Audi RS4 Wiper System Failure, Common Causes & Fixes

I had a similar issue with my 2010 Audi RS5. Let me share my experience as someone with moderate car repair knowledge. The symptoms were identical, complete wiper failure with error light, normal switch feel but no response. After checking the fuses like you did, I took it to my regular workshop. Turned out the wiring harness connecting to the wiper motor had deteriorated, causing an intermittent connection fault. The rain sensor was working fine, and the turn signal assembly where the wiper controls are located wasnt the problem either. The repair involved replacing a section of the wiring harness, which cost 95 Euro including labor. The whole job took about an hour. The mechanic mentioned this is a fairly common issue in these models, often caused by wire insulation wearing down over time. To help troubleshoot your specific case better, could you share: Have you noticed any intermittent operation before complete failure? Does the washer fluid pump still work when activated? Are there any other electrical issues in the steering column area? When did you last replace the wiper blades? This information would help determine if youre dealing with the same wiring issue or potentially something else.

The issue resolved today, turned out to be a failed wiper motor, not the wiring harness as initially suspected. Labor and parts came to 280 Euro. My trusted mechanic found it during the service I had scheduled anyway. For reference, last full service done at 193909 KM with full inspection of cruise control, steering column, and other electronics. The wiper motor failure was apparently a common issue on these models. Definitely recommend checking both the motor and wiring connections before replacing more expensive components like the rain sensor module.

Thanks for the update on your RS4 wiper issue. This is quite different from my RS5 wiring harness problem, and its good to know the exact cause. The wiper motor failure seems to be more prevalent than the wiring issues I encountered. The car wipers system really has multiple potential failure points, from the steering column controls to the rain sensor and finally the wiper motor itself. Though more expensive than my wiring repair, 280 Euro for a complete wiper motor replacement is actually reasonable considering the part and labor involved. This kind of info is really valuable for others facing similar symptoms. Having experienced issues with both the wiring harness and now hearing about the motor failure, Id suggest anyone with wiper problems should have both components checked thoroughly. The windshield wipers system is too important for safety to risk partial repairs. Were there any warning signs before the complete failure of your wiper motor? Mine gave some stuttering movements before the wiring completely failed.

Thanks for sharing those details about the wiper motor replacement. Yes, there were actually some warning signs I failed to mention in my initial post. About two weeks before total failure, the windshield wipers would occasionally hesitate before starting, especially during cold mornings. They also made a slight grinding noise at times, which I originally dismissed as normal wear. The cruise control and other steering column electronics remained fully functional throughout, which helped narrow down the diagnosis. My mechanic mentioned they stock these wiper motors regularly due to their common failure rate. For anyone else reading, the total repair time was about 2 hours, and that 280 Euro price included a full system check of the wiring harness and rain sensor connections. Definitely worth paying for the complete diagnostic work rather than just swapping parts hoping to fix it. Going forward, Ill be more attentive to any unusual sounds or hesitation in the wiper system operation. Regular inspection of the wiper switch and motor during annual service might help catch these issues before complete failure.