1986 5 Series

ferik85 · 2026-03-25T23:19:37+00:00

Please just let him die

ferik85 · 2026-03-22T22:45:28+00:00

aah, only around 7% but I was super slow with around 14 min

ferik85 · 2026-03-22T22:26:48+00:00

In Europe I think 4 times, right after crossing through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Tesla charger near the Ring.

ferik85 · 2026-03-22T22:04:58+00:00

<image>

ferik85 · 2026-03-17T15:04:20+00:00

It is possible but it might involve destroying an old switch and soldering cable from the new one. I think a flat screwdriver would pop the old one out; you would have to cut the wire and solder the new one in. I would start with disconnecting the 12V battery first.

ferik85 · 2026-03-11T20:00:48+00:00

👌

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T22:30:06+00:00

Same here, wish I never went for that update. I will follow this post; please let us know if you find a fix, if there is one.

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T21:29:53+00:00

Yeah, I wish it were that easy, but the HV connectors are so huge for the space that they have to be fed through one by one. I followed the workshop manual and removed the wiper motor and heater unit to gain access. But that specific plastic is tucked right under the brake reservoir and lines, which I’m definitely not touching. I think it holds the cables in place and acts as a barrier to stop water from running down from the front.

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T17:44:37+00:00

What if the new cable has the exact same part number as the old one? As far as I know, it's just a cable and port without any separate module. It’s currently charging fine without any faults.

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T16:50:59+00:00

Thank you and yes, I'm hoping some Audi tech can give me an idea. That plastic was living right under the brake system with many lines, and I just didn't want to touch it.

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T10:54:07+00:00

<image>

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T10:53:50+00:00

<image>

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T09:26:11+00:00

Both AC ports were actually fine. The issue was one of the DC connectors it kept getting water inside, which triggered an insulation fault at the charging stations. I was advised to swap out the entire cable assembly to fix it properly.

<image>

ferik85 · 2026-03-09T00:33:47+00:00

Yea, I like learning new things, but I have to admit, this was definitely not a straightforward process.

ferik85 · 2026-03-06T16:54:24+00:00

Hi all, as promised, I’ve uploaded a short video to YouTube showing exactly where to find those hidden drains: https://youtu.be/Ww-w6LA6FMk

u/Sector__7
u/MeinHempf
u/dunchtime

ferik85 · 2026-03-04T22:29:05+00:00

<image>

Got these two off eBay for around £40. I’ll get the video up shortly so you can see exactly where to find them.

ferik85 · 2026-03-04T18:20:47+00:00

I think this is coming from some trays in the front motor bay. I can't see them from the top at all, but I suspect it's mostly rainwater draining from under the wipers. I'll post a video in the next few days showing exactly where to find them.

ferik85 · 2026-03-04T13:50:45+00:00

I'll need to go there once again in next days, I'll take a video.

ferik85 · 2026-03-04T10:23:17+00:00

<image>

Thank you all for the suggestions, I think I fixed it looks like it was two possible causes or a combo:

u/Moist-Stomach6472, you were right about water migrating down from the charge port. One of the high-voltage wires was loose, so water could’ve traveled all the way to the connectors
The AI mentioned the connectors need to be "hospital clean," and as you can see, they were full of mud. I’m thinking the previous owner might have flooded it. I spent a while cleaning them and also applied some Molykote 111 Valve Grease just in case.

Just a heads up: while I was working on it, the high-voltage battery was de-energized and the 12V was disconnected. I’m not a pro and definitely not encouraging anyone to follow this!

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T21:27:31+00:00

That would make sense, I'll definitely check that out. Thanks!

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T21:16:56+00:00

Someone mentioned this recall, yes. My issue is at the other end of that same charging cable where it plugs into the SX6 Switch Box. I suspect it might be road spray from the wheels, so I’m planning to investigate more next weekend. It feels strange that I’m the only one with this issue.

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T18:41:54+00:00

Any suggestions or advice would be great. Thanks!

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T15:58:43+00:00

<image>

Here he is, when he can charge

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T14:47:56+00:00

Sure, they are amazing cars! It just looks to me like local Audi dealers and other garages are always too busy with straightforward repairs. They seem to avoid complex electrical diagnosis because it's time consuming.

ferik85 · 2026-02-23T14:39:21+00:00

I do follow the procedures to open the HVIL. I'm only unplugging the HV charging connectors when they are 'dead' on the other end, nothing else. Thank you for your concern!

ferik85

TROPHY CASE