Multi-Function Steering Gear Shift
 

My Gear Shift Selector Buttons on the steering have stopped working :-(

Anybody had a similar problem..... what do I check before going to the stealers and depleting my Frostie Funds...

Tx

Is it a 3 spoke with tiptronic, or a 4 spoke multifunction with tiptronic ? - Its completely different wiring to check in each case.

Does tiptronic work off the gear selector ok ?

It is a 4 Spoke Multifunction with tiptronic....

Works fine on the gear Selector Shift....

Tx +++

Had a similar problem recently, they didn't quit altogether but they became intermittent.

It turns out to have been the steering wheel slip ring. I did try and test the slip ring by checking continuity from the input connectors to the output connectors but it seemed to be okay. In the end I decided to buy a used one from A8parts just to see if it would solve problem (a lot cheaper than paying Audi dealer an hours labour to diagnostic it and a brand new part just to test it) and hey presto paddle shift working again.

I think the only way to narrow it down may be to do continuity check between loom connector on steering column to the loom connector on side of main gear selector. Since these connectors & loom are static they are less likely to have deteriorated, wheareas the slip ring is in effect a 'moving' loom and will be subject to wear and tear. As I said continuity check on the slip ring turned out to be misleading as it seemed to be okay.
If you look on Audipages you'll see photos of the tiptronic loom connectors.

Be careful when working in this area as the airbag connectors are there too
Just an additional note - it also co-incided with the airbag light illuminating - this was a strong indicator that the slip ring was failing. Slip ring failure / deterioration is a common problem with older Audis & VWs.

Do any of the other multifunction buttons on wheel 'misbehave'?

Big Up for all the Info....+++

It is def an intermittent issue.... works some times and not other times..
So Ur observation regarding the Slip Ring sounds spot-on.

I have ELSA so will do a little research before attempting DIY fix.

All the other buttons work 100's.

Just as an aside I had the same issue on my Cab and eventually found it was the magnets/switches under the gear lever that needed cleaning. Problem sorted.