2001 S8 - Xenon Range/Headlamp Warning Solved!

[GlynH]

My 2001 Audi S8 D2 has had the Xenon headlamp warning indicator up in the DIS for ages.

Prior to this the headlights had worked normally for years...when switching on you could see them hunt slightly before settling down so I knew the components were all working.

One day though I noticed I was dazzling oncoming drivers (and getting flashed in return) and illuminating the bald heads of drivers in front of me at a range approaching 1/4 mile!

Took it to an Audi Stealer who checked it out and said it needed a new module - don't they always - but now the headlamp warning was up constantly in the DIS where it was not there before the visit. Dealer also said he had focussed the lights low to prevent dazzling others.

Not convinced it was the module and wary that before the visit the warning lamp wasn't showing in the DIS I purchased the excellent Ross-Tech VAGCOM/VCDS from Ilexa.

A quick scan showed the following;

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Address 55: Xenon Range Labels: 4Z7-907-357.lbl

Part No: 4Z7 907 357

Component: dynamische LWR D06

Coding: 00001

Shop #: WSC 00000

1 Fault Found:

01539 - Headlights Not Adjusted

35-00 - -

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Monday,12,October,2009,16:07:11:23606

VCDS Version: Release 908.0

Data version: 20090911

Measuring Block follows;

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Address 55: Xenon Range (4Z7 907 357 )

16:06:57 Group 001

11.45 V Voltage Supply (Terminal 15)

0 Light Switch Status

0.0 km/h Vehicle Speed

0.00 Acceleration

16:06:57 Group 002

2.48 V Voltage level sensor front

0.51 V Voltage level sensor rear

45.4 % Actuator Motor Activation

0.03 s Time Constant

I suspected the rear sensor was out of range as according to VCDS it should be 2.6-3.5v so I jacked the car up while watching Measuring Block 2 and noticed the front sensor altering smoothly while the rear stayed around 0.5-0.68v

I removed the linkage arm from the sensor and when moving the arm noticed the reading was altering as expected so I left the arm in the middle of its recommended range at 2.6v

Thinking this would give me a reference I tried to clear the DTC but it came back immediately.

I could hear the motors actuating as I worked VCDS so maybe the dealer was right after all?

Looking at a drawing from ETKA/VAGCAT I noticed that the sensor arm seemed to be 'leaning' towards the outside of the car (see attached ETKA.jpg) and on mine this same arm was pointing 'inwards' (see attached P1010720.jpg)

I disconnected the linkage and moved the sensor arm past the 6 o'clock position if you like and leaning outwards, reconnected the linkage (see attached P1010721.jpg) and then lowered the car.

Plugged in VCDS and now the voltage from the rear sensor was also reading 2.6v - result!

Following the procedure on the Ross-Tech WIKI I was then able to clear the error code.

Vehicle parked on level ground and settled on its suspension.

Parking brake (handbrake?) off.

Ignition ON

Headlamps OFF

Using VCDS I went to 55 - Xenon Range and selected Basic Settings

Went into Group 1 and waited for 20 secs before turning on headlights

Checked they were set correctly by aiming at a wall

Scrolled to Group 2 and I saw that it has now learned this as the home position.

Clicked Done & Go Back. Sorted!

This had been bugging me for ages as the warning symbol had taken permanent residence in the DIS preventing me from having something to read on a long journey! ;v)

The Audi dealer had quoted me nearly £400 to supply & fit a new control module and here was I with my VCDS fixing it for nothing...excluding the cost of the Ross-Tech VCDS from Ilexa of course which has more than paid for itself with the first task asked of it.

I love a happy ending!