I have a 2014 Q7 S Line with the door handles that unlock when you grab them and lock when you push the button on it. My drivers door lock button has stopped working but all my others still work. I was curious if anyone had tried taking the door handles apart to fix the button issue I’m guessing mine failed just to corrosion or age/use haven’t takes the handle off yet I’m hoping that make it’s just not being engaged and I can move it around and fix it (button just feels soft right now now click feeling). If any one has done this what was your results and any tricks? And second is it even worth going through the trouble am I more likely to break what works? I’m hoping I can fix it without having to replace all the handles.

 

Ha, my passenger side doesn't work at all.
Both driver side do, but they self lock when I walk by and/or go to pump gas, leading me to use the fob to unlock.
I am getting quite a few eletrical issues, not crank with start button, etc...
I have read many articles but haven't gotten to it yet, of disconnecting the plug at the handle, the handles would still unlock/lock that same.

Have you read codes? Do you have VCDS? That is what anyone would want to see.

 

well im subscribing to this thread as I have this issue with passenger front, which doesnt seem to recognize the fob, nor unlock the car unless I press unlock on the key.
also, have some code for passenger rear door.
fxkn audi, I had these issue with A6 C6

 

Yeah, I am getting some times not even wanting to unlock with fob and not recognizing key to start. Bout had it with this, if I knew the fix.

 

Several related threads on this site. If I recall correctly, our handles cannot be repaired but they can be replaced. Several options available on eBay and online. I purchased some and color matched and clear coated them will replace one shortly and report back...

 

The Q4L Q7 'Advanced Key' system door handles are not modular as seen on some other Audi models...you can't repair them.

You either order new handles, paint them, etc., and swap out the old ones, or you do what the majority of us do and simply unplug the door handle wiring dongle inside each door panel (for affected handles). I've still got one handle that works 100% normal, bu the rest are shot and disconnected now to stop the battery drains and also the entry system problems the shorted handles cause.

It's not difficult to do, but you need to watch video first to see where the hidden fasteners are on the door trim and how/where to pry specific trim pieces off to avoid breaking them. Also, you need to be sure only to unplug the dongle from the door handle as there are multiple redundant switches/sensors equipped stock, which allows you to double pull external door handle and it unlocks, etc.

 

so its the actual just door handle that has built in sensor? that is then easier to fix then on C6 which was way more complex
Not the actual locking mechanism?

 

Correct? Proximity sensor is actually molded into the door handle, and therefore is not serviceable once they ground out. Replace them or just disconnect the dongle inside the door, and all will be well with the entry system again. By normal, I mean the key fob works as it should and you can still walk up to car with fob in pocket and so a double-pull motion on any handle, and it will unlock, etc.

Love that redundancy!

Now if your car has other fault codes/issues, unrelated to these grounded out door handle sensors/button on the handles, then you still gotta chase those down. Once you disconnect the handles you'll still see fault codes, but it'll change to 'open circuit' fault code rather than telling you it's grounded, which is accurate.

 

I saw today a set of 4 handles with sensors on aliexpress for like 150CAD, and even come painted black which works for me

just have to make sure that I actually have faulty ones and not just low battery of interference but it scared me few days ago where it seems the passenger door relocked itself even after I had the doors opened after unlcoking. And I dropped the key in the car. Lucky, other doors didnt lock

 

Both handles on the passenger side of my 2015 Q7 TDI Prestige lost their sensor and lock button functionality, and VCDS reported both were shorted to ground. I acquired new handles, painted them, installed two (with two more available for future replacements). New handles look and work great -- full sensor and button functionality and no more shorts to ground. Here's a quick overview on how I replaced them. This is more work vs disconnecting the electrical connector on the faulty handle, but IMO it wasn't a lot more difficult and very satisfying to have all functionality back. Until they fail again :-P But if that happens, it's a fairly easy job now that I know how to do it.

Aftermarket versions are available on ebay and elsewhere. I purchased 4 of them for $93. They looked nearly identical to the OEM versions but did not have audi markings. They were also primed in gray-color. I masked the button and mechanical hinge and latch portions that fit inside the door and then painted them with paint acquired by a vendor also on ebay from these guys: https://www.ebay.com/str/jerzyautopaint. They absolutely nailed the metallic atlantis blue color on my Q7. To achieve a near-OEM finish and durability, I clear coated with 2K glossy paint acquired here:
The color and finish produced by Audi is very challenging to match, although this approach was near-perfect. On close examination (with my readers-on!) I detect the OEM finish is perfect and mine has a very slight orange peel to it. Could be eliminated with sandpaper/polish or better painting skills but it's so close I don't really think most folks will know they're not original. See pics below. If you're struggling to match the finish, you can always paint your handles black with clear-coat they'll still look good.

I used the following youtube videos for info about how to remove the inner panels and door handles. Watching the videos and doing the work consumed ~90 minutes to do both passenger side doors and handles. Probably took me about the same time to mask and paint four handles I purchased -- for a total of 3 hours. If/when I need to replace the driver-side doors, will likely take me less than 1h. Here are the videos:
Remove inner door panels: Remove front door handle (there are others -- this one is quick): Remove rear door handle:
One area that the videos didn't mention, is that you need to reach inside the door panel and grab a white/nylon door opening mechanism covered in grease and retract it to properly position the door handle when inserting into position from the outside. Difficult to explain and photo but you'll understand it when you see it while the panel is out and the new handle is going in.

Here are some photos of the work:

Front passenger door panel removed

Front door plug removed to access mechanism that can release door handle

New handle painted (rear) and old handle side-by-side.

New handle installed front passenger door. Old handle below it.

New handle installed on rear passenger door