Q3 No-Start: Multiple Systems Down + Gear Display Blank

Had similar issues with my A4 2.0 TDI from 2014. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, blank gear display, cruise control failure, and starting problems. The root cause was indeed a faulty clutch switch causing multiple systems to trigger safety lockouts. The clutch pedal switch is a common failure point that can cause cascading electrical fault issues. When the switch fails, the car computer cannot detect if the clutch is engaged, triggering various safety measures. The car stalling and system shutdowns are typical protective responses. At the garage, they found corroded connections at the clutch switch plug. The entire switch assembly needed replacement since moisture had damaged internal components. Not a complex repair but requires proper diagnostic equipment to clear fault codes after installation. While this is typically not a serious mechanical issue, car stalling and safety system failures make it unsafe to drive until fixed. The multiple error codes often mislead mechanics who focus on individual systems rather than the root cause at the clutch switch. Worth checking the wiring harness and connections first before replacing components. Sometimes simply cleaning and reseating the clutch switch connector resolves these electrical gremlins.

I was facing the exact same ignition problem on my Q3 last month. The faulty switch at the clutch pedal was causing all sorts of electrical chaos, gear selector not showing, car starting issues, the works. The symptoms match perfectly with what you and the previous poster described. After getting it fixed, all systems returned to normal and havent had any problems since. Curious what the repair ended up costing you? In my case, they also found some water damage near the wiring harness while doing the switch replacement.

Good to hear your Q3 is running properly again. After my mechanic diagnosed the faulty clutch switch that was causing the gear selector display and starting problems, the fix was straightforward. They found a damaged cable connection at the safety switch assembly that was letting moisture in. The total repair came to 95 Euro which included fixing the cable connection and clearing all the error codes. Since having the clutch switch repaired, all systems have worked perfectly, no more blank displays or starting issues. The car computer now properly detects when the clutch is engaged. The repair cost was reasonable considering how many systems were affected by this single faulty switch. Regular preventive checks of these safety switches and their connections can help catch issues before they cause multiple system failures.

Thanks for getting back about the repair details. I went ahead and got mine fixed last week after the multiple electrical fault warnings. The mechanic charged 180 Euro total, bit more than yours since they had to replace the entire clutch switch assembly due to corrosion. Funny enough, while they were fixing the faulty switch they noticed the gear selector wiring had some wear too. Fixed that while they were in there to prevent future issues. The car stalling problems completely disappeared after the repair. The whole job took about 2 hours. All the systems are now working perfectly, gear display is back, cruise control works, and the car starts every time without hesitation. Really relieved it wasnt something more serious with the transmission or car computer.