Audi A3 Wiper Failure: Common Switch & Motor Issues

I had a very similar issue with my 2018 Audi A4 TDI last winter. As someone with some basic car maintenance experience, I first tried the usual troubleshooting steps like you did with the fuse check. The rain sensor and windshield wipers completely stopped responding, regardless of the stalk position. After attempting basic fixes, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a faulty connection in the wiring harness near the steering column. The wire bundle had developed a bad contact due to repeated movement. The repair cost me 95 Euro, which covered the labor to access and repair the connection. They mentioned these issues are somewhat common in this model series and usually stem from either the wiring harness or the turn signal/wiper combination switch. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Does the error message appear immediately when starting the car? Can you hear any sound from the wiper motor when operating the switch? Have you noticed any other electrical issues, particularly with other steering column controls? Did the problem start suddenly or develop gradually? This information would help determine if youre dealing with the same wiring harness issue or potentially something else.

Thanks for the information. After checking my service records (last service at 172271KM), I forgot to mention that my wipers started acting intermittently about two weeks before completely failing. Now there is no sound from the motor when using the wiper switch in any position. The error message only appears when attempting to activate the wipers. I tested the electrical connections around the steering column as suggested and noticed some resistance when moving the wiper control arm. The wiper blades also feel unusually stiff when moved by hand, which might indicate multiple issues at play. For reference, this started happening after several heavy rain days where the wipers were used continuously. Good to know about the wiring harness being a common issue, will have that checked first.

I can confirm your suspicion about the wiper system problems occurring after heavy rain usage. After my wiring harness repair on my Audi A4, the technician actually discovered that moisture had gradually worked its way into the steering column connection points, leading to corrosion. The stiff wiper blades you mentioned are a separate but possibly related issue. When my car wipers failed, the motor tried to operate against the resistance of worn linkages, which eventually contributed to the wiring problem near the steering column. Based on your symptoms and similar experience with my A4: The intermittent operation before complete failure matches exactly what happened with my wiring harness issue, The resistance in the wiper switch movement is likely related to corroded contacts, Your rain sensor might also be affected if moisture got into the system Since your issue appeared after heavy rain use, have the technician check both the wiring harness and the waterproofing seals around the windshield wiper motor assembly. My repair expanded to include replacement of degraded seals, bringing the total cost to 180 Euro. The good news is the wiring harness repair typically resolves these symptoms completely, and proper sealing prevents future moisture-related failures.

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. After taking my A3 to the shop today, you were spot on about the wiring harness issue. The mechanic found corrosion in the connections, just as described. They also discovered that my rain sensor had partially failed, which explained some of the erratic behavior before complete failure. The total repair came to 210 Euro, covering both the wiring harness repair and rain sensor replacement. They also adjusted the windshield wipers and replaced one worn blade while they were at it. The cruise control functions, which had started showing minor glitches, are now working perfectly as well, apparently, they shared some of the affected wiring. The car runs like new now, and the wipers respond instantly in all positions. Really appreciate the advice about getting the seals checked, the shop found and replaced two degraded ones that could have caused future issues. Case closed, and hopefully this thread helps others with similar symptoms. Will definitely keep an eye on the wipers during the next heavy rain session to ensure everything stays working properly.