How to turn off Audi Motion Sensor – Step by Step

Do you often experience issues with the motion sensor of your Audi? Does the alarm go off when you are on a ferry? Or even just because a fly got stuck inside your parked car?

The simple fact of drinking a warm coffee inside your parked car would make it go off.

The motion sensor (or officially called interior monitor / tow-away protection) is a nice tool. However, in certain situations, it can become quite a nuisance.

In this article, find out what a motion sensor is (interior monitor/tow-away protection), when it will go off, how to disable it, and what’s the difference between the models.

What is the Audi Motion Sensor?

A motion sensor is a component that converts a change in position into an electrical quantity that can be evaluated with suitable circuitry. 

Meaning, it recognizes changes in position inside the car or tilt. And it converts this into an electrical response (alarm).

How to turn off Audi Motion Sensor

The alarm will go off if the sensor detects any movement in the cabin. Or if the car’s inclination changes.

It’s important to remember that the alarm will go off only if the car’s locked.

You can prevent the alarm from going off by turning off the interior monitor. Besides, you can turn off the tow-away protection for a completely soundless car.

Also, there is one hidden fact. If you disable the safe lock mechanism, the motion sensor will do the same. So, if your motion sensor won’t activate, it might be because of your disabled safe lock.

Step 1

Press the button that has a lock icon on your remote control key. Then, press it again with two seconds between the first and the second click.

or

Touch the sensor on the door handles a second time within two seconds. This step applies to owners that have convenience keys.

or

Turn the mechanical key in the door lock to the close position a second time within two seconds.

Step 2

If you lock the vehicle now, the interior/towing protection monitor will stay off. It will stay off until the next time you unlock the car.

Remember

You will have to disable it every time. The sensor enables itself again whenever you use the car.

So, remember to disable it every time you need to.

Disable motion sensor: Model differences

Deactivate Motion Sensor by Audi Model

Audi A1	Standard Procedure
Audi A3	Standard Procedure
Audi A4	Standard Procedure
Audi A5	Standard Procedure
Audi A6	Standard Procedure
Audi A8	Standard Procedure
Audi Q3	Standard Procedure
Audi Q5	Check the instructions below
Audi Q7	Standard Procedure
Audi Q8	Standard Procedure

Standard Procedure

The interior monitor/tow-away protection button is at the end face (open) driver’s door.

Press the button. The LED light in the button should light up.

Audi Q5 Specific Instructions

For this model, deactivating the interior monitor and the tow-away protection is different.

Find the two switches at the front end of the driver’s door. You will see buttons A and B. Here is what you are going to do:

1. Press switch A. The diode in the switch will light up (interior monitor)
2. Press switch B. The diode in the switch will light up (tow-away protection)

When does it make Sense to Deactivate the Motion Sensor in the Audi?

You should deactivate the motion sensor in the following situations:

1. If you need to stay in the car when it’s parked.
2. If you need to leave your pets inside the car for a short period of time.
3. If you need to leave the windows slightly open (the airflow and temperature change will also set the alarm off)
4. If you need to leave your kids inside the car for a short period of time.
5. If you are using your car to move houses, and need to constantly open and close the doors adding weight into it.
6. If you are in a place with a lot of insects (flies, mosquitoes, etc.) that might get stuck inside
7. If you leave your car parked on a ferry which will be sailing, the tilt will set the alarm off.

Is it Better to Have the Motion Sensor Deactivated by a Workshop?

If you bring a car to the workshop and have your motion sensor deactivated, it will be like that forever. Meaning you will not be able to activate the sensor by yourself again.

The best way to use the motion sensor system is when you need it. And you have all the explanations above on how to use it only when you need it.

If you want to disable the alarm forever, then talk to your mechanic or dealer of choice.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information on the interior monitor/tow-away protection… Make your life easier!

Switch off the motion sensor if you don’t need it or in the situations mentioned above.

And enjoy your Audi everywhere!