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michael_koenig7

RS4 Massage Seat Malfunction: Repair Guide & Cost Tips

Looking for advice, my car massage seat stopped working completely. Getting an error message when trying to activate the massage setting through the seat switch. Anyone dealt with similar issues? Its a 2019 RS4 with 31577km on the clock. Had some bad experience with mechanics lately, so want to know what to look out for and what kind of repair costs to expect. Running on gasoline, if that matters.

4 comment(s)

robertschaefer1

Had the same issue on my 2016 RS6. The massage seat function failed due to a faulty seat switch connection. The electrical issue initially appeared intermittent but eventually stopped working completely. The root cause was a damaged wiring harness where the cables flex between the seat base and floor. This is a common wear point for automotive seats with massage functions. The constant movement eventually breaks down the wire insulation. The repair required: Complete diagnostic scan, Removal of seat assembly, Replacement of massage seat control module, Installation of new wiring harness, System recalibration This is a specialized repair that needs proper diagnostic equipment. While not a critical safety issue, it should be handled by technicians familiar with advanced seat systems. The massage seat control modules are sensitive components that can be damaged if not properly handled. A thorough check of all seat motor functions is essential during repair, as issues with one component can affect others in the system. Best to get it fixed soon before additional electrical problems develop.

michael_koenig7 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed response about your RS6 experience. It definitely sounds similar to my RS4 issue. That analysis about the wiring harness makes a lot of sense given how the seat motors and massage functions operate. Did you recall roughly what the repair costs came to? And has everything worked properly with the car upholstery and seat switch system since the fix? Just want to make sure I budget appropriately and know what to expect long-term with these electrical issues.

robertschaefer1

After getting it fixed at the shop, all massage seat functions have worked flawlessly for over a year now. The switch failure turned out to be simpler than expected, just a loose cable connection that needed proper reconnection and securing. The total repair cost was 95 Euro, which included the diagnostic work and fixing the faulty electrical connection. Much less expensive than I initially feared when the massage seat system first failed. The automotive seats in these models are generally reliable, but the wiring connections can sometimes work loose due to regular seat movement. The technician also checked all other seat motor functions during the repair to ensure there were no related electrical issues developing. No problems with any seat controls or upholstery since the fix. The key was finding a shop that understood these advanced seat systems and could properly diagnose the root cause rather than just replacing parts.

michael_koenig7 (Author)

Finally got my massage seat fixed last week. Took it to a specialized luxury car workshop that deals with high-end electrical issues. The mechanic spent about an hour diagnosing the problem and found it was indeed a wiring issue, just like you mentioned. The total repair came to 120 Euro, which included a full diagnostic scan and repair of the wiring harness. They also checked the entire car upholstery and seat mechanisms while they had it apart. The massage setting now works perfectly again. What really impressed me was how thorough they were in testing all seat functions after the repair. They even showed me the worn wiring that caused the problem. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who just wanted to replace the entire control module without proper diagnosis. Great to have this sorted, these electrical issues can be tricky but finding the right specialist made all the difference.

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