RESOLVED: A6 Rear light cluster ( 07)

[JimC64]

Hey Nobby, unsure really, don't think it'll be the 09's though as they won't fit I don't think. They'll be the latest LED style lights for that year though I believe.
The reason is that they come from a different manufacturer, possibly the reason they have not had any comeback with these - obviously a manufacturing fault with the std type.
On a side note - If you have an 07 A6 why would you consider swapping them? Get yourself into the dealer and complain about it.....you want them replaced under warranty. This is a known issue which is why they have 225 sets in stock cos they have had so many problems.
Go for it buddy

Jim

[nobbyuk]

hmm. I didn't think the 09's would fit. boot lid is a different shape. Shame.

I've spoken to the dealer about it but they'll only replace them with the same type. I want the LED brake light version.

Cheers

[JimC64]

Well its your ride and up to you nobby, but I reckon I'd rather have the same style free of condensation that the ones full of condensation. As stated they've replaced mine with the same style 3 times now before they've decided to go down this route.
It should be under warranty anyway so why not do it?
If they do decide to do it or you decide to go ahead make sure you make your feelings known as you probably will have to return with the same issue at some point.

Keep us informed of what you decide nobby

Good luck

Jim

[kjn2]

My 54 plate A6 has the condensation in the rear cluster (reversing light part) went in a few weeks ago to a main dealer for a check over to extend the warranty and was told "thats normal will go when driven a decent way" well I had a nice long drive this weekend gone and guess what yep its still there, I have to admit (tongue in cheek) that most of the journey was going forward and not in reverse though?

[JimC64]

Hey kjn2.....funnily enough I also was told " thats NORMAL" and will disappear with driving the vehicle as the heat from the bulbs will essentially dry it out"
Dunno bout you, but I initially laughed then got angry and said..do not insult my intelligence with a statement like that.
I've had Fords, Vauxhalls, Sabbs, Jags as well as others new and used and NEVER, EVER had that problem and it certainly wasn't normal in anyway shape or form. I expected More from Audi NOT less and wanted it rectified immediately. They did offer to remove the lights and dry them out and replace.....I refused saying, that obviously if they've had this issue before it'll happen again and they should replace....That is whats happening for the 4th time now.
Anyway, good luck with whatever action you decide to take.

Jim

[MFGF]

I have just swapped my 55 plate A6 saloon (standard non-LED rear lights) for a new 09 model. During the three and a half years I owned the 55 car, I got through a total of 5 sets of rear lights because of the condensation problem. The first set was replaced when the car was just 4 months old. The condensation actually began when the car was a few days old, but I lived with it until the water got into the electrics and the car started reporting multiple rear bulb failures. This pattern was repeated several times over the period I had the car. When I swapped it a couple of weeks ago, the latest set of lights were soaking wet inside (always starting with the reversing and indicator lenses, then spreading from there), so I guess the next owner will soon be seeking a new replacement pair of lights...

Whenever I asked my local dealer about whether it was a common problem, they always indicated it was "very unusual", so I assumed it was just a fault with my particular car. Looks like I should have signed up to this forum earlier!

Regards,

MF.

[JimC64]

UPDATE

Picked up my car today which has the new style rear lights fitted (4th set ) foc under goodwill due to extreme condensation problems and they look great.....so far.
Very pleased but I'll be keeping an eye on them to see if ay problems develop with them and let you know

Jim

[psyho]

Hi all, sorry, but I need to revive an old topic...

Does anyone have any problems with condensation or their rear light clusters???

My A6 is 2 years old now and I'm on my 3 rd replacement set ( all under warranty from Audi )...the set on now, replaced in January is also showing very noticeable signs of condensation......NOT GOOD!
My car is kept clean n loved and generally looks great most of the time so this is really annoying the hell outa me...
Lookin for feedback guys....I'm sure this is a known issue

UPDATE 31/03/09 - Called into the dealer today re this and other issues. This is the 3rd replacement set as previously stated changed late January and they are now full of condensation. according to the tech, this is "normal" and once lights are activated the heat will disperse the moisture....BULLS**T !!
told him I've had Jags, Fords, Vauxhalls, VW's and Saabs none of which showed these issues and it is NOT normal and I want them replaced under warranty AGAIN!
I've spoken with AUDI direct on this and it WILL be replaced one way or another. The only way it seems to stop this is to only drive the car on dry days and never under any circumstances wash it
For your info....I happen to know that this dealer hass replaced 15 sets of A6 rear lights this year alone???
Stock at Audi to date for these lights sit at 250+.....Can you imagine how many sets that is? Can you imagine the costs related to these parts alone??? Not normal in any way shape or fashion IMO
I want this thread to be made sticky, or better still take a poll to try and get an idea of how many may have been replaced to date or how many people have these issues but have not yet complained or asked the question only to be told NO by Audi!
In the event that these are not replaced my intention, if necessary is to raise the matter with the BBC's Watchdog programme.
Comments please?


Jim

Hi, my A6 is 2.5 year and it has the same problem, my friend has the same car and as well the same problem. I'm going tomorrow to my Audi dealer to replace them under warranty. it isn't big deal but it should happening in my opinion.

[psyho]

any one has got answer ?? Is it LED lights will fit to 2006 salon Audi A6 ? Dealer said me that now you hear stated that yes. (???)
Thanks

[nobbyuk]

If you mean the '09 LED tail lights, the answer is no, unless you also fit an '09 boot lid. It may also require new rear panels as the boot lid appears to be a different shape.

There where two versions of rear cluster for the 05-09 car. In the UK, if you had halogen headlights, then you had normal bulb tail lights. However, if you had Xenon headlights, then you had "highline" tail lights, which had LED brake lights. All other bulbs are the same, but there is an LED strip across the top of the unit for the brake lights.
This can be retro fitted to the car and is a straight swap for the existing rear cluster. Simply requires a vagcode to enable the LED brake lights.

Hope that helsp
Dave