Audi S8 Electrical Chaos: Nav Dead, Systems Failing

Had nearly identical electrical issues with my 2020 Audi S6 last year. Transport mode can definitely cause widespread electrical malfunctions, especially affecting navigation and vehicle settings. After multiple diagnostic checks, the root cause was confirmed as the vehicle being stuck in transport mode, which typically should only be active during dealer delivery. The symptoms matched exactly, dead nav system, unusual electrical warnings, and system malfunctions. The fix required more than just a key fob reset. The dealer had to perform a complete system reboot and diagnostic check to properly deactivate transport mode and reset all control modules. It was a serious electrical system issue that needed professional intervention with specialized diagnostic equipment. Would strongly recommend getting the car electronics checked at an authorized dealer rather than a general shop. They have the specific tools to properly diagnose if transport mode is active and can perform the necessary software updates to resolve these issues. This is typically not a DIY fix as it requires dealer-level diagnostic equipment to properly address all affected systems and ensure they communicate correctly after the reset.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the S6 electrical issues. The symptoms sound spot-on with what I experienced. When the dealer resolved my transport mode problem, they also found a faulty immobilizer module that was contributing to the electrical chaos. Would you mind sharing what the repair cost was for your case? My car configuration needed a complete diagnostic reset plus that immobilizer replacement, but curious if your fix was similar. Also wondering if youve had any recurring electrical issues since the dealer did the software update?

After getting the transport mode issue fixed by an authorized dealer, my S6 has been running flawlessly with zero electrical issues. Since the car was still under warranty, the complete system diagnostic and software update cost me 0 Euro. The service included a full system reboot and reconfiguration of all control modules. Unlike your case, my immobilizer was functioning correctly, so no replacement parts were needed. The automotive software update completely resolved the electronic malfunctions. Its been over a year now without any recurring issues. The navigation system, warning messages, and all electrical components are working as intended. Getting it properly diagnosed and fixed at the dealer was definitely the right call for these complex electronic problems.

Thanks for the input. After taking your advice, I finally got my S8 sorted out properly. Took it to the dealer who ran a complete diagnostic scan. The engine start system was affected by both the transport mode issue and that faulty immobilizer module I mentioned. The total repair came to 1200 Euro, not cheap but worth it to have all the car electronics working properly again. The vehicle setting updates and software reflash took about 4 hours to complete. Bit painful on the wallet but the car is running perfectly now with no warning lights or electrical gremlins. Been about 3 weeks since the fix and everything is working exactly as it should. Navigation is back online and all those unusual electrical warnings have disappeared. Really glad I got it properly diagnosed rather than continuing to chase problems at regular shops that werent equipped to handle these complex systems.