How to troubleshoot electrical issues on an Audi A6?

Question

Where do I start with this weird battery drain on my 2015 A6? Checked the fuses and my VAG-COM scan is totally clean but its dead every morning now. I gotta get to work tomorrow and my commute is like 40 miles so im kinda desperate. Could it be a stuck relay or the MMI staying on?

drrudgismg · Accepted Answer

Regarding what #1 said about those C7 A6s door handles, he is totally right about them being a massive headache. But before you start ripping panels off, i gotta ask... does your push-to-start button light stay illuminated like ten minutes after you lock up and walk away? If that light stays on, the car isnt going to sleep and something is definitely keeping the bus active. I would suggest being real careful about just swapping the battery without finding the leak first because those AGM units are pricey and youll just ruin a new one. Tbh you dont need to spend 200 bucks on a pro meter if youre on a budget. A AstroAI 6000 Counts Digital Multimeter is way cheaper than a Fluke and still super accurate for finding a draw. Just make sure to wait at least 30 mins for the car to fully hibernate before you start pulling fuses or youll get false readings.

gpxieidltr · Answer

In my experience, those C7 A6s often have door handle sensors that short out and keep the car awake. Over the years, Ive found that using a Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter for a parasitic draw test is the safest way to find the culprit...

Pull the MMI fuse to see if the drain stops

Use a NOCO GENIUS10 Smart Charger tonight so you arent stranded Check those handles, theyre notorious for staying warm.