Hi everyone, im new here. Young lad and i own a 1997 Audi a3 8L sunroof model. The sunroof keeps playing up and refuses to open, close, open all the way etc etc. im pretty sure the problem is the rotational switch and I can’t seem to find one anywhere, ive checked every website, main dealers, breakers, The whole lot. So im wondering if anyone knows where i can find one 

Harley.

It's no surprise that dealers don't have the switch, and if breakers also don't I reckon your only chance is Ebay. You may find an individual breaking that particular model, or maybe somebody in China is making a clone.

If you can not buy a switch it may be possible to repair the existing switch if you are handy with tools. If the metal contacts are burnt or damaged you have a chance; if plastic components are broken you have no chance.

Remove the existing switch and take a closer look. You need to quote the Audi part number. There will be one, trust me, somewhere.

Back to sunroofs - there are notorious for leaking at the drains or the actual tray cassette, so check the switch for corrosion on contacts. The motor or micro-switch can also fail. The fact it's still working means there's 12v current, so likely to be a contact issue rather than a failed motor.

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/audi/RDW/A3/201/9/959/959000

In my experience if you remove the motor - you many need to go through a relearn sequence as there's probably pinch-protection on the roof.

The actual switch is part 4A on the LLL parts diagram. I checked parts for a year 2000 model and they are exactly the same, apart from colour code of interior. New one to me - called a Potentiometer (sounds like it should be used in the film Back to the Future!)

If it's standard grey - this work? https://www.newmiltonautoparts.com/4b0959613b--a-genuine-audi-a3-4-a6-a8-sunshine-roof-sunroof-switch-13549-p.asp

Edited November 12, 2025Nov 12 by spartacus 68

Thanks Richard,

If not already known, a potentiometer is a variable resistor. Seems like your link to the rotational switch maybe similar to what is needed.

Regards,

Gareth. 

4 hours ago, spartacus 68 said:

Remove the existing switch and take a closer look. You need to quote the Audi part number. There will be one, trust me, somewhere.

Back to sunroofs - there are notorious for leaking at the drains or the actual tray cassette, so check the switch for corrosion on contacts. The motor or micro-switch can also fail. The fact it's still working means there's 12v current, so likely to be a contact issue rather than a failed motor.

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/audi/RDW/A3/201/9/959/959000

In my experience if you remove the motor - you many need to go through a relearn sequence as there's probably pinch-protection on the roof.

The actual switch is part 4A on the LLL parts diagram. I checked parts for a year 2000 model and they are exactly the same, apart from colour code of interior. New one to me - called a Potentiometer (sounds like it should be used in the film Back to the Future!)

If it's standard grey - this work? https://www.newmiltonautoparts.com/4b0959613b--a-genuine-audi-a3-4-a6-a8-sunshine-roof-sunroof-switch-13549-p.asp

Hey mate, thanks for the effort here. Sounds like you know your stuff. Im afraid my switch is slightly different to that kne you sent. It’s an older model, 1997 and the switch turns both left and right so I’ll keep looking and see what I can find and if I can get the part number. Cheers mate