Headlight dynamic range fault.

[HeavyTraffic]

Are these cars programmed to go wrong as they reach their 6th birthday ?
Replaced clutch switch 2 weeks ago.
HDRC fault symbol appeared yesterday. Any idea if covered by Audi extended warranty and if not, what repair cost would be ?
Thanks in advance for your input.

HT

[alex020869]

I've never heard of HDRC before. Interested to learn more about it. I'm not sure if my adaptive headlights work properly but not sure if this is related to your fault.

Sure someone will give be along soon to help.

Alex

[PetrolDave]

Check with VCDS (VAG-COM) what the fault code is, could be one of the level sensors on the suspension?

[adsgreen]

Adaptive lights easy to check.
Park the car facing a wall.
Before starting the car turn the headlights on.
Now insert key and start.
Normal headlights will self level by going up an down.
Adaptive lights will do this an move left and right - often referred to as the 'waggle dance'.

Then above 10mph you should (at night obviously) easily see the headlights move left and right even with modest steering input.

[alex020869]

Adaptive lights easy to check.
Park the car facing a wall.
Before starting the car turn the headlights on.
Now insert key and start.
Normal headlights will self level by going up an down.
Adaptive lights will do this an move left and right - often referred to as the 'waggle dance'.

Then above 10mph you should (at night obviously) easily see the headlights move left and right even with modest steering input.

Is it as easy as that to check if their working? Might need to actually take it out at night to check it properly

Alex

[HeavyTraffic]

Spoke to Audi Dealer, covered by Audi extended warranty. Waiting for a suitable date to book her in. Lights still "dance" so looking more like Dave's suggestion.
HT

[PetrolDave]

Is it as easy as that to check if their working?

Yes, you don't even need to drive anywhere, just sit in it when it's dark, make sure the light switch is in the headlight position (or Auto if you have automatic lights) and turn the ignition on - and watch the "dance".

[WillRS]

I thought mine were adaptive as could have sworn they move with the turn of the wheel (when driving)

checked my option code and i've got this;

8Q5 = Headlight-range adjustment, automatic/ dynamic with dynamic bending light (AFS 1)

is that what we are talking about ?

if I don't get any "waggle dance" stuff when turning the lights on - they just go up and down a little....

['R'e'S'pect_4]

would say you should have adpative h/lights.

mine has and does do the up/down left/right dance.

had a fault with o/s one not going up/down but no code on dash, tried everything but ended up replacing h/lights

[scaghead]

I thought mine were adaptive as could have sworn they move with the turn of the wheel (when driving)

checked my option code and i've got this;

8Q5 = Headlight-range adjustment, automatic/ dynamic with dynamic bending light (AFS 1)

is that what we are talking about ?

if I don't get any "waggle dance" stuff when turning the lights on - they just go up and down a little....

If they just move up and down on start up ,then you don't have adaptive....

['R'e'S'pect_4]

i agree, but the code says it should have it

[WillRS]

would say you should have adpative h/lights.

mine has and does do the up/down left/right dance.

had a fault with o/s one not going up/down but no code on dash, tried everything but ended up replacing h/lights

how much did the lights cost to replace out of interest ?

[WillRS]

i agree, but the code says it should have it

as mine is an earlyish (nov 2006) and its not got orange indicator bits in the headlamps i'm assuming the headlamps have been changed for the clear version.

perhaps whoever did this scrimped a bit and got the cheaper option fitted

something else to add to my to do list !

[Dom81]

I wouldn't be so sure. Most people just cracked the yolks out rather than replaced the units, and for those that did the latter, I didn't hear of one who ditched the adaptives. It just doesn't make sense dropping a much better light to save a few quid.

If you can't be sure they're working on startup (or on the move) then do you know anyone with VAG-COM - there's a showroom setting where they turn while stationary. If they don't then I'd like to think it's most likely just a fault

[WillRS]

thanks for the responses. I'm going to check the option codes on my RS3 as I'm sure that also has the adaptive lights but also doesn't go left / right upon startup. I've also read a couple of posts online from people who have said they do have the adaptive lights and they do NOT wiggle left /right upon startup etc (not necessarily on the b7 a4 /rs4)

as you say it wouldn't make sense to ditch them for lower spec ones do so am going to investigate further. in fairness I was absolutely sure they turned when I turned but am now starting to doubt myself lol !