Experiencing issues with your 2017 Audi A4 Headlights can be frustrating and potentially unsafe. If you’re encountering problems like warning lights on your dashboard, malfunctioning beams, or turn signals after attempting to adjust your vehicle’s lighting settings, you’re not alone. This guide will help you understand the possible issues based on a real user’s experience and diagnostic scan, focusing on interpreting fault codes and suggesting next steps.
Understanding the Headlight Issue on a 2017 Audi A4
A user encountered problems while trying to activate the all-weather lights on their 2017 Audi A4 with parking lights. This attempt led to a cascade of headlight faults, including an unexpected error message related to adaptive lighting, even though the car is not equipped with this feature. Furthermore, the full beam and turn signals integrated within the headlight assembly stopped functioning. Unfortunately, no backup of the car’s configuration was made prior to these changes, complicating the troubleshooting process.
Decoding VCDS Scan Results for 2017 Audi A4 Headlight Errors
The diagnostic scan using VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) reveals a series of fault codes pointing to communication and voltage supply issues within the Audi A4’s lighting system. Here are some key fault codes from the scan that are directly related to the headlight malfunction:
-
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (Central Electronics)
66678 - Databus U1123 00 [009] - Received Error Message [LCM links - unplausibler Datensatz]– Indicates a communication error with the left lighting control module (LCM) due to implausible data.66679 - Databus U1123 00 [009] - Received Error Message [LCM rechts - unplausibler Datensatz]– Similar to the above, but for the right lighting control module.66963 - Databus U1123 00 [009] - Received Error Message [LCM links - Blinker defekt]– Communication error indicating a defective turn signal in the left LCM.66964 - Databus U1123 00 [009] - Received Error Message [LCM rechts - Blinker defekt]– Communication error indicating a defective turn signal in the right LCM.131364 - Headlight C107E 54 [009] - Missing Calibration / Basic Setting– Fault suggesting the headlight calibration or basic settings are missing.
-
Address 29: Left Light & Address 39: Right Light
0019 - Headlamp Type C119F 00 [009] - Implausible– Both left and right light modules report an implausible headlamp type, suggesting a configuration mismatch or corruption.
-
Address D6: Light Ctrl Left 2 & Address D7: Light Ctrl Right 2 (LED Control Modules)
0065 - Supply voltage U1011 00 [009] - Voltage too Low [Voltage too low]– Both left and right LED control modules report low voltage supply, which could be a cause or consequence of the attempted lighting modifications.
These fault codes collectively suggest a disruption in communication within the lighting control network, potentially caused by incorrect coding changes or a voltage related issue affecting the headlight control modules. The “adaptive light” fault, despite the car lacking this feature, could be a generic error triggered by the overall lighting system malfunction.
Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps for Audi A4 Headlight Problems
Based on the fault codes and the user’s description, here are potential causes for the 2017 Audi A4 headlight issues:
- Incorrect Coding: The attempt to activate all-weather lights might have resulted in incorrect coding changes within the central electronics or lighting control modules. This is a prime suspect given the “implausible data” and “headlamp type” errors.
- Voltage Supply Issues: The “voltage too low” errors in the LED control modules could indicate a problem with the power supply to the headlights, possibly triggered during the modification attempt.
- Control Module Malfunction: While less likely initially, a fault in one or more lighting control modules cannot be ruled out, especially if the coding changes caused corruption.
- CAN Bus Communication Failure: The numerous “Databus U1123” errors point to a potential disruption in the Controller Area Network (CAN bus) communication, which is crucial for the various electronic control units in the car to communicate with each other.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Professional Diagnostic Scan: While the VCDS scan provides valuable information, it’s crucial to consult a professional mechanic or Audi dealership. They have specialized tools and expertise to further diagnose the root cause.
- Coding Verification and Correction: A professional technician can verify the current coding of the lighting modules and compare it to the correct configuration for a 2017 Audi A4 without adaptive headlights. Correcting any incorrect coding is essential.
- Voltage and Wiring Check: Inspect the voltage supply and wiring to the headlights and related control modules to rule out any electrical faults or shorts.
- Module Testing: If coding and voltage checks don’t resolve the issue, individual lighting control modules may need to be tested for proper functionality.
Conclusion:
Resolving headlight malfunctions on a modern vehicle like the 2017 Audi A4 often requires a systematic approach to diagnostics and repair. The VCDS scan provides a crucial starting point, highlighting communication and voltage supply faults. Seeking professional assistance is highly recommended to accurately diagnose and rectify the issue, ensuring your Audi A4’s headlights function correctly and safely. Remember, attempting DIY modifications without proper knowledge and backups can lead to complex issues that require expert intervention.
