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alexander_schmitz4

Audi Q5 Battery Sensor Causing Power System Problems

My 2013 Audi Q5 has developed some electrical issues lately. The car battery seems weak during cold starts, and the lights flicker or appear dim occasionally. Vehicle diagnostics pointed to a potential faulty battery sensor, but before heading to a workshop, I would like to hear from others who encountered similar problems. Did you experience comparable symptoms with your Q5? How was the low voltage issue resolved? What was the actual cause in your case, and how much did the repair cost? Any insights on battery maintenance would be greatly appreciated, especially regarding the sensor replacement process.

4 comment(s)

hannahfischer85

I had a similar issue with my 2015 Audi Q7 last winter. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I initially thought it was just battery health deteriorating, but the symptoms matched yours exactly, weak cold starts and flickering lights. After running vehicle diagnostics, the workshop confirmed a faulty battery sensor was preventing accurate battery charge readings. This caused the charging system to malfunction, leading to inconsistent power delivery. The repair involved replacing the battery sensor and recalibrating the system, costing 315 Euro including labor. The fix resolved all electrical issues completely. Regular battery maintenance since then has kept everything running smoothly. For a more accurate diagnosis of your Q5, could you share: Current battery age, Any warning lights on dashboard, Whether problems occur more during specific conditions, If you have aftermarket electrical accessories installed This information would help determine if your issue matches the battery sensor problem I experienced or if there might be other factors involved.

alexander_schmitz4 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. After 170846 KM and recent service checks, I can confirm similar symptoms persisted. I got the battery voltage tested at various points throughout the day. The readings showed inconsistent battery charge levels, indicating either a failing battery sensor or charging system issues. The battery itself is 2 years old, and no warning lights appear on the dashboard. Issue tends to worsen in damp conditions. No aftermarket accessories installed. Based on your feedback, I will schedule a diagnostic check focusing on the battery sensor and charging system. The quoted repair cost of 315 Euro seems reasonable compared to local estimates. Would appreciate knowing if recalibration alone might work before full sensor replacement.

hannahfischer85

Just like in your case, I also tried exploring less expensive solutions before replacing the sensor on my Q7. The workshop attempted recalibration of the existing battery sensor, but it provided only temporary relief. The inconsistent voltage readings returned within a week, particularly during damp weather conditions. The battery health monitoring system in these models is quite sensitive, and a malfunctioning sensor can trigger various electrical issues even with a relatively new battery. In my experience, attempting recalibration alone ended up being a waste of time and money (85 Euro for the attempt), as I still needed the complete sensor replacement shortly after. Since your symptoms, mileage situation, and weather-related issues mirror what I experienced, I would recommend going straight for the sensor replacement. The vehicle diagnostics showing inconsistent readings is a clear indicator that the sensor is likely failing, just as it was in my case. The 315 Euro repair cost, including proper calibration of the new sensor, proved to be the most cost-effective long-term solution for maintaining stable battery performance. Keep monitoring the battery health after the repair, my Q7 has been running perfectly for over a year now with no electrical issues since the sensor replacement.

alexander_schmitz4 (Author)

Thank you for the detailed insight. Your experience has been very helpful in confirming my suspicions about the battery sensor issue. After considering the recurring voltage problems and the fact that recalibration might only provide temporary relief, I have decided to proceed with the complete sensor replacement. I booked an appointment with a certified workshop for next week. The quoted price of 315 Euro aligns with your experience, making me more confident about the investment. The inconsistent battery voltage readings during my own tests, combined with the damp weather correlation, match your case too closely to ignore. Will keep an eye on the electrical system performance after the repair. Based on your long-term positive outcome, I feel reassured about choosing the full replacement over attempting temporary fixes. Hopefully, this will resolve the cold start issues and flickering lights permanently, just as it did for your vehicle. Thanks again for helping me make an informed decision about the repair approach.

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