Audi Power Windows Dead: System Reset vs Parts Fix

Based on my experience with a similar issue on my 2010 Audi A4 2.7 TDI, this sounds quite familiar. I have some experience working on basic car electronics and window systems. When all power windows stop working simultaneously, its often traced back to a weak or failing battery. The window regulator system requires stable voltage to operate correctly and perform initialization. In my case, what initially appeared as a window motor problem was actually resolved by replacing an aging battery. The workshop diagnosed the root cause through voltage testing, which revealed the battery was not maintaining proper charge. After battery replacement (290 Euro including programming), all window regulators required a reset procedure to restore normal operation. The door panels did not need removal, and the window motor systems were perfectly fine. Before assuming its a mechanical issue with multiple window regulators, I would recommend having your battery tested. The error codes you mentioned typically appear when system voltage drops below required levels. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Has the battery been replaced in the last 4 years? Are you experiencing any other electrical issues? Does the problem occur more frequently when the engine is off? Have you noticed slow cranking during start-up?

Checking in after a recent 190000km service. After testing the suggestions, the issue ended up being the window switch module in the drivers door. The window reset procedure did not resolve it. Main window controls were completely dead but individual switches in other doors still worked sometimes. A voltage test confirmed the battery was fine. Had to replace the master window switch unit for 180 Euro plus labor. All window controls now work properly again after the window regulator reinitialization process. No error codes showing anymore in diagnostic scan. If anyone else runs into similar window control failures, definitely have the switch modules tested before replacing more expensive components.

Thanks for the update on your window control issue. Interesting how our cases ended up being different despite similar symptoms, just goes to show how car electronics can be tricky to diagnose. On my A4, I initially suspected the window switch module too since the behavior was similar to yours. Even had the individual door switches working intermittently while the master controls were dead. However, in my situation, the battery replacement solved it completely. Quick tip for others reading: when troubleshooting window controls, its worth testing both power supply and switch functionality separately. The master window switch carries the bulk of the daily usage wear, making it a common failure point in these models. The 180 Euro repair cost seems reasonable for the switch unit. Much better than potentially replacing multiple window motors or regulators unnecessarily. Glad to hear the reinitialization process went smoothly after the switch replacement. Would be curious to know if you noticed any warning signs before the complete failure of the window controls? In my case, there was some inconsistent behavior for a few weeks before things stopped working entirely.

Wanted to follow up and share that there weren't really any warning signs before the window controls failed, everything worked perfectly fine until that one morning when the master controls suddenly stopped responding. Looking back, maybe the drivers window was slightly slower to respond in the weeks before, but nothing obvious enough to raise concerns. Your case with the battery is definitely worth keeping in mind though. Since getting the new switch module installed, I learned these window control systems are quite sensitive to both electrical and mechanical issues. Having the right diagnostic approach saved time and money by identifying the faulty switch unit right away instead of replacing window regulators unnecessarily. For anyone searching similar window troubleshooting cases, get a proper diagnosis before replacing parts. The same symptoms can have completely different causes, as shown by our experiences with the battery versus switch module failures. The 180 Euro I spent on the new switch module was well worth it compared to the potential cost of replacing multiple window components.