2020 SQ8 just started acting up - driver rear door handle sticks, hard to open, sets off alarm randomly when opened, "central locking malfunction" warning message appears, soft close sometimes doesnt work....

Any solutions?

 

I have read that there was a software update but it doesn't cure the problem. Most have to replace the door actuators. Cheapest source is Aliexpress at $62 per door

 

Actuator problem. had mine a year before I could get the dealer to swap out for warranty. Made the rear driver's side door unusable if I had to lock the car. Sometimes it would reset. I think it's a known problem now - in 2020 for RSQ8, it was a brand new problem.

 

My 2021 RSQ8 had the same problem. They replaced the actuator. Not sure if I had anything to do with it or if it was just a part malfunction. I have learned to grab the handle and hold it for a sec (to hear the acuator open) before pulling the handle. Havent had the issue again.

 

I went ahead and ordered replacement for all 4 doors from Ali Express. Price has gone up to $72 per corner

for soft close doors part #
4K0839015S Driver Rear
4K0839016S Pass Rear
4K0837015L Driver Front
4K0837016L Pass Front

 

So I finally got around to replacing the door lock actuators. I have replaced both front units from Ali Express yesterday. Can be easily done with hand tools, takes approx 30-45 min per door. I will be doing a post with full DIY write-up later

Tools required:

T25 torx bit
6mm triple square (12 point) bit
interior panel pry tools

Quick overview DIY
1)Pry off door handle surround panel (wood, carbon fiber, etcz0- start from front and work around bottom to rear, has a tab in the rear to rotate out, exposing 2x T25 bolts
2)remove 2x T25 bolts from door handle area, remove 1x T25 from arm rest
3)Pry door panel from door with pry tools. Start on bottom and work towards top. When released panel should lift off top of door frame
4)unclip door handle cable, unclip 2 electrical plugs from panel to door
5)remove B&O speaker box from door - multiple T25 bolts, and disconnect speaker plug in front
6)remove multiple green press lock tabs from soft close door actuator panel and gently free from door panel - this allows exposure to door frame insides
7) keep windows all the way up to gain more space
8) remove 2x 6mm triple square bolts to allow Door lock actuator to disconnect from door frame
9) carefully free door lock actuator from inside door frame, disconnecting 3 door actuator cables
10) reconnect 3 door actuator cables to new lock actuator mechanism and reinstall in reverse order

 

Remove interior handle surround, start at back and work free to anterior pivot tab







Remove Door Panel - start at bottom then lift entire panel up



Remove audio sealed box with T25 bolts, unplug and set aside




Twist loose and remove green press tabs to gain access to door interior



Compare new actuator to old actuator



Door actuator has 3 cables to disconnect, green and yellow lock tabs to untwist 90 degrees, one white locking tab that is just press fit





Green push tabs rotate 90 degrees then pull out



Soft close door motor unplug tab


Cable to release from door panel to allow removal of panel

 

Having the exact same issue on Driver Door. - have not gone to the dealer for any software updates but I'm out of warranty anyway, and I assume replacing this is the worst case. Does this require any clear of the prior codes or programming on the new unit to remove the errors?

 

I was using the OBD11 to clear door codes weekly. Once you replace the actuator the codes go away. Since doing the replacement (I went ahead and replaced all 4 as I was seeing errors from 3 of the doors) I have had zero issues and everything works perfectly including soft closing of doors and keyless entry

 

Thanks for this @ecloumd - swapping out my right rear today.