Audi S3 Power Seat Failure: Motor & Wiring Issues Guide

Had the same issue on my 2011 A4 2.0T. The electric seat system failed completely, starting with the passenger seat switch not responding. Initially thought it was just the switch, but diagnostic revealed a more complex problem. The seat wiring harness had worn through at a friction point under the passenger seat, causing intermittent electrical shorts. These shorts were draining the battery when the car was parked. The automotive seat assembly needed partial disassembly to access and replace the damaged wiring harness. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Removal of passenger seat, Replacement of the main seat wiring harness, Installation of protective sleeve for the new harness, Recalibration of seat position sensors This was a serious repair requiring specialized knowledge of electric seat systems. The worn harness could have eventually caused more electrical system damage if left unrepaired. The passenger seat needed full testing after repair to ensure all movement functions and position memory worked correctly. The issue is fairly common in this model range and usually appears between 10000-15000km. Best to have it checked by a certified technician who knows these specific seat control modules.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had a similar wiring harness failure in my S3 last year. The power seats completely stopped working and the repair definitely needed an expert. Did any other electrical issues pop up after getting it fixed? And could you share the repair cost? My passenger seat repair was around 780 Euro including parts and labor, but prices might have changed since then. The seat adjustment system has been working perfectly since the fix, though I make sure to regularly check the wiring now to catch any early signs of wear.

The power seat repair on my A4 was completely successful, and I have not experienced any other electrical problems since then. The total cost was 290 Euro, which mainly covered replacing the defective battery that was heavily discharged due to the faulty seat wiring. This was significantly less than your repair since the main issue turned out to be battery-related rather than needing a full seat wiring harness replacement. The electric seat functions are all working perfectly now, especially the passenger seat that was giving me trouble. The seat adjustment controls respond smoothly, and the position memory settings work as they should. The technician also did a thorough check of the entire seat electrical system to prevent any future issues. Its great to hear your seat switch and controls are still working well after your repair. Regular checks of the seat wiring harness are definitely a smart preventive measure. These power seats can be complex systems, so catching any issues early helps avoid more expensive repairs later.

Taking my S3 to the mechanic turned out better than expected. The seat adjustment system failed right when I noticed some weird clicking sounds from the passenger side. After checking the car seat thoroughly, they found several worn spots in the wiring harness that were causing shorts. The automotive seat specialist completely dismantled the passenger side power seats to access the damaged areas. They replaced the entire wiring harness and added extra protection to prevent future wear. The car seats work perfectly now, all power functions and memory settings are back to normal. Total repair cost came to 780 Euro, which included: New wiring harness, Labor for seat removal and installation, System diagnostic and recalibration, Protective sleeve installation Really glad I got it fixed when I did. The seat switch responds instantly now and all motors run smoothly. Regular checks of the wiring should help prevent this from happening again. Good to know others have dealt with similar issues on these models.