rear lower tail lights- turn off?

[osideaudi]

Is there a VAG code to turn off those lower tail lights? Will removing them throw a code?

[spijun]

Excuse me for asking, but why??

Except the fog lights, all other lights work only when you open the trunk - only as a backup for security purposes

[osideaudi]

For some reason mine are on whether the parking lights are on or at least when I'm in park and the headlights are on. I haven't been able to seen them when I'm driving since they're behind me :)

[userbbc]

are you referring to the rear fog lights located on the bumper?

[spijun]

For some reason mine are on whether the parking lights are on or at least when I'm in park and the headlights are on. I haven't been able to seen them when I'm driving since they're behind me :)

Did you are something done with VCDS maybe:

Turn off amber side markers (US models Only)
[09 – Cent. Elect.]
[Coding - 07] -> [Long Coding Helper] -> Byte 10 Bit 3 - Change 1 to 0

[hanyc42]

i thought there is a button to turn the rear fogs off and on...

[spijun]

are you referring to the rear fog lights located on the bumper?

This is from model 2009/12 but layout is the same MY2013/14

[osideaudi]

I think it's the side marker then. Ill upload a photo

[osideaudi]

car in park, headlights on. rear lower tail light on. upper led tail light on. me no happy.


Untitled by SolomonsWrath, on Flickr

[spijun]

It is only on US model. Try with VCDS from post # 5

[Cool Arrow]

I think that in order to make changes to how the rear lights operate, you need to do an adaptation with the correct security code. There were some posts in another forum by someone with an A7 that changed how the rear lights function -- what is used as a turn signal, what's a brake light, etc. I don't remember the details, but he had to make the changes with an adaptation. I think this would be similar -- or maybe not. I'm not a VCDS expert!

[spijun]

I think that in order to make changes to how the rear lights operate, you need to do an adaptation with the correct security code. There were some posts in another forum by someone with an A7 that changed how the rear lights function -- what is used as a turn signal, what's a brake light, etc. I don't remember the details, but he had to make the changes with an adaptation. I think this would be similar -- or maybe not. I'm not a VCDS expert!

He does not want to change anything in the rear lights, just wants to turn off side markers - as is the European model Q5

[osideaudi]

He does not want to change anything in the rear lights, just wants to turn off side markers - as is the European model Q5

I'll play around with that code to see if it also affects the rear side markers.

[spijun]

I'll play around with that code to see if it also affects the rear side markers.

Try this

[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 2
Bit 1 = DRL via Front Side markers
Bit 2 = DRL via High Beams
Bit 3 = DRL via Fogs
Bit 4 = DRL via LEDs
Bit 6 = DRL via Side markers -- check this
Bit 7 = DRL via Tail lights

[Redd]

Side marker lights are US federally mandated (DOT) and then also mandated by the states because of that, aren't they?

[buzztt]

Side marker lights are US federally mandated (DOT) and then also mandated by the states because of that, aren't they?

I thought side marker reflectors were, but not lights,not 100% sure though

[Boom]

The US has a 50 year old law about lights that hasn't changed. People are in work to get it changed since technology is changing. I know two that they are trying to change, headlight location and highbeams. If you turn off the sidemarkers, just make sure you change the code back for state inspections.

[osideaudi]

The US has a 50 year old law about lights that hasn't changed. People are in work to get it changed since technology is changing. I know two that they are trying to change, headlight location and highbeams. If you turn off the sidemarkers, just make sure you change the code back for state inspections.

I had my sidemarkers off in my B8 A4 and it passed maryland inspection just fine. I'm not worried about the law, just want the damn things off.

[Boom]

I had my sidemarkers off in my B8 A4 and it passed maryland inspection just fine. I'm not worried about the law, just want the damn things off.

Most people don't know or don't care. I have the Euro tail lights on my MK5 and they have no reflecters. Just on the rear GLI valance that I got painted to color match.

[osideaudi]

Most people don't know or don't care. I have the Euro tail lights on my MK5 and they have no reflecters. Just on the rear GLI valance that I got painted to color match.

Whats also weird is that there are amber side markers in the front headlights that dont turn on at all. Whats the point of even having the ugly amber there to begind with?

[Redd]

" just want the damn things off. "
If the software won't do it, just unplug the bulb and replace it with a 100 ohm 5-watt load resistor, the same kind they sell to use with LED replacement bulbs in older cars. That's to fool the car into thinking there's still a bulb there. And if you can't unplug it, cut the wires and put the load resistor across them. (2 watts probably will do, five is going to run cooler but won't actually drain any more power.)

No big deal, old fashioned Yankee blunt force.

Yellow lights in the headlamp assemblies?? Not just reflectors??

[osideaudi]

" just want the damn things off. "
If the software won't do it, just unplug the bulb and replace it with a 100 ohm 5-watt load resistor, the same kind they sell to use with LED replacement bulbs in older cars. That's to fool the car into thinking there's still a bulb there. And if you can't unplug it, cut the wires and pout the load resistor across them.

No big deal, old fashioned Yankee blunt force.

Yellow lights in the headlamp assemblies?? Not just reflectors??

I've never seen mine actually turn on.. (The headlight amber side markers)

[Boom]

Whats also weird is that there are amber side markers in the front headlights that dont turn on at all. Whats the point of even having the ugly amber there to begind with?

US laws. Someone probably sewed someone/company because they didn't know where the car was turning at a certain angle or something that doesn't make since, and won.

[osideaudi]

tried both codes for side markers and none of them affected the rear side markers :( any other ideas that don't involve me cutting wires or messing with the electrical system?

[Redd]

"tried both codes for"
Ross-tech? Or generic Chinese gear?

[osideaudi]

Ross-tech. VCDS Version 12.12

[Boom]

Remove bulb, insert metal pen to complete the circuit. Lights out, no bulb light.

[Redd]

Couldn't find it on the DOT site but found this on the Wiki:

"In the US, amber front and red rear side marker lamps and retroreflectors are required. The law initially required lights or retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1968. "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automo...and_reflectors

Which explains why there would be amber reflectors that don't light up (reflectors required, not lights) in the front assembly, and why the integrated rear marker lights cannot be defeated.

Unlike Audi, I won't tell you not to modify your car. Just bear in mind that if someone hits you after you have removed a mandatory safety device...your insurer will walk away and leave you with the bill. I saw a small compact pulled over in a bad spot, very dim rear lights, and literally as I was exiting past it, another car hit it form the rear and went airborne over it. Because someone had dim lights.

Not to mention, if a cranky cop with a quota notices your marker lights are gone...that's gonna be two violations on the spot, and possibly having it towed home or impounded.

All that potential hassle, even as a long shot, just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Still, you can always disconnect or unplug them, somewhere back there. I'm guessing you can't reprogram them, because that illegal option might be held against Audi, in their paranoid corporate minds, if not by a Bronx Jury busily ignoring the finer points of law.

OTOH, Audi (dealer) refuses to change the turn signal /vs/ DRL "wink" programming, and as best I can figure, if DRLs are required, they're required to remain on--without winking. Go figure, right?

[osideaudi]

Couldn't find it on the DOT site but found this on the Wiki:

"In the US, amber front and red rear side marker lamps and retroreflectors are required. The law initially required lights or retroreflectors on vehicles made after 1 January 1968. "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automo...and_reflectors

Which explains why there would be amber reflectors that don't light up (reflectors required, not lights) in the front assembly, and why the integrated rear marker lights cannot be defeated.

Unlike Audi, I won't tell you not to modify your car. Just bear in mind that if someone hits you after you have removed a mandatory safety device...your insurer will walk away and leave you with the bill. I saw a small compact pulled over in a bad spot, very dim rear lights, and literally as I was exiting past it, another car hit it form the rear and went airborne over it. Because someone had dim lights.

Not to mention, if a cranky cop with a quota notices your marker lights are gone...that's gonna be two violations on the spot, and possibly having it towed home or impounded.

All that potential hassle, even as a long shot, just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Still, you can always disconnect or unplug them, somewhere back there. I'm guessing you can't reprogram them, because that illegal option might be held against Audi, in their paranoid corporate minds, if not by a Bronx Jury busily ignoring the finer points of law.

OTOH, Audi (dealer) refuses to change the turn signal /vs/ DRL "wink" programming, and as best I can figure, if DRLs are required, they're required to remain on--without winking. Go figure, right?

It's funny because every other forum thread on this topic results in someone saying "It's dangerous" "Don't do it" "DOT regs say.." or "it's the law for a reason"

Honestly, I know there are laws for many reasons but that doesnt mean I always follow them. Have I driven a motorcycle without a helmet? yes. Have I gone above the speed limit at some point in my life? Yes. Do I always stop at stop signs completely before proceeding? No.

The question wasn't whether or not it's legal. I know the laws. The question is how to turn the side markers off without cutting wires or messing with electrical. I know you're trying to be helpful but your information gets me no further to my overall endstate: Disabling the rear sidemarkers.

[osideaudi]

I have not given up hope. Everytime I see one of the euro q5s I'm envious that they dont have the stupid side markers lit. There has to be a way to turn them off or disable the side marker light out warning.

[spijun]

I have not given up hope. Everytime I see one of the euro q5s I'm envious that they dont have the stupid side markers lit. There has to be a way to turn them off or disable the side marker light out warning.

If you can not with coding, try to remove the bulb, it's easy

[osideaudi]

Im gonna do that after work. I emailed audienthusiasts.com and rosstech too, to see what they say. I'm almost certain Im going to get a bulb out error though.

[Redd]

Remove bulb, replace with 100-ohm 5 watt resistor. About the size and shape of a 3/4" long piece of a lumber pencil. (3/4 x 1/2 x 1/4) Smaller than the last piece of your little finger. Yes, that will consume a small amount of power, but way less than a bulb does.

The dumb Audi can't tell the difference between a light bulb and a resistor.

Sold at mouser and Newark and digikey electronics, a buck or three each. Or sold to prevent "hyperflash" by anyplace that sells LED bulb replacements. Same concept, the little "flashing box" needs to see resistance too.

[BlackSVT]

It's funny because every other forum thread on this topic results in someone saying "It's dangerous" "Don't do it" "DOT regs say.." or "it's the law for a reason"

Honestly, I know there are laws for many reasons but that doesnt mean I always follow them. Have I driven a motorcycle without a helmet? yes. Have I gone above the speed limit at some point in my life? Yes. Do I always stop at stop signs completely before proceeding? No.

The question wasn't whether or not it's legal. I know the laws. The question is how to turn the side markers off without cutting wires or messing with electrical. I know you're trying to be helpful but your information gets me no further to my overall endstate: Disabling the rear sidemarkers.

Thank you for making my day osideaudi. I love it. That spirited attitude that once drove this country now seems to be few and far between... :-(
Signed, tired of living in a non-questioning nanny-state.

Back to topic at hand - I swear I had seen that exact VCDS topic addressed when I was searching for the DRL wink disable. I'll look back thru history and post if I find it.

[osideaudi]

This dude seems to think this adaption will work

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2864162

I'll try it out when I can.

[spijun]

This dude seems to think this adaption will work

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2864162

I'll try it out when I can.

Make a backup copy of the adaptation channels. How many can remember for Q5 channels adaptation starting from 185

[Cool Arrow]

This dude seems to think this adaption will work

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2864162

I'll try it out when I can.

This will work. It's how I coded my taillights to operate Euro-style.

[osideaudi]

This will work. It's how I coded my taillights to operate Euro-style.

+1 it worked for me. I'm a happy camprr

[Dennis C]

Glad it worked for you. I noticed those side marker lights just last night, and I'm not a fan either.

[osideaudi]

Glad it worked for you. I noticed those side marker lights just last night, and I'm not a fan either.

Careful with disabling them though. "Turning your side markers off has been linked to causing cancer, nuclear war, world hunger, and is also a blasphemy for whichever religion you belong to." Overall though, the benefit outweighs the risks