Audi S4 Door Handle Sensors Failing: Fix Guide

Having some experience working on similar models, I dealt with an identical door mechanism issue on my 2020 Audi S5. The locking system started acting up in the same way, with the keyless entry failing completely. After troubleshooting, my workshop found a wiring fault where the door switch cables had become damaged. The door mechanism itself was fine, but the connection between the sensor and the control unit was compromised. They had to partially disassemble the door panel to access and replace the affected wiring harness. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 95 Euro including parts and labor. Since then, the door handle sensors and keyless system have worked flawlessly. For a more accurate diagnosis of your specific case, could you share: Are all doors affected or just one? Does the key fob still work normally? Are you getting any warning lights on the dashboard? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? The repair complexity can vary depending on which part of the system is actually failing, so these details would help identify if your issue matches what I experienced.

Just had my 7985 KM service last month. The door actuator on my passenger side also failed recently, showing similar symptoms. After diagnosis, they found a wiring fault in the connection between the door handle sensor and main control unit. The door switch had to be replaced along with some wiring. Unlike your case, my issue was isolated to one door and the key fob remained functional. All covered under warranty since the car is still new. The workshop mentioned these locking system issues occasionally pop up on early production models. Have you checked if your warranty is still valid? This repair should be covered if you are within the standard warranty period.

Yes, you are correct about warranty coverage. After my initial door mechanism repair, I actually had a similar failure on another door about 6 months later. Since my S5 was still under warranty, the repair was fully covered this time. The workshop confirmed that early production models can have these wiring fault issues in the door handle electronics. The technician explained that moisture sometimes enters through tiny gaps and affects the locking system connections over time. Interesting that your passenger door actuator showed similar symptoms. My second repair also involved the door actuator, and they ended up replacing the entire wiring harness for that section as a preventive measure. The service advisor mentioned they had updated repair procedures for these specific door mechanism issues. One tip from my experience: if you notice any slight delays or inconsistencies with the keyless entry, get it checked right away. These symptoms often indicate early stages of a wiring fault before complete failure occurs. Is your car now working normally after the repair? My S5 has been trouble-free since the second fix, with no further issues in the door handle sensors or locking system.

Thank you for sharing those details about the warranty repair. The door actuator replacement and wiring fix definitely resolved my issue completely. The keyless access system and door handle sensors are now working perfectly after 3 months. My workshop also mentioned the same thing about moisture affecting the door mechanism connections. They showed me where water had gotten into the wiring harness near the door switch, causing corrosion over time. Makes sense why these issues are more common in early production models. For reference, the repair took about 3 hours total since they had to access multiple parts of the door mechanism. The door handle sensor, actuator, and related wiring were all replaced under warranty. Total cost would have been around 450 Euro if not covered. Good tip about watching for early warning signs in the locking system. Will definitely keep an eye out for any delays or inconsistencies with the keyless entry on the other doors. Better to catch potential wiring faults early before complete door handle failure occurs.