Multiple Audi S8 Electrical Faults Point to Clutch Switch

Speaking from some experience with electrical issues, I faced almost identical symptoms on my 2015 Audi S7. The multiple electrical faults and ignition problem turned out to be exactly what you suspect, a faulty switch connection at the clutch pedal area. The repair itself was straightforward once diagnosed. My workshop found that the cable connection to the clutch switch had deteriorated, causing intermittent electrical faults across multiple systems. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, mainly covering labor and the replacement connector. However, before jumping to conclusions, could you share: Does the issue occur more frequently when the weather is damp? Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? Did you notice any clicking sounds when trying to start the car? Has any recent work been done near the pedal assembly? The symptoms definitely match what I experienced, but with these high-end models, its important to rule out other potential causes of electrical faults. A proper diagnostic would confirm if its the clutch switch causing your car stalling and other issues. Would you mind also confirming if your S8 has had any previous electrical issues? This could help narrow down the problem area more precisely.

Thanks for the detailed suggestions. Just to confirm, I had my last service at 163417 KM. I noticed moisture tends to make the symptoms worse, and yes, I hear clicking from the starter when attempting ignition. Multiple warning lights appear on the dash when these electrical faults occur, including the gear selector display going completely dark. No recent work has been done around the pedal area. This is actually the first electrical issue I have experienced with the car since purchase. The gear selector problems and car stalling seem to happen simultaneously, which matches what others have described with clutch switch failures.

Thanks for the additional details, those symptoms are exactly what I experienced before getting my S7 fixed. The moisture sensitivity and clicking sound from the starter are classic signs of the clutch pedal safety switch issue, especially combined with the gear selector display problems. The fact that electrical faults appear simultaneously across multiple systems, with no prior electrical issues, strongly supports this diagnosis. In my case, moisture was the key factor that accelerated the switch deterioration, causing similar car starting problems and safety switch malfunctions. Based on your mileage and symptoms matching my experience so closely, I would feel confident recommending to check the clutch pedal switch assembly first. When my car was repaired, the mechanic found corrosion at the switch contacts, this explained why damp conditions made the electrical faults worse. A quick diagnostic check should confirm if your gear selector and starting issues stem from the same root cause as mine did. Just be sure the workshop thoroughly checks the wiring connections around the switch, not just the switch itself. In my repair, they found the connector needed cleaning and reseating to fully resolve all electrical fault codes. Have you noticed if the problem gets better temporarily after the car sits in a warm garage for a while?

The moisture definitely seems to be the smoking gun here, my symptoms improve noticeably after the car sits in a dry area for several hours. This matches exactly what you described with your S7 electrical fault experience. The clicking from the starter and simultaneous gear display issues happening at the same mileage point really does point to the clutch pedal switch being the likely culprit. My car starting problems follow the same pattern you mentioned, worse in damp conditions and showing multiple electrical faults at once. I will get it checked at a workshop, focusing first on the switch assembly and wiring connections as you suggested. The fact that your repair was relatively straightforward and cost-effective gives me confidence about getting this fixed. Should save me the headache of more extensive electrical fault troubleshooting. Given all the matching symptoms between our cases, from the faulty switch behavior to the gear selector issues, I feel much better about the diagnosis. Will update once I get it looked at. Thanks for sharing your experience in such detail.