RS6 Electrical Gremlins Point to Faulty Clutch Switch

Had a comparable electrical fault situation with my 2020 RS4 last winter, sharing this with basic car repair experience. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, car starting issues combined with a dead gear selector display and non-functioning cruise control. Multiple error codes pointed in different directions, which made diagnosis tricky. After some back and forth with my workshop, they found the root cause: a damaged cable connection at the clutch switch that was causing intermittent electrical issues. The clutch pedal position sensor wasnt getting proper contact, leading to those varied symptoms. The fix was straightforward once identified, they replaced the wiring harness and connectors at the clutch switch assembly, costing 95 Euro for parts and labor. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Are there any specific error codes showing up? Did these issues start gradually or all at once? Does the car make any sounds when trying to start? Any recent work done on the vehicle? This information would help determine if your electrical fault has the same root cause. While clutch switch issues are common culprits for starting problems in these models, its best to verify with complete details.

Latest service was done at 30000 KM. Very helpful feedback regarding my car starting trouble. Multiple error codes are present, P0805, P0806, P0807. All issues appeared suddenly during one cold morning. Car just clicks when attempting to start, but no turnover. No recent repairs or modifications. The faulty switch diagnosis makes sense given the symptoms affecting multiple systems. Will get it checked based on your experience, particularly the wiring harness around the safety mechanism. Hoping for a similarly straightforward fix rather than a major electrical problem.

Thanks for providing those error codes, they actually confirm what I suspected about the clutch switch being the likely culprit in your car starting issues. Those P080X codes specifically relate to clutch position sensor circuit problems. When my RS4 had similar starting problems, it also began abruptly on a cold morning with just clicking sounds. The electrical fault was indeed traced to corroded connectors at the clutch pedal switch causing intermittent contact. The cold weather often exposes these underlying wiring issues. The simultaneous failure of multiple systems, gear display, cruise control, and starting, is a telltale sign. In my case, the harness replacement resolved all symptoms at once. The workshop confirmed moisture had gotten into the connector housing over time, leading to the connection problems. One quick test you can try: Listen for a relay click from the clutch switch area when slowly pressing the clutch pedal. If you hear inconsistent clicking or no sound at all, it further points to the switch or wiring being the source of your car stalling. This type of electrical fault tends to be more wiring-related than a failed switch itself. Having the workshop focus on checking the harness condition and connections first could save diagnostic time.

The error codes P0805-P0807 definitely match the clutch switch symptoms you described. What you experienced with your RS4 gives me confidence to have my workshop focus on the clutch pedal wiring and safety mechanism components first. The clicking sound without turnover matches your case exactly. Good point about checking the relay click, just tested and there is no consistent sound when pressing the clutch pedal, which further supports the diagnosis. The fact that your gear selector and cruise control also failed simultaneously with the starting problems makes me feel better that this is likely a straightforward wiring fix rather than a major electrical fault. Will book it in tomorrow and direct them to inspect the clutch switch wiring harness and connectors first, particularly looking for moisture damage since these ignition problems started on a cold morning. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause, should save some diagnostic time and hopefully keep the repair costs closer to the 95 Euro range you mentioned rather than a more extensive electrical overhaul.