Audi S1 Alarm System Failure Linked to Check Engine Alert

Faced similar alarm sensor issues with my 2015 Audi S3 last winter. The security alarm malfunction turned out to be connected to a faulty control module that was triggering false readings. The key symptoms matched yours: Complete alarm system failure, Check engine light activation, Error codes pointing to the alarm circuit Initial diagnosis revealed the car alarm control unit had water damage from a blocked drain near the battery compartment. Water intrusion caused power failure to the entire security system. This is a known weak point in several VAG models from that generation. The fix required: Drying out the control module housing, Replacing corroded alarm sensor connections, Reprogramming the central locking system, Testing all optical locking functions This was a serious repair requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The battery issue needed addressing first to prevent future water damage. Most importantly, postponing repairs could lead to more extensive electrical system damage. Worth checking your battery compartment area for signs of moisture before assuming worst-case scenarios like full alarm system replacement. The drain channels can often be cleared as preventive maintenance.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience with the S3! Sounds very much like what I am seeing with my S1 right now. I got it checked last week and the technician mentioned the same battery compartment area needs inspection. Did you also experience any other electrical issues after fixing the security alarm? I am wondering about the full scope of the repair since these power failure problems tend to cascade. Just want to make sure I budget correctly. Could you share what the total repair cost was for your case? My shop gave me a rough estimate but I would like to compare.

Happy to report that after getting the alarm system fixed, no other electrical problems surfaced. The battery issue was caught early enough to prevent any cascade failures in the car alarm circuitry. The technician cleared the drain channels and recoded the alarm control unit to properly activate the optical locking signals. Total cost was 45 Euro for diagnostics and reprogramming, which seems reasonable compared to potential full alarm system replacement costs. The false alarm triggers completely stopped after the repair. Most importantly, all security features now work as intended, both the central locking and visual confirmation through the indicators when arming/disarming the system. If your symptoms match mine, you likely wont need extensive repairs assuming the battery compartment water intrusion hasnt caused widespread damage. A proper alarm system diagnostic and recoding should resolve the core problem. Quick tip: regular inspection of those drain channels prevents future alarm sensor issues. The security system is quite reliable once the moisture problem is addressed at the source.

Wanted to update everyone on how this turned out. Took my S1 to a certified shop yesterday and the diagnosis matched exactly what was described here. The anti-theft system was failing due to water getting into the battery compartment area. The repair was straightforward: Cleaned and cleared all drain channels, Dried out the control module, Replaced two corroded connectors, Recoded the security alarm Total cost came to 320 Euro including parts and labor. More than the initial estimate but still better than replacing the entire alarm system. The car alarm works perfectly now and the check engine light is off. The technician showed me where to check for water buildup and recommended quarterly inspections to prevent future power failure issues. Really glad I caught this early before it caused more extensive damage to the electrical system. For anyone else facing similar issues, definitely worth checking those drain channels first before assuming the worst. The whole repair took about 3 hours and saved me from a much bigger headache down the road.