Audi S3 Audio System Dead: Expert Fix Required

Having dealt with a similar sound system issue on my 2020 Audi S4, I understand your frustration. The symptoms match exactly what I experienced, complete silence despite normal-looking dashboard controls. After multiple tests, it turned out the display unit was defective, causing communication problems with the audio system. The faulty wiring between the head unit and car speakers was initially suspected, but diagnostic tests revealed the root cause was the display itself. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Display unit replacement, System reset and testing, Bluetooth problem resolution as part of the fix Total cost was 725 Euro for parts and labor. Since then, the sound system has worked flawlessly with no speaker crackle or other issues. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Whether your S3 has the standard or premium sound system, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually, Whether the Bluetooth connectivity still works, If you notice any display glitches or flickering, What diagnostic codes are showing up This information would help determine if your situation matches what I encountered.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My S3 has 75104 KM on the clock from the last service. This sound system problem started right after a software update. The diagnostic codes show CAN bus communication errors and the head unit seems completely unresponsive at times. The Bluetooth problem appears alongside complete audio failure, making even phone calls impossible through the car system. No speaker crackle or partial sound, just total silence. Will try disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes tonight to see if that helps reset the system.

Thanks for those additional details. Your symptoms definitely align with what I experienced, especially the timing with the software update. After my S4 had a similar complete audio failure post-update, the battery disconnect trick you mentioned only provided temporary relief. The CAN bus errors combined with the head unit issues suggest a deeper problem than just a failed software update. In my case, these exact symptoms pointed to a corrupted audio module that wasn't properly handling the CAN bus communication. The static noise and complete audio failure persisted until the head unit was replaced. Some diagnostic steps that helped identify the issue: Verified all fuses were intact, Tested speaker connections individually, Checked ground connections on the head unit, Monitored CAN bus signals during startup The sound system eventually required: Head unit replacement (480 Euro), Complete software reflash, Audio module reprogramming Post-repair, the audio quality returned to normal with no communication errors. Given your identical symptoms, especially the CAN bus errors and total sound failure, I strongly suspect you are dealing with the same core issue rather than just a software glitch. Disconnecting the battery might help temporarily, but based on my experience, you should prepare for a potential head unit replacement if the problems persist.

I appreciate all the detailed feedback. The battery disconnect did not resolve the issue, exactly as predicted. After monitoring the CAN bus signals during startup as suggested, I found similar communication errors. The head unit remains unresponsive and dashboard controls still show normal operation despite no audio output. Given the matching symptoms and diagnostic results, I will proceed with having the head unit replaced. The audio quality issues and Bluetooth problem seem too similar to your case to ignore. I have scheduled the repair for next week, expecting costs around 500 Euro for the replacement unit and labor. Will update once the sound system repair is complete. Thanks again for helping identify the likely cause and sharing your experience with such a similar audio system failure.