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erik_krause5
Audi RS3 Power Seat Failure: Controls Dead, No Sound
4 comment(s)
erik_krause5 (Author)
Last service completed at 37710 KM and no major issues were found during inspection. The power seats were working fine until last week. The passenger seat switch seems to be a different issue from yours since my battery is fairly new and the driver seat functions work perfectly. Also tried disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes but the power seat issue persists. The seat adjustment problems started suddenly with no warning signs. No hard starts or other electrical problems anywhere else in the car. Based on the responses so far, thinking its either the seat switch module itself or a wiring issue near the seat controls. Would appreciate if anyone has experience specifically with faulty seat switches or knows the typical repair costs for replacing the adjustment controls.
robert_drache1
Thanks for the additional details. Since your case seems different from my battery-related experience, I now suspect your issue is likely with the seat switch assembly or wiring. In my S3, I actually had a similar failure a year before the battery issue, the automotive seat controls stopped responding suddenly, just like yours. The seat motor and adjustment mechanisms were fine, but the switch itself was faulty. These seat switches can fail due to internal wear or moisture damage. The repair cost was around 380 Euro for the new switch assembly plus labor. The mechanic also inspected the seat harness connections while doing the work. A few quick checks you can try: Listen very carefully when pressing the controls, even a failed switch might make a faint click, Check if the seat harness underneath shows any signs of damage or loose connections, Test if any single direction still works, as sometimes only part of the switch assembly fails Given that your battery is new and other electrical systems work fine, replacing the seat switch assembly will likely solve the issue. Just make sure the shop checks the seat wiring connections before installing the new part.
erik_krause5 (Author)
I appreciate all the feedback about the passenger seat problems. After trying those suggested checks, I can confirm theres no clicking sound at all from the seat switch when pressed, and the wiring looks intact underneath. The complete silence when using the controls does point toward a faulty switch assembly rather than a wiring issue. The power seats worked flawlessly until this sudden failure, and since my battery and other electrical systems are fine, Im leaning toward replacing the seat switch assembly. The 380 Euro repair cost mentioned seems reasonable given the parts and labor involved. Will schedule an appointment to have the seat controls replaced and make sure they check all the seat harness connections while doing the work. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause. At least its a straightforward fix compared to having to replace the entire seat motor or adjustment mechanism.
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robert_drache1
I had a similar situation with my 2013 S3 where the electric seat adjustment completely stopped working. Having some experience with electrical issues, I first suspected the seat wiring, but it turned out to be more straightforward. The passenger seat showed no signs of life, exactly like yours, no motor sound, complete failure of all adjustment directions. After checking the fuse like you did, I discovered the root cause was actually a heavily discharged battery. The seat harness and motors draw significant power, and the system shuts down when voltage drops too low. My repair cost was 290 Euro, which included diagnostic work and a new battery. The seat adjustment system started working perfectly after the battery replacement. However, they also checked the entire seat wiring harness and connections to ensure there weren't any hidden issues. To better assist you, could you share: Has your battery been replaced in the last 4-5 years? Does the driver seat adjustment still work normally? Are there any other electrical issues in the car? Have you noticed the car being harder to start recently?