems when it starts to fail. Getting it fixed promptly was definitely the right call.
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AUDI
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A7
benjaminschmidt4
I had similar symptoms with my 2012 Audi A5 last summer. The cruise control failure combined with the dashboard light typically points to an electrical issue rather than mechanical. The steering wheel clock spring was the root cause in my case. This component houses the wiring that connects the steering wheel controls to the main electrical system. When it fails, it often affects multiple systems including cruise control. The repair was straightforward but required specialized diagnostic equipment. The mechanic first confirmed the fault through error codes, then tested the pedal switch connections which were fine. The clock spring replacement resolved both the cruise control failure and cleared the check engine light. This is considered a moderate repair as it involves working with airbag systems and requires proper calibration after installation. The clock spring is a known wear item on these platforms, especially after 100000km of use. Worth noting that driving with a faulty clock spring can potentially affect airbag functionality, so addressing this sooner is advisable. A certified shop should be able to diagnose and confirm if this is indeed your specific issue.