Audi Repair: Audi A3 Alarm, door hinge, audi a3

Question
Hi Jan.  Thanks for taking a look at my most frustrating query!  I'm really hoping you can help as this fault is driving me mad!!  My Audi is a 2002 registration (not sure whether this makes a difference).  Basically the problem is when I start the ignition the interior light and the light in the passenger door flash.  When I arrive at my destination get out and lock the car after approx 30-60 seconds the alarm will go off.  If I unlock and then lock again it is fine.  This is now happening every time I drive it!  The garage I have taken it to have replaced the door lock but this hasn't resolved the problem :(  They don't know what the problem is and I have left it with them for 9 days in total now.  Any help you can give would be gratefully received.

Many, many thanks,  Rebekah

Answer
Hi Rebekah,
I am assuming they replaced the lock in the passenger side.  If the problem is still the same, then I would suspect the wires in the door hinge area; they are susceptible to break and sometimes they will catch on the metal of the door and short out.  The wire that is responsible for the interior lights is a single wire, and the light comes on when it touches ground, so find the spot where the wire shorts to ground and you have found the problem...!  Unfortunately you will probably have to take all of the interior panels off the door to get to this, unless you are lucky enough to spot it in the area where the door hinge is and you can get to it.  Good luck,  Jan