SQ8 Electronics Dead After Service, Likely Transport Mode

Had the same electrical gremlins with my 2018 S7 after routine service. The symptoms matched exactly, dead navigation and cascading error messages. The root cause was indeed related to transport mode remaining active after service. This is a vehicle setting that mechanics sometimes forget to deactivate. The transport mode limits various electrical functions to preserve battery during vehicle shipping. The fix required a proper software update and reset of the immobilizer system. The automotive computer needed full recalibration after deactivating transport mode. While not a serious mechanical issue, it did require specialized diagnostic equipment and dealer-level access to resolve. A key point: the key fob needed reprogramming as part of the solution, since the immobilizer system had gotten confused by the transport mode state. This is not something that can be fixed with basic tools. Best to have it checked at a workshop with proper diagnostic capabilities. The procedure takes about 2-3 hours when done correctly.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My SQ8 had nearly identical symptoms back in December, completely dead navigation and those frustrating cascading electrical errors popping up. The car electronics were a mess. The car configuration reset and transport mode deactivation fixed everything for me too. My key fob also needed reprogramming as part of the process. Do you remember roughly what you paid for the complete fix? Just curious if rates are similar. Also, has everything stayed stable since the repair or have you noticed any lingering electrical quirks?

Had it checked at the dealer yesterday and can confirm transport mode was indeed the culprit. Since the car is still under warranty, the complete car configuration reset and transport mode deactivation cost 0 Euro. The diagnostic check revealed it was exactly as suspected, transport mode hadnt been properly deactivated after service. The automotive computer needed a full reset and recalibration to resolve all those electrical issues. The best part is that since the fix, all vehicle settings are working perfectly. The navigation system is back online and those annoying error messages have completely disappeared. The key fob reprogramming was also included in the warranty work. No lingering electrical quirks at all, the car electronics are now functioning exactly as they should. Its running just like new, which is exactly what you expect from a vehicle still under warranty. If youre still having issues, definitely get it checked. The diagnostic equipment they use can quickly pinpoint if transport mode is your problem too.

Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to close this thread with my experience. The software update and transport mode deactivation fixed everything. Cost me 280 Euro since my warranty just expired. The diagnostic scan confirmed what you all suggested, transport mode was still partially active after my last service. The mechanic mentioned this happens more often than people think with modern car electronics. The immobilizer system needed a complete reset as part of the fix. Whole process took about 2 hours, including key fob reprogramming. Navigation is working perfectly now and all those error messages are gone. Quick tip for others: always insist on checking transport mode status after any major service. Could save you an extra trip to the shop.