Dead Microphone Haunts Audi A5 Hands-Free System

I had the exact same Bluetooth issue with my 2020 Audi S4. The audio system would connect but the microphone stayed completely silent during calls. After troubleshooting, the problem turned out to be more complex than just loose wiring. The voice recognition and audio input problems were caused by water damage to the microphone module behind the overhead console. The drainage channels around the sunroof had become clogged, allowing moisture to seep into the headliner area. The microphone repair required removing the entire headliner to access and replace the damaged component. This was definitely not a DIY job due to the complex disassembly required and risk of damaging other components. Since the repair involved both electrical and interior work, I recommend having it done at a shop familiar with Audi infotainment systems. The fix is permanent when done correctly, but skipping steps like properly sealing the new microphone housing will lead to repeated failures. Make sure they also check the sunroof drains while doing the repair to prevent future water intrusion. The complete repair took about 4 hours of labor. Check if your warranty might still cover this since its a known weak point in some Audi models. The dealer should be able to confirm by running your VIN if any related technical service bulletins apply.

I had the exact same Bluetooth issue with my 2020 Audi S4. The audio system would connect but the microphone stayed completely silent during calls. After troubleshooting, the problem turned out to be more complex than just loose wiring. The voice recognition and audio input problems were caused by water damage to the microphone module behind the overhead console. The drainage channels around the sunroof had become clogged, allowing moisture to seep into the headliner area. The microphone repair required removing the entire headliner to access and replace the damaged component. This was definitely not a DIY job due to the complex disassembly required and risk of damaging other components. Since the repair involved both electrical and interior work, I recommend having it done at a shop familiar with Audi infotainment systems. The fix is permanent when done correctly, but skipping steps like properly sealing the new microphone housing will lead to repeated failures. Make sure they also check the sunroof drains while doing the repair to prevent future water intrusion. The complete repair took about 4 hours of labor. Check if your warranty might still cover this since its a known weak point in some Audi models. The dealer should be able to confirm by running your VIN if any related technical service bulletins apply.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the sound quality issues. I had similar ambient noise and microphone problems with my 2018 Audi A5 this spring. The repair process you described matches exactly what my mechanic found. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? My A5 repair bill seemed quite high and I am curious to compare. Also, has the audio system worked flawlessly since the fix or have you noticed any other Bluetooth issues popping up?

Thanks for sharing your experience with the sound quality issues. I had similar ambient noise and microphone problems with my 2018 Audi A5 this spring. The repair process you described matches exactly what my mechanic found. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? My A5 repair bill seemed quite high and I am curious to compare. Also, has the audio system worked flawlessly since the fix or have you noticed any other Bluetooth issues popping up?

After getting the microphone repair done at the shop last month, the volume control and hands-free functions work perfectly again. The complete fix for the infotainment system defect came to 815 Euro, which included replacing the faulty microphone unit and checking all audio input connections. Since the repair, the audio system performs flawlessly, zero ambient noise issues during calls and the Bluetooth connection remains stable. The voice recognition responds perfectly now, which was the main problem before. The shop also checked and cleaned the sunroof drainage as a preventive measure, just like in your case. Worth every cent considering how essential a working hands-free system is these days. No new issues have appeared in the past weeks, and the sound quality during calls is actually better than when the car was new.

After getting the microphone repair done at the shop last month, the volume control and hands-free functions work perfectly again. The complete fix for the infotainment system defect came to 815 Euro, which included replacing the faulty microphone unit and checking all audio input connections. Since the repair, the audio system performs flawlessly, zero ambient noise issues during calls and the Bluetooth connection remains stable. The voice recognition responds perfectly now, which was the main problem before. The shop also checked and cleaned the sunroof drainage as a preventive measure, just like in your case. Worth every cent considering how essential a working hands-free system is these days. No new issues have appeared in the past weeks, and the sound quality during calls is actually better than when the car was new.

Thanks for confirming the cost. I paid 790 Euro for my repair which seems in line with your experience. After struggling with poor voice recognition and microphone issues for months, I finally took it to my mechanic last week. The whole process took about 5 hours. They found water damage just like you mentioned. Had to remove the entire headliner to access the microphone unit. While checking the Bluetooth connections, they discovered my sunroof drains were also clogged. My audio system now works better than ever. Speech recognition is crystal clear and the volume control responds perfectly. No more complaints from people saying they cant hear me during calls. Really glad I got it fixed properly instead of trying cheaper alternatives. The hands-free system is crucial for my daily drives and the investment was worth it. Three weeks after the repair and the sound quality remains perfect with zero audio input problems.

Thanks for confirming the cost. I paid 790 Euro for my repair which seems in line with your experience. After struggling with poor voice recognition and microphone issues for months, I finally took it to my mechanic last week. The whole process took about 5 hours. They found water damage just like you mentioned. Had to remove the entire headliner to access the microphone unit. While checking the Bluetooth connections, they discovered my sunroof drains were also clogged. My audio system now works better than ever. Speech recognition is crystal clear and the volume control responds perfectly. No more complaints from people saying they cant hear me during calls. Really glad I got it fixed properly instead of trying cheaper alternatives. The hands-free system is crucial for my daily drives and the investment was worth it. Three weeks after the repair and the sound quality remains perfect with zero audio input problems.