Audi Q5 Mirror Heaters Dead: Complete Fix Guide

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2011 Audi Q3, I can share my experience. The heater element failure in car mirrors is quite frustrating during cold weather months. Initially thought it needed complete mirror replacement, but the issue turned out to be simpler. After inspection, the workshop found damaged wiring connections to the heater elements. The cable connections had corroded over time, causing the heating function to fail. The fix involved cleaning the connector points and replacing the faulty wiring harness connections to both mirrors. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, which included diagnostic time and parts. Much better than replacing entire mirror units. For your Q5, would recommend checking: Whether the issue started gradually or suddenly, If other mirror functions still work normally, If corrosion is visible around mirror bases, Whether you notice any moisture inside mirror housing Could you share: Current mileage, When you first noticed the problem, Whether you see any error messages besides the heating codes, If any recent work was done on the mirrors or doors This would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with the wiring connections.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. My Q5 has 133348 KM and just had its annual service last month. No other work has been done on mirrors or doors recently. To add some details: The rearview mirror heating failed suddenly during last weeks cold snap. All other mirror functions work perfectly, adjustment, folding, etc. The temperature control system shows no other faults besides the mirror heating codes. No visible corrosion or moisture in the mirror housings that I can spot. Given the similarity to your case, I will have the wiring connections checked first before considering full mirror replacement. Vehicle safety is crucial for winter driving, so I want to get this sorted quickly.

Thanks for those additional details about your Q5. The symptoms sound nearly identical to what I experienced with my Q3s mirror heating system. Since all other mirror functions work normally, this strengthens my suspicion that the electrical fault lies in the heating circuit connections rather than requiring complete mirror replacement. The sudden failure during cold weather is also very typical of connector issues, as temperature changes can stress already weakened connections. In my case, the workshop found that despite no visible external corrosion, the internal connector pins had degraded. The heating elements themselves were actually fine, it was just the power delivery that had failed. When they repair yours, make sure they: Test the heating elements for continuity, Clean all connector surfaces thoroughly, Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion, Check the wiring harness routing for any pinch points The repair should be relatively straightforward since there are no other electrical faults present. Based on current parts prices, you should expect repair costs around 100-120 Euro if it matches my issue with the wiring. Let us know what the workshop finds. Their diagnosis should quickly confirm whether its a connection issue like mine or if youre dealing with failed heating elements that would require more extensive repair.

Appreciate the detailed follow-up advice about my Q5s mirror heating system. Your experience and the similar symptoms give me confidence its likely a wiring connection issue rather than complete heater element failure. The electrical fault being isolated to just the heating function while other mirror features work perfectly does suggest a connection problem. I have booked the car in next week and will have them focus first on checking the wiring harness and connections before exploring more expensive repairs. Will make sure they perform all the suggested checks, especially the continuity testing and connector cleaning. The tip about dielectric grease is particularly useful for preventing future issues with the car electronics. The estimated repair cost of 100-120 Euro sounds much more reasonable than full mirror replacement. This has definitely helped narrow down the likely cause and saved me from unnecessarily replacing complete mirror units. Will update once the workshop completes their diagnosis and repair.