Q5 - 12V sockets - all of them are on strike :-(

[bitwobbly]

Hello all - I'm hoping someone can help me. I've got a 2009 Q5 which has been gold as gold (mainly). But just lately a few leccy gremlins have started creeping in.....

The current one has got my scratching my head. None of the 4x 12V sockets (standard cigarette lighter, under armrest, passenger and luggage compartment) are working. All fuses are good & tested with a m/meter. No power is getting to the fuses so I'm wondering if it's a relay issue? I've tested the one single 643 relay in the boot (next to the fuses) and that seems clicky and happy.

Hmmmm.... is there another fuse / relay I should be looking for? I've tested every fuse I can - even the ones by the firewall. No joy.....

Next step is testing continuity between the fuse and the 12V sockets themselves. I'll cobble up a long test lead......

Please help. The missus can't charge her iPhone in the car. Apparently this is a disaster.

Cheers guys

Alex

[VAG-Abound]

It looks like that relay feeds the 4 fuses. Does the relay input (pin 2?) have 12V? You could jumper the relay slots (with a 10A fuse in the circuit for safety, but you're only a few inches from the next set) to see if power comes back to the sockets.

Looks like it is switched on pin 6 by the convenience control system. Does 12V appear there? Sockets may (but I'm not sure) be disabled (ie no 12V to pin 6) if the overall car power system is off spec - low battery, alternator load unsure, etc. Do you have a code reader to look for possible problems?

Next thing may be to look at controller for signs of damage, etc.

[bitwobbly]

It looks like that relay feeds the 4 fuses. Does the relay input (pin 2?) have 12V? You could jumper the relay slots (with a 10A fuse in the circuit for safety, but you're only a few inches from the next set) to see if power comes back to the sockets.

Looks like it is switched on pin 6 by the convenience control system. Does 12V appear there? Sockets may (but I'm not sure) be disabled (ie no 12V to pin 6) if the overall car power system is off spec - low battery, alternator load unsure, etc. Do you have a code reader to look for possible problems?

Next thing may be to look at controller for signs of damage, etc.


*************
VagAbound, thanks very much. That relay does indeed control those four fuses. There are 4 pins on that relay (two for the coil, two for the switch) so - as suggested - I jumpered the 12V feed over to the 4x 12V socket fuses (with an inline fuse) and that powered them up incl. the one in the boot. The battery on the car has been pretty poor lately too so I'll be looking at that. No code reader I'm afraid... I think I should invest in one. You've certainly pointed me onto the right path and I'm grateful to you. Cheers, Alex.

[VAG-Abound]

I'd also check whether the trigger side of the relay gets 12V, and whether the ground side is good. If no 12V then it may be the convenience model reducing load.

On our car when that is happening the rear window demister refuses to come on, and the lamp on the switch flashes to signal that. Do you see the same?