Audi S7 Parking Assist Failure: Sensor Mystery

Had a similar issue with my 2017 Audi S6. Started with an intermittent parking assist error, then the entire system stopped working. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I first checked for visible damage to the proximity sensors but found nothing obvious. After scanning, the parking assist control module showed fault codes. Took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a loose connection in the wiring harness that connects the obstacle detection system components. The blind spot sensors were actually fine, it was purely related to the parking sensor circuit. The fix was straightforward, they repaired the faulty cable connection to the control module and recalibrated the system. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic work. To help you better, could you share: Are you getting any specific error messages on the display? Did the issue start gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any correlation with weather conditions? Were there any recent repairs or maintenance done near the parking sensors? These details would help determine if you are facing the same underlying issue. While the symptoms sound similar, different root causes can trigger parking assist failures.

I can confirm the service history shows no prior issues with the parking assist system at 168111KM. My rearview camera still works perfectly, but all parking sensors stopped responding at once. The error message appeared suddenly after a car wash, not gradually. Getting error P0428 on the display. I did check the obvious things like cleaning the sensors and making sure nothing was blocking them. But even after a thorough cleaning, the obstacle detection system remains completely dead. No response from any of the parking sensors, front or rear. Would appreciate hearing if others found cleaning the sensors fixed similar issues, or if I should prepare for a more serious repair involving the control module or wiring.

Based on my experience with the same issue on my S6, getting error P0428 right after a car wash strongly suggests water intrusion into the wiring system. The sudden failure of all parking sensors while the rearview camera remains functional points to a wiring harness problem rather than individual sensor failures. The parking assist control module is sensitive to moisture, and car washes can sometimes force water into areas where connections arent fully sealed. In my case, the faulty wiring was causing similar symptoms, though mine wasnt specifically triggered by a car wash. Since youve already verified the sensors are clean and unobstructed, I recommend having the wiring harness inspected, particularly the connections between the parking assist control module and the radar sensors. Water damage can cause corrosion at these connection points, leading to system-wide failures. Your higher mileage (compared to when I had the issue) also makes wiring problems more likely, as seals and insulation can deteriorate over time. The good news is that if its similar to my repair, fixing faulty wiring is generally less expensive than replacing multiple sensors or the entire control module. A proper diagnostic scan should confirm whether its the same wiring issue I experienced. If so, expect repair costs around 100-150 Euro depending on how extensive the water damage is.

Thanks everyone for the detailed responses. After reading through your experiences, I feel more confident about what might be wrong with my S7. The timing with the car wash and the fact that my rearview camera still works definitely points toward the wiring issue mentioned. Called my regular shop and explained the parking assist failure symptoms, mentioning the error code and possible connection to water damage in the wiring harness. They confirmed they often see faulty wiring problems with parking sensors after car washes, especially in higher mileage vehicles. Booked it in for next week. They quoted 140 Euro for full diagnosis and potential wiring repair, which seems reasonable based on the repair costs shared here. Will update once I know exactly what they find wrong with the proximity sensors or wiring connection. Really appreciate all the responses. Helped me avoid assuming I needed expensive sensor replacements when it might just be a wiring issue.