rudolfmystic54
Multiple Sensor Failures Hit SQ7 After Shop Visit
Summary of the thread
The conversation centers around multiple sensor failures in a 2021 SQ7 following a shop visit. The initial problem includes several electrical faults, such as non-functioning rain sensors and auto headlights, with error codes stored in the system. A similar issue on a 2018 S6 was caused by moisture penetration through a deteriorated gel pad under the windshield, affecting the sensor module and requiring replacement and recalibration. The suggested solution involves specialized diagnostics and repair by a shop experienced in advanced driver assistance systems to prevent further damage and ensure proper sensor alignment.
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4 comment(s)
rudolfmystic54 (community.author)
Thanks for sharing those details about your S6 sensor issues. The symptoms sound identical to what my SQ7 is experiencing. I am planning to have it checked next week. Curious how much the sensor calibration and gel pad replacement ended up costing in your case? Also wondering if you had any recurring sensor fault problems since the repair was completed?
melinakaiser3
Good news, after getting this exact electrical fault fixed on my S6, I havent experienced any recurring sensor problems. The repair shop found bubbles forming under the gel pad just as suspected and replaced it for 62 Euro. The malfunctioning sensor cascade effect completely stopped after addressing the moisture issue. The rain-light sensor, auto headlights, and instrument panel are all functioning perfectly now. The key was having a thorough diagnosis and proper recalibration of the entire sensor system. Make sure your shop checks the complete sensor array since multiple car components can be affected when moisture gets into one part of the system. My experience shows that once properly fixed, these auto sensor issues typically dont come back. Proper calibration after the gel pad replacement is crucial, its not just about swapping the parts, but ensuring all sensors are perfectly aligned and communicating correctly with each other.
rudolfmystic54 (community.author)
Thanks for the input. I took my SQ7 to a certified shop this morning and the diagnosis confirmed moisture damage to the sensor array. The technician found degraded sealing around the windshield-mounted components, allowing water to affect multiple car electronics systems. The total repair came to 890 Euro, covering the gel pad replacement, sensor calibration, and full system diagnostics. More expensive than expected, but the shop demonstrated the extent of moisture damage to the auto sensor cluster, which explained the cascade of electrical issues. After the repair, all systems are functioning perfectly again, rain detection, auto headlights, and instrument panel are back to normal. The shop also showed me proper documentation of all calibration steps taken to ensure the car components were correctly aligned. Definitely learned my lesson about getting questionable work done at uncertified shops. Going forward, will stick to properly equipped facilities for any sensor-related repairs. Thanks again for helping point me in the right direction with this issue.
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AUDI
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SQ7
melinakaiser3
Experienced similar car electronics issues on a 2018 S6. Multiple sensor failures occurred after discovering bubbles under the windshield gel pad where the rain sensor housing sits. The malfunctioning sensor symptoms matched exactly, rain sensor stopped working, followed by auto headlights and instrument cluster problems. The root cause was moisture penetration through the deteriorated gel pad, affecting the entire sensor module. The repair required complete removal of the windshield-mounted sensor assembly, replacement of the gel pad, and recalibration of the auto sensor system. This was not a minor fix, the entire front camera and sensor cluster needed proper realignment after reinstallation. Worth noting the sensor fault cascade effect, one compromised sensor can trigger multiple system failures due to shared electronics. Given your SQ7s symptoms and the previous repair work, strongly suspect similar gel pad deterioration affecting the sensor array. This requires specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify all affected components. The repair should be handled by a shop with experience in advanced driver assistance systems, as improper sensor alignment can cause persistent errors. Important to address quickly, as continued moisture exposure can lead to more extensive damage to surrounding car electronics.