Audi Wipers Dead: Switch vs Motor Mystery Solved

As someone with some experience working on Audis, I had a similar issue with my 2008 Audi A6. The wiper motor and rain sensor system completely stopped working without warning. After basic testing, my workshop found that the main culprit was a damaged connection in the steering column wiring harness where it connects to the turn signal and wiper control module. The constant movement of the steering wheel had caused wear on the cables over time. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness section and checking all connecting plugs. Total cost was 95 Euro for parts and labor. Since then, both the wipers and cruise control switches have worked flawlessly. To better diagnose your specific case, could you share: Does the washer fluid pump still work when activated? Are there any other electrical issues with steering column controls? Have you noticed any intermittent wiper function before complete failure? Does the system make any noise when you try to activate the wipers? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or points to a different component failure.

Had my A8 serviced last month at 58792 KM. The wiper issue started right after. When activated, the washer fluid pump works fine, but zero response from the wipers. No clicking or motor sounds at all. All other steering controls including cruise control function normally. The wiring harness connection points you mentioned make sense, will check those. The rain sensor indicator light still shows on the dash, which suggests power is reaching at least part of the system. Would start by testing the connections where the wiring harness meets the wiper switch assembly?

Thanks for the additional details about your A8. Based on those symptoms and my experience with the same issue on my car, I recommend checking the wiring harness connections at the wiper switch first. In my case, the fact that the washer pump worked while the wipers were completely dead pointed directly to the wiring between the switch and motor. The rain sensor staying active suggests the main power supply is good, which further points to a connection issue rather than a faulty wiper motor. When my A6 had this problem, we found worn spots in the wiring exactly where it flexes with steering movement. A quick test you can try: gently wiggle the wiper switch while someone watches the rain sensor indicator. If the light flickers, you likely have the same connection issue I dealt with. Important note: since your issue started after service, have them verify all connections were properly reattached. Sometimes wiper control modules can be bumped loose during other maintenance work. My repair cost was around 95 Euro, but catching it early prevented damage to the wiper motor or control module. Those components can run 300-400 Euro if they fail from poor connections. Keep us posted on what you find at the wiring connection points.

Thanks for the detailed troubleshooting suggestions. You make an excellent point about checking those wiring harness connections first, especially since this started right after the service. Will definitely test the connections at the wiper switch assembly while watching the rain sensor indicator, smart way to pinpoint the issue without taking everything apart. I contacted the service center and they agreed to inspect the wiring harness connections free of charge since the problem started after their work. They should be able to verify if anything got knocked loose during maintenance. Really hoping its just a connection issue like you experienced and not a more expensive wiper motor or control module problem. Will update once they check the steering column wiring. If it ends up being the same worn connection points you found on your car, that 95 Euro repair sounds much better than replacing major components. Thanks for sharing your experience, helped narrow down where to start looking.