Electrical Problems

[das9125]

Hi guys

This is my first post here, great forum, had been visiting for a few weeks now, writing from Bogota, Colombia. I have a big problem with my car.
I bought a 2001 A3 1.8T just two months ago, to replace my 99 Civic SI, which btw in 6 years gave me zero problems.

Only 2 months with my Audi, I have a big electrical problem. And it seems electrical problems are a little common, which doesn't make me too happy. Don't get me wrong, the car is great, mine only has 40k miles and its a 2001. Its a much more quality car than my previous car, the Civic, but frustrating that I see so many problems in the forum.
Anyway, about the electrical problem, first a couple of weeks ago, my reverse lights (white) stopped working. For no reason, checked the bulbs, the fuse, they were good.
A couple of days ago, several things stopped working. My horn, the corner lights, the AC, the windshield whipers.
Again checked the fuses, all working, including those in the battery compartment.
It seems like the only option now is to take it to the dealer, and well here in Colombia, its ridiculous what they charge at Audi, people avoid it unless there is no other option.
I would like suggestions on what to try before taking my car for a $500 checkup, how I can check relays or what else.
I appreciate anyones help, and sorry about any deficiency in my english grammar.

[a8 tech]

Hello Das,you will need to understand wiring diagrhams.Firstly try to find a common area that these componants share ie earth or live and then try to trace.Try to minimise your list,as you have a lot of faults and this could confuse you and me.I will help out as much as i can if you forgive my spelling mistakes i will forgive your grammer.Try bently publishing for wiring diagrhams.Heres some help witk reverse light,disconnect the switch at the gearbox and bridge the two terminals with a peice of wire,see if the lights work,if yes replace switch,if no check 12 volt and earth at switch.Again the a/c and wipers will have seperate fuses.Wiper motors can be difficult to check,but make sure you have a good 12volt feed.Hope that helps for now.

[das9125]

A8, thanks for your reply. I will check the reverse lights switch as you suggested, since they died before anything else.
However, I need to clarify that everything else died at the same instant, so Im thinking it is only one failure for all systems, something that they share, whether its a relay, or else. About wiring diagrams, tough to find here in south america. Is there a service manual somewhere online? Thanks again. In this car everything is electronic so it makes it tougher to determine the problem. However, I will try suggestions for a few days before considering the dealership.
About the switch under the gearbox, will I find instructions on how to get to it, with a simple search in the forum?

[a8 tech]

Try Bentley publishers site.hhtp://tech.bentleypublishers.com for manuals and possible links.Good luck Das