Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
Headlamp electrical problems. Wiring issue?
My ongoing issue with the headlamps on my 2013 HSE Lux took a new turn yesterday. After washing the car, I discovered that the indicator bulb in the right hand headlight was on, despite the car been switched off and asleep!
Remarkably similar to the problem I had in February, when the main beam lamp in the same headlight was on with car switched off. Post detailed HERE This specific problem went away and has not happened since.
Shortly after the main beam lamp incident, the Adaptive Headlamp warning lamp came on, indicating a fault with the Adaptive headlamp system. This is on constantly now. THIS POST refers to this fault.
Yesterday, I started waggling the wires around and underneath the right hand headlamp, and discovered that I could make the indicator light go on and off by moving the wires. Its a bit difficult to access the loom, as it seems to disappear down between the inner wing, and the chassis. It feels like it is reinforced with a plastic corner section inside the loom, and is wrapped in tape. It is this area that when disturbed, seems to affect the fault. I also noted that this area is very wet after washing the car.
In summary, first the mainbeam lamp came on after washing the car. Fixed itself. Then the AFS warning came on, and is still on. Adaptive headlamps are not moving with the steering or self leveling. Yesterday, after washing the car, the indicator bulb in the same rh headlamp came on.
The car is booked into main dealers at the end of the month for a service and for them to diagnose the AFS problem, but I am wondering if there are any common problems in the wiring in the area around the right hand headlamp that I can point them at, to perhaps save me some expensive time with them trying to diagnose the problem.
I have checked the under floor cable runs, and the CJB area, and it's all bone dry.
7th Apr 2018 12:55 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73094
brain cells slow today but I seem to recall somewhere in the handbook it says "silica gel if present" about the headlamps. could be dreaming but if true suggests the units let in moisture.
7th Apr 2018 3:37 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
Yes the headlamps of any D3 or 4 sometimes get condensation, and the cure is to tape a silica gel pack to the inside of the lamp, but sadly mine is not that simple.
I was thinking it was a faulty headlamp unit, but the fact that wiggling the wiring loom makes the light go on or off suggests otherwise.
2011 D4 XS - OBD port protection, RLD spare wheel protector, All LED interiors lights, Timed Climate enabled, iiD tool paired.
2011 D4 Landmark - Stolen from same dealer before I paid for it
2011 D4 GS - Stolen whilst at dealer ... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
1996 300Tdi - Eaten by tin worms
7th Apr 2018 5:01 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
Until I get chance to start having a close look, I don’t know. It’s very inaccessible down there and I suspect the grill, headlamp and wheelarch liner will have to come off to reveal what’s there.
I’m hoping someone has previous experience of the problem and can say “ ah yes I had that and .....”
Other than that, it’s dealer at the end of the month....
my line of thought was that if it's moisture getting in the connector then movement of connector should get you the same results as wiggling the wires. with headlamp removed but still wired-up, I think you should be able to keep connector still enough to decide if it's in the connector or the loom.
Hopefully the former as it would be easier to identify … as you say, it's awkward space-wise in there if you have to find a duff bit of loom.
9th Apr 2018 8:55 am
Globetrotter448
Member Since: 21 Mar 2017
Location: Londonderry NSW
Posts: 1818
Pull the headlight out its only a few minutes, that way you have more wriggle room
11th Apr 2018 10:50 am
Erea
Member Since: 19 Mar 2012
Location: Munster
Posts: 1509
Have you tried swapping the headlights left to right to see do the problems stay or follow the headlight unit. From what you have described it’ll be the car’s loom not the headlight but you never know.
11th Apr 2018 10:56 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
The dealer diagnosis is that it needs a new right hand headlamp, as the mechanism has failed and is not replaceable. £850 plus vat, ouch!
Now to see how good WD are!
30th Apr 2018 3:57 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
And the answer is a disappointing NO! Lamps are not covered. So beware anyone that has the very expensive Xenon adaptives!
Anyone got a right hand side adaptive xenon for a 2013 D4 for sale?
2nd May 2018 2:56 pm
CFB
Member Since: 02 Dec 2005
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Posts: 6100
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... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
