Headlight/Interior Lights Cycling on and off

[micmckee]

I've got an 07 RS4 and starting a few days ago I got an error linked to the self adjusting headlights.

It was wet out and I had that error once before and it never came back on after I cycled the power so I didn't think anything of it.

That is until this started happening,

https://youtu.be/dtKEbt0tI98

It's all of the lights, headlights, interior, even the NAV colors will adjust. It's like the whole lighting system is cycling off and on. I noticed while this was happening the windshield wipers also pause momentarily. It also happens no matter if the lights are in auto or manually on.

I tried pulling the codes and it was something about the auto levelers not having a baseline essentially. I pulled the diagnostics up and both of the sensors in the wheel well are not sending any info.

I read that you can pull the fuse for that system (fuse 10) and it will kind of put a bandaid on the problem, so I tried that and got no more error code but the lights are still flashing.

Any thoughts of places to start when I try and do some troubleshooting this weekend?

Cheers,

~Mic

[micmckee]

Going to put the fuse back in and pull the exact code while on lunch,

In the meantime I ordered new headlights because I what the heck?

[badbluers4]

Ordered new headlights? You serious?

[micmckee]

At this point I've read problems arising with the leveling system coming from 3-4 different areas,

1. The sensors

2. Ballasts

3. Bulbs themselves

4. Battery

None of them have quite the symptoms I have now, but worst case scenario I pop in the new bulbs and it doesn't work. Now I've got backup bulbs.

No one has given any sort of insight as to what might be happening in my case, so I've got to take the shotgun approach.

[badbluers4]

Oh so you meant you bought new bulbs! Lol the actual headlights cost thousands, just making sure. I don't think bulbs are your issue since all of your electrical system is flickering isn't it? I was trying to figure out what was going on in your video. Maybe alternator is another area to check if it's all of the electrical system, or loose battery connection somewhere?

[micmckee]

HA! Yeah now I know why that might concern you, nah just the bulbs.

I'm about to go out and trouble shoot now, but the only things are all part of the auto on/off lights EXCEPT the windshield wipers but those are automatic too. I don't know if they are all linked somehow. Some common relay or what have you. This car is still relatively new to me so it's trying to understand/diagnose a new platform

[micmckee]

Okay so VCDS codes

Saturday,05,December,2015,13:42:36:21262
VCDS Version: Release 15.7.2 (x64) Running on Windows 10 x64
www.Ross-Tech.com

Address 55: Headlight Range Labels: 4F0-910-357.lbl
Control Module Part Number: 4F0 910 357 F HW: 4F0 907 357 F
Component and/or Version: AFS 1 H01 0020
Software Coding: 0000019
Work Shop Code: WSC 06335 000 00000
Additional Info: 8E0941329A AFS-Modul links H03 0010 8E0941329A AFS-Modul rechtsH03 0010
VCID: 2959EEE280AA2C761C-807C
2 Faults Found:

01539 - Headlights Not Adjusted
005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100101
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 40
Time Indication: 0

00466 - Control Module for Steering Column Electronics (J527)
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100100
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 40
Time Indication: 0

That being said, I found the lower front sensor. Where is the second one?

[badbluers4]

I can dig it. Hopefully you sort it out. It's def not a common issue we are familiar with.

[micmckee]

I'm in group 2 of measuring blocks and it says front and rear sensors are undefined not sure what that's about

[micmckee]

If I go to basic settings it just continues to run group 1 no error no completion,

I've let it run for a few minutes now

[micmckee]

Went to group 11 and i can make front/rear values change when i move the control arm

[micmckee]

OKay so I put everything back and was going to take it to advance to have the battery tested (my volt meter isn't very accurate) and after I started the car these things happened.

Passenger window would crawl up a few inches and stop, rinse and repeat till it was all the way up. Then I tried the rear window, and it stopped and wouldn't move anymore.

Radio shut off

Lights shut off completely and wouldn't turn back on

Car was still running at this point.

Shut off the car and am pulling codes now, but everything went back to normal D:

[micmckee]

Okay got it to recreate the errors and electronics cutting out, here's what I mean by the windows cutting out somtimes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPKg0nIOTOA

Here are the codes that rang up, new one is the last one and it has a headlight with an ! in the middle of it on the dash.

Saturday,05,December,2015,14:33:01:21262
VCDS Version: Release 15.7.2 (x64) Running on Windows 10 x64
www.Ross-Tech.com

Address 55: Headlight Range Labels: 4F0-910-357.LBL
Control Module Part Number: 4F0 910 357 F HW: 4F0 907 357 F
Component and/or Version: AFS 1 H01 0020
Software Coding: 0000019
Work Shop Code: WSC 06335 000 00000
Additional Info: 8E0941329A AFS-Modul links H03 0010 8E0941329A AFS-Modul rechtsH03 0010
VCID: 2959EEE280AA2C761C-807C
3 Faults Found:

01539 - Headlights Not Adjusted
005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation - MIL ON
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 11100101
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 40
Time Indication: 0

00466 - Control Module for Steering Column Electronics (J527)
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100100
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 40
Time Indication: 0

00457 - Control Module for Network (J519)
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100100
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 40
Time Indication: 0

[badbluers4]

I think you have some loose connections somewhere. Never seen this before. Maybe previous owner was fiddling with stuff? Aftermarket stereo maybe?

[micmckee]

Nope the previous owner was an older woman 45ish,

If she did more than open the glove box I'd be shocked.

[micmckee]

I can now recreate the problem with everything shutting off and on pretty much at will,

My rear drivers side window no longer wants to work at all...

Systems that shut off (that I can tell)

Lights (all)

Radio

Dash has turned to Celsius

Windows

Wipers

Steering wheel controls

[micmckee]

Battery is officially fine....

So no leads haha

[ImAudiHeree]

Sounds like you got a short with the can bus system wires, or maybe your central convenience module is going toast it's a semi common problem on the audis.

[micmckee]

Is there any way to try and diagnose or solve the problem without taking it to the dealer?

[wednesday]

Was the alternator changed at any time? Connection to alternator may be loose..

[micmckee]

Not that I am aware of but I can check it,

Wouldn't a loose alternator connection wreak more havoc (like ignition, etc) and also make it so my battery wasn't fully charged? It just read a 12.6 Saturday in the midst of all the problems.

[micmckee]

Bump anyone know the locations of these two modules?



00466 - Control Module for Steering Column Electronics (J527)
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent


00457 - Control Module for Network (J519)
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent

[PetrolDave]

J527 is on the steering column, it's what the indicator and wiper stalks are fixed to.

According to vwaudiforum J519 is located "under the fascia below the relay plate and is mounted horizontally. You have to take the drivers side lower dash storage compartment out to access it."

[micmckee]

Great thanks!

[wednesday]

Not that I am aware of but I can check it,

Wouldn't a loose alternator connection wreak more havoc (like ignition, etc) and also make it so my battery wasn't fully charged? It just read a 12.6 Saturday in the midst of all the problems.

It's just one of the few things I would check, if it has been touched (replaced,..etc). Once the engine is on, it will stay on, even if there is a loose alternator cable. But, it can create other lighting issues. If alternator hasn't been replaced or that wire hasn't been touched in a while, then maybe leave it.