Replacing indicator relay on A6 C5

**Kyojitsu** · 16-04-2011,02:21 PM

I just had to replace the indicator/hazard relay unit on my A6 Allroad (2001) and took a few pictures that may help others who get the same problem. Symptoms were irregular chattering from the relay in the centre of the dash i.e. not a steady tik-tok when indicating left or right and the dashboard greenlight fluttering on and off. The hazards were working fine. This should also be the same procedure for a regular A6 but not certain!

Unfortunately the part is a combined unit so even if hazards work you have to buy the whole plug in unit.

Part was an outrageous £40 from Audi main dealer (

) Sorted problem completely though.

1) carefully pry off the trim surrounding hazard warning light switch with a screw driver or flat tool - don't force it otherwise it'll snap!
2) again using same tool, carefully lever out the switch unit from the top - it should slowly slide out (it's got retaining clips either side that could make it a bit stiff)
3) once out of dash remove the cable plug from back of unit. this is a bit fiddly because the cable is short and it's hard to get your fingers either side to press in the cable plug clips. I used a screwdriver and heel of hand to keep the unit 'out' and a finger and thumb to press the clips from above.
4) take care to not let go of cable or let it ping back into dash and swap in new unit by plugging in until it clicks
5) test operation
6) slide switch back in fully
7) carefully replace trim locating top edge first

Hope this is of some use.

**NickPicks** · 16-04-2011,10:17 PM

Nice write up, especially useful as we've had lots of related posts recently.

To be honest, I didn't think £40 was too bad considering it's a switch and 2 relays.

I've also seen a write up before on how to take the working hazard relay out of your old switch, and solder it into the place of the indicator relay in another old switch to make yourself a new switch (but whether it's worth it for £40 is another question)

**Kyojitsu** · 17-04-2011,11:58 PM

Interesting - I was having a look at the old unit and it seems very solidly stuck together. I'm not sure how it can be dismantled without forcing it open and breaking the casing etc. I guess like you I couldn't be bothered messing about so decided to bite the bullet and buy a new one - at least it's guaranteed!

**Howdy A6** · 18-04-2011,09:12 AM

Thanks for the info,I'm sure it will come in handy.

**Mike Smith** · 18-04-2011,12:10 PM

Excellent write up..thankyou
over the weekend my indicators have packed up, when indicating i get one maybe two flashes of the green dash light and maybe the same amount of clicks, then nothing the hazards work fine .. so i was about to see if it was a stalk problem, but tempted to replace this instead...

**NickPicks** · 18-04-2011,01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Smith

Excellent write up..thankyou
over the weekend my indicators have packed up, when indicating i get one maybe two flashes of the green dash light and maybe the same amount of clicks, then nothing the hazards work fine .. so i was about to see if it was a stalk problem, but tempted to replace this instead...

It's definitely more likely to be the relay,and it's easier to replace than the stalk as well.