AudiWorld Forums

Audi A6: Power Window Problems Diagnostic Guide

Are one, two, three, or all four of your power windows not working? Chances are, there’s something wrong with the wiring or one of the components within the system. To learn how to diagnose these issues yourself, read on.

By Jeffrey Bausch - April 11, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 and C6 (1998-2011).

All Audi cars are outfitted with top-notch technological features, but just like any technology, they’re subject to the occasional failure (or two). One feature that can be annoying to fix is the power window system — if yours are failing, read thru this list of these commonly-cited problems.

Materials Needed

  • Flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Check the electric window fuse

Start with the most simple of approaches. The fuse panel is located behind a cover on the left hand side of the dash. Remove the cover using a small, flat head screwdriver. On the inside of the cover should be a table of the fuses indicating which one is where. Locate the power windows fuse, remove it and inspect for damage; replace if necessary.

Figure 1. Interior fuse box location.

Step 2 – Check the window regulator

This particular component, located on the inside of each door, is considered poorly manufactured among several groups discussing the matter on Audi forums. Unfortunately, it’s not covered under warranty, and is often a headache for Audi owners to have to fix when it does finally go.

As you can tell in Figure 2, there are a fair number of components to the regulator, which increases the likelihood of it failing for any number of reasons. Remove the door panel to gain access to the regulator and inspect it closely for system breaks. Replace components or the entire regulator as necessary.

Figure 2. Window regulator components.

Step 3 – Check the window guides

This is actually a pretty common issue, and Audi did release a technical service bulletin for it. The problem is that these components are plastic and not manufactured to the highest degree. As a result, they’ll slip, crack, or otherwise break, which will leave the window only able to go up or down to a limited degree. Replacing them is simple and cheap. Perform a google search to see if your car is subject to the TSB that was released for this issue.

Figure 3. The power window guide is made of plastic parts.

Step 4 – Check the power window switches

If the windows issue is isolated – for example, it’s only one rear window that won’t work – then check the window switch. There’s a circuit breaker for the different sets of windows (rear and front), so if only one is not working, chances are the switch isn’t working. If both are not working, the circuit breaker needs to be replaced.

Figure 4. Check the window switches for electrical issues.

Step 5 – Check the wiring in the door

These wires are in close proximity to where the door opens and closes; as such, they’re exposed to some pretty often (and heavy) impact. There’s a chance the wires for the window(s) may have been knocked loose, or severed when closed upon. To check, simply peel back the rubber boot on the door to reveal the wires for the power windows.

Figure 5. Interior door wiring.

Related Discussions