Audi A5 Fuse Box Diagram & Location Guide: Dashboard, Trunk & Engine Bay
Ever had a sudden electrical glitchโlike your windows refusing to roll down or your radio going silentโand realized you have no idea where to find the fuse?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. The Audi A5 is packed with sophisticated electronics, from the Virtual Cockpit to the Bang & Olufsen sound system. When something stops working, it’s often just a blown fuse. But finding the right fuse box? That’s the tricky part.
This guide helps you quickly locate all three main fuse boxes on your A5, explains which fuses control what, and gives you the confidence to tackle those minor electrical issues like a pro.
Audi A5 Fuse Box Locations: Where to Look
The Audi A5 has multiple fuse boxes positioned throughout the car. Depending on your model year (2008โ2025) and body style (Coupe, Cabriolet, or Sportback), you’ll typically find them in three main areas.
Passenger Compartment (Dashboard & Footwell)
This is your first stop for interior-related electrical issues. There are usually two fuse panels in the cabin:
Driver’s Side Cockpit: Look on the front side of the dashboard on the driver’s side. In left-hand drive vehicles, you’ll also find fuses in the footwell under the footrest.
Passenger Side: For right-hand drive models, the footwell fuses are behind a cover on the front passenger’s side.
Tip: If your interior lights, infotainment screen, or instrument cluster are acting up, check these panels first.
Luggage Compartment (Trunk)
The trunk houses the power distribution center for major systems. You’ll find this fuse box behind the trim panel on the left side of the luggage compartment (for newer models) or on the right side (for older pre-2012 models).
Engine Compartment
Yes, there is a fuse box under the hood too. The engine compartment fuse box is usually located inside a housing near the battery or along the side of the engine bay. It’s often labeled on the underside of the cover.
Generation Differences: Which Diagram to Use
Audi A5 fuse layouts changed significantly across generations, so you’ll need to look at the right diagram.
First Generation (2008โ2016): These models (8T/8F) typically have fuse panels on both the left and right sides of the instrument panel, plus a fuse box in the trunk.
Second Generation (2017โ2025): These models (8W6) consolidated some fuse panels. You’ll find fuses in the driver’s footwell (or passenger side for RHD), a secondary set on the dashboard, and the main unit in the trunk.
A Quick Look at What Each Fuse Does
Here’s a simplified breakdown of which systems are controlled by each area.
Passenger Compartment (Cockpit & Footwell)
This panel mostly handles interior convenience and driver assistance features:
- Infotainment: Radio, MMI display, USB ports.
- Comfort & Lighting: Interior lights, seat heating, sunroof.
- Driver Assistance: Head-up display, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Trunk (Luggage Compartment)
The rear fuse box controls larger electrical loads and rear systems:
- Lighting: Tail lights, license plate lights.
- Comfort Access: Power trunk lid, central locking system.
- Premium Audio: Amplifier (if equipped with Bang & Olufsen).
Engine Compartment (Under Hood)
This box is dedicated to the powertrain:
- Engine Management: Fuel pump, ignition coils, oxygen sensors.
- Cooling: Radiator fan, water pump.
Visual Guide: Fuse Box Diagram Overview
To make things clearer, hereโs a sample breakdown for the 2017-2020 Audi A5 (Second Generation).
Cockpit Fuse Panel (Driver’s Side Dashboard)
| Fuse โ | Description |
|---|---|
| 2 | Telephone / Mobile device charger |
| 4 | Head-up display |
| 8 | Infotainment display |
| 9 | Instrument cluster |
| 14 | Infotainment unit |
| 16 | Steering wheel heating |
Footwell Fuses (Driver’s Side)
| Fuse Panel | Fuse โ | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A (Brown) | A2 | Mass airflow sensor, Engine components |
| B (Red) | B4 | Automatic transmission selector |
| B (Red) | B10 | Airbag control module |
| C (Black) | C1 | Front seat heating |
| C (Black) | C2 | Windshield wipers |
Luggage Compartment Fuses
| Fuse Panel | Fuse โ | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A (Black) | A7 | Rear window defogger |
| A (Black) | A8 | Rear seat heating |
| C (Brown) | C4 | Audi side assist |
| E (Red) | E3 | AdBlue heating / Engine components |
How to Replace a Blown Fuse Safely
Replacing a fuse is simple, but safety comes first.
- Turn Off Everything: Switch off the ignition and all electrical components.
- Identify the Fuse: Check the diagram to find the fuse responsible for the malfunctioning part.
- Use the Right Tool: Your Audi tool kit usually includes a plastic clipโoften stored on the back of the fuse panel coverโto pull the fuse.
- Check and Replace: A blown fuse will have a broken metal strip inside. Replace it only with a fuse of the same amp rating (e.g., replace a 10A with a 10A).
“Never repair a fuse or replace it with a higher amp ratingโthis can severely damage your electrical system.”
Always obey local traffic laws and drive responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the fuse box located in the Audi A5?
A: The A5 has three main fuse boxes: in the cabin (driver’s footwell and passenger side), in the trunk (under the left or right side trim), and in the engine compartment.
Q: How do I know if a fuse is blown?
A: A blown fuse will have a visible break in the metal strip inside the plastic casing.
Q: Where is the cigarette lighter or 12V socket fuse on the Audi A5?
A: In the 2010-2011 models, it’s located in the trunk (Red Panel D, fuses 1-4). In the 2013-2016 models, it’s also in the trunk (Brown Panel C, Fuse โ2).
Q: Where is the Audi A5 sound amplifier (amp) fuse?
A: The amplifier fuse is typically located in the luggage compartment (Fuse Panel E, โ3 in some models).
Q: Can I replace a fuse with a different amp rating?
A: No, replacing a fuse with a higher amp rating can cause serious electrical damage or even a fire. Always use the exact amp rating shown in the diagram.