Audi Q5 Fuse Box Diagram & Location Map: Step-by-Step Guide
Ever had a tail light go out or a power socket die in your Audi Q5 and spent way too long hunting for the right fuse?
TL;DR: The Audi Q5 has fuse boxes in three main locations: the instrument panel (driver’s side), the footwell (driver or passenger side depending on model), and the luggage compartment. The location and layout vary significantly between the first-generation (8R, 2009-2017) and second-generation (FY, 2018+) Q5. This guide breaks down exactly where to find each box and what each fuse does.
We’ve all been there. You’re on a road trip, your phone is at 5%, and the 12V socket just… stops working. Or you hit the windshield wipers and nothing happens. Before you panic and schedule an expensive dealer visit, there’s one thing you should check.
The fuse box is the unsung hero of your Audi’s electrical system, quietly protecting everything from your Quattro all-wheel drive to your Virtual Cockpit. Knowing where to find it and how to read it can save you a tow truck call. Let’s get you sorted.
First Things First: Know Your Generation
The Audi Q5 has two main generations, and the fuse box layouts are completely different . Here’s how to tell them apart:
- First Generation (8R): 2009-2017. Has a more traditional, three-box setup.
- Second Generation (FY): 2018-present. Has a more complex, multi-panel system with fuse boxes on both sides of the cockpit.
Now, let’s explore each one.
First Generation Audi Q5 (8R; 2009-2017)
This is the more straightforward generation. You’ll find three main fuse box locations .
Location #1: Left Side of the Instrument Panel (Driver’s Side)
This is your main fuse box for interior functions. It’s located on the left side of the dashboard, behind a cover that’s visible when you open the driver’s door .
What it controls (partial list):
- A6/A7: Headlight range control and cornering lights
- A8: Control modules for quattro Sport and shock absorbers
- A13: Airbag control module
- B3: Fuel pump (25A)
- B7: Horn (25A)
- B8: Front left door (window regulator, central locking) (30A)
- B9: Windshield wiper motor (30A)
- C9: Panoramic sunroof (20A)
- C11: Sunshade motor for sunroof (20A)
Pro tip: If your sunroof stops working, check fuse C9 or C11 first before assuming a mechanical failure.
Location #2: Right Side of the Instrument Panel (Passenger Side)
This panel is on the right side of the dashboard, behind a similar cover on the passenger side .
What it controls (partial list):
- B3: MMI/Radio system (7.5A or 20A depending on the setup)
- B4: Instrument cluster
- B8: Climate control blower (40A)
- B10: Climate control system
Location #3: Luggage Compartment (Right Side)
This is where the cigarette lighter and 12V sockets are often fused . You’ll find it on the right side of the trunk, behind a trim panel .
What it controls (critical fuses):
- C2: 12-volt socket and cigarette lighter (20A)
- D1: Rear center console socket (15A)
- D2: Center console front outlet (15A)
- D3: Luggage compartment outlet (15A)
- D4: Cigarette lighter (15A)
- B9: quattro Sport (35A)
If your 12V socket stops working, the fuse is almost certainly in the luggage compartment fuse box, not the dashboard.
Second Generation Audi Q5 (FY; 2018-Present)
The newer Q5 has a more complex electrical system with more fuse panels and different locations .
Location #1: Driver’s Side of the Cockpit (Left Front Side)
This box is located on the left front side of the cockpit and handles many of the premium features .
What it controls:
- 4: Head-up display
- 5: Audi music interface and USB ports
- 8: Center display
- 9: Instrument cluster
- 11: Light switch module
- 14: Infotainment system
- 15: Power steering column adjustment
Location #2: Driver’s Footwell (Left-Hand Drive) / Passenger’s Footwell (Right-Hand Drive)
This is the primary fuse box for engine and core vehicle systems. On left-hand drive cars, it’s in the driver’s footwell under the footrest . On right-hand drive cars, it’s in the front passenger footwell behind a cover .
What it controls (critical systems):
- A2-A16: Engine components (fuel injectors, ignition coils, vacuum pump, camshaft adjustment, etc.)
- B1: Anti-theft alarm system
- B5: Horn
- B10: Airbag control module
- B11: Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) and ABS
- C1: Front seat heating
- C2: Windshield wipers
- C4: Panoramic glass roof
- C6: Sockets (12V outlets)
- C8: All-wheel-drive control module (quattro)
Location #3: Luggage Compartment (Left Side)
This box is located behind the trim panel on the left side of the trunk . It handles rear functions and some high-tech features.
What it controls:
- A2/A3: Windshield defroster
- A7: Rear window defogger
- A8: Rear seat heating
- A9: Left tail lights
- A11: Central locking system (trunk lid, fuel filler door)
- C2: Audi phone box
- C4: Side assist
- C14: Right tail lights
- E10: All-wheel-drive control module / sport differential
Quick Comparison: Fuse Box Locations by Generation
| Generation | Location 1 | Location 2 | Location 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Gen (8R) | Left side of instrument panel | Right side of instrument panel | Right side of luggage compartment |
| Second Gen (FY) | Left front side of cockpit | Driver’s or passenger’s footwell | Left side of luggage compartment |
The Cigarette Lighter Fuse: Most Common Question
The 12V socket/cigarette lighter fuse is one of the most frequently blown fuses. Here’s where to find it:
- First Gen (8R, 2009-2012): Fuse D1, D2, D3, or D4 in the luggage compartment
- First Gen (8R, 2013-2017): Fuse C2 in the luggage compartment
- Second Gen (FY): Fuse C6 in the footwell fuse panel
Always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage. Using a higher-rated fuse can damage your car’s wiring or cause a fire.
FAQ: Audi Q5 Fuse Box Questions
Where is the fuse box in a 2022 Audi Q5?
The 2022 Audi Q5 has two main fuse box locations: one on the left front side of the cockpit and one in the driver’s footwell (or passenger footwell on right-hand drive cars) . There’s also a third in the luggage compartment .
What fuse controls the Audi Q5 cigarette lighter?
On most first-generation Q5s (2013-2017), it’s fuse C2 in the luggage compartment . On second-generation Q5s, it’s fuse C6 in the footwell panel .
How do I know if a fuse is blown?
Pull the fuse out and look at the metal strip inside. If it’s broken or melted, the fuse is blown. A good fuse will have an unbroken metal connection.
Where is the horn fuse on an Audi Q5?
On the first-generation Q5 (8R), the horn fuse is B7 (25A) in the left side instrument panel . On the second-generation, it’s B5 in the footwell panel .
Can I use any fuse to replace a blown one?
Absolutely not. Always use a fuse with the exact same amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher rating is a serious fire hazard. Using a lower-rated one will just blow again.
References
Trusted Resources for Audi Q5 Electrical Systems
Got an Audi Q5? Drop a comment below with your model year and the fuse that gave you trouble—we’d love to hear your story!