Flickering Headlights

[1NTX]

Hi guys.

I have recently bought a 2005 A4 3.0 TDi Quattro S-Line and have some problems with the headlights as follows:-

When the lights are on they flicker on a regular basis. Then I get a warning light saying that either my left dipped light bulb or right dipped light bulb has failed. If you check the lights at this time, it is actually the relevant main beam that has gone out completely and not the dipped light bulb. The situation can be rectified by turning the lights off, switching the engine off, restarting the car and turning the lights back on again. The process then repeats again.

I took it to a dealer who said my battery was very low and this could affect the lights working. They charged the battery overnight and it seemed to rectify it for a while, but now it's started happening again.

Any ideas/help would be much appreciated.

:beerchug:
Robin

[kite]

you could have a dying battery, how old is it ?
Get a tyre/ battery place to check it

[mini-mad-matt]

I have a similar problem, where one of my xenons flickers a bit, soon after turning them on. It only happens once or twice and then it's fine for the rest of the journey. Funnily enough my battery is very poor. It never occurred to me that it could be related to the battery. Getting a new battery tomorrow so I'll keep you updated. Cheers MMM

[kite]

I have a similar problem, where one of my xenons flickers a bit, soon after turning them on. It only happens once or twice and then it's fine for the rest of the journey. Funnily enough my battery is very poor. It never occurred to me that it could be related to the battery. Getting a new battery tomorrow so I'll keep you updated. Cheers MMM
A flickering xenon could be a ballast or a bulb problem....

[mini-mad-matt]

Cheers Kite. I'll keep my eye on it and see how it goes. It only does it for one very quick flicker when I turn them on though, and then it's fine. Strange.

[wheely88]

Cheers Kite. I'll keep my eye on it and see how it goes. It only does it for one very quick flicker when I turn them on though, and then it's fine. Strange.

Mine was the same as this, then went to a couple of flickers - and never once they'd been on for more that say 2 or 3 minutes. As I noticed not long after getting the car in Jan 2010 contacted Audi dealer who stated there was a tech note on these ballasts, see quote from email below:

"quote TPi 2008706/9 this is a technical awareness from Audi in respect of the flickering you have with the Xenon headlights"

So I took it into my local Audi dealer and they replaced both ballast units under my extended warranty without any issue. Think this job would have been >500quids had I had to pay for it myself.

Hopefully isnt the same with yours, but sounds a lot similar.

[1NTX]

you could have a dying battery, how old is it ?
Get a tyre/ battery place to check it



Thanks Kite. I'll give it a go. Sadly, I have no warranty on the car, as I bought it privately and it's over 5 years old, so battery may weel be the cheaper option to replacement ballasts

[1NTX]

I have a similar problem, where one of my xenons flickers a bit, soon after turning them on. It only happens once or twice and then it's fine for the rest of the journey. Funnily enough my battery is very poor. It never occurred to me that it could be related to the battery. Getting a new battery tomorrow so I'll keep you updated. Cheers MMM

Thanks MMM. Let me know how you get on with a replacement battery.
:beerchug:

[1NTX]

Mine was the same as this, then went to a couple of flickers - and never once they'd been on for more that say 2 or 3 minutes. As I noticed not long after getting the car in Jan 2010 contacted Audi dealer who stated there was a tech note on these ballasts, see quote from email below:

"quote TPi 2008706/9 this is a technical awareness from Audi in respect of the flickering you have with the Xenon headlights"

So I took it into my local Audi dealer and they replaced both ballast units under my extended warranty without any issue. Think this job would have been >500quids had I had to pay for it myself.

Hopefully isnt the same with yours, but sounds a lot similar.

Thanks Wheely88. Sadly as I bought the car privately, I don't have any warranty. I've just had to shell out £280 for 2 new keys which stopped working + £120 for diagnostics. If the ballasts have gone as well, as you say, that's probably gonna be £500+. Beginning to wish I never bought it. I tried to get some kind of gesture of goodwill from Audi for the faulty key, particularly as the spare had never been used, but apparently after driving Audis for 5 years and because the car I've got had 1 service at an independant "I'm not a loyal customer". I thought loyalty was a 2 way street, but I'm beginning to think Audi don't. Sorry to go on, but feel quite frustrated that a 5 year old car of such "quality" should have so many problems. Doesn't show the brand in a good light in my opinion.

[kite]

you could contact audi and asked if the car is affected by the quoted TPI and if the fix has been carriedout.
Audi Customer Service..0800699888

[kite]

@1NTX, just seen your location, Crasher is the man to sort any problem with your car

[1NTX]

you could contact audi and asked if the car is affected by the quoted TPI and if the fix has been carriedout.
Audi Customer Service..0800699888

Thanks Kite. It's worth a go. They can only say No :Blush:

[1NTX]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I've just been and had a free battery check at Kwik Fit and their Bosch reader says it's unserviceable. So I'm hoping that with a new battery, my problems with the lights will be resolved. It will certainly be the cheaper resolution than new ballasts or replacement xenon bulbs.

Looking at a Bosch
(Short Code: S5013)
(BOSCH DIN: 600 402 083)

5 Years Guarantee

Specifications & Dimensions (mm)
Voltage - 12V
Capacity - 100Ah
CCA (EN) - 830A
353L x 175W x 190H

Any thoughts ? Hopefully this will have sufficient umph to run the sat nav, tv, 6 disc dvd player, 6 disc cd player, and still have enough left to start the car :Blush:

[kite]

Checkout costco for a battery, if your a member.

[kite]

Think Bosch make Varta batteries too..

[1NTX]

Checkout costco for a battery, if your a member.

Thanks Kite. I'm not a member, but I know a man who is.

[mini-mad-matt]

I also had my battery tested today and it's shot. I knew it was iffy as it's very slow to crank over, and I even needed to jump start it twice over Christmas. Got a Bosch Silver on order. Not sure it will help with my flicker on my right hand xenon though. We'll see.

[1NTX]

Just an update for everyone on the thread. I went to costco and bought a Bosch S5013 for £102. Unfortunately, despite Halfords, Bosch and everyone else saying that this size would fit my car it was too wide by about 2.5 cm. I took it back to Costco and was going to get the next size down, the Bosch S5010. Sadly Costco didn't stock this model. They were very good and gave me a full refund.

I finally managed to get an S5010 from Sutton Autofactors for £94 (£100 less £6.00 for my old battery).

At first the flickering headlights continued with occasionally the lights going out.

After about 5 days, "Touch Wood" I haven't noticed any problems at all and I drove for over 2 hours on Monday night. I suspect that sitting idle, the battery may have needed some time to fully charge up, but I don't know much about how they work to be honest.

Anyway, hopefully the problem is solved - fingers crossed.

:beerchug: to everyone for their advice.

[rubix]

I have recently bought an Audi A4 1.9tdi SE on a 57 plate and I too have noticed that my headlights also flicker once turned on and when they flicker they dim ever so slightly, but once driving after a few minutes the problem goes away. I don't know what it is and I will leave it until I get advice, but it's always the little things that you notice!! Hope it wont do any harm as my car is just out of warranty and it has been fully serviced by Audi since new. I would of thought they would of noticed that before unless they chose to miss it as it was coming towards the end of the warranty!!
Rob

[kite]

I have recently bought an Audi A4 1.9tdi SE on a 57 plate and I too have noticed that my headlights also flicker once turned on and when they flicker they dim ever so slightly, but once driving after a few minutes the problem goes away. I don't know what it is and I will leave it until I get advice, but it's always the little things that you notice!! Hope it wont do any harm as my car is just out of warranty and it has been fully serviced by Audi since new. I would of thought they would of noticed that before unless they chose to miss it as it was coming towards the end of the warranty!!
Rob

Halogen or Xenons?

[1NTX]

I have recently bought an Audi A4 1.9tdi SE on a 57 plate and I too have noticed that my headlights also flicker once turned on and when they flicker they dim ever so slightly, but once driving after a few minutes the problem goes away. I don't know what it is and I will leave it until I get advice, but it's always the little things that you notice!! Hope it wont do any harm as my car is just out of warranty and it has been fully serviced by Audi since new. I would of thought they would of noticed that before unless they chose to miss it as it was coming towards the end of the warranty!!
Rob
Hi Rob. It's annoying isn't it, but my lights had a tendency to go out, so it became dangerous to drive. Anyway, my problem seems to have been sorted by the new battery. Hope you can get yours sorted as well.
:beerchug:

[rubix]

Cheers Kite, Ive got halogens

Rob

[sanstorm999]

Hi Guys,
Thought I would revive this thread as I have a very similar or the same problem with my Factory Xenon off-side flickering on initial light switch-on.
It flickers 2 or 3 times within 2 to 5 minutes of switch-on then seems to be ok.

My battery seems to be ok, car turns-over in the mornings without problem. (I must make a note, to check the voltage before I turn it over in the mornings)

Based on the amount of posts I have seen about this, it may be a common problem and some have found replacing the D1S Bulb solves the problem others the Ballast.
As the car is out of warranty, I think replacing (Both) D1S bulbs is the first and cheapest option.

Just wondered if anyone else has recently seen this problem?
Cheers
Sanstorm

[mini-mad-matt]

I had exactly the same. Replaced the D1S bulb and now it's spot on. I did however purchase a ballast unit first which of course didn't solve the problem, so I have one for sale if necessary. PM me if you need it. Cheers.MMM

[Platinum Kitty]

I have a 56 Plate A4 2.0 Tdi with Xenon's and noticed exactly the same problem (as mentioned by everyone on this thread) initially 3 months ago. From starting the car and turning the lights on, i had an initial flicker and then it would seem to stop (initially offside headlight - although i am not certain as i am always driving and not outside....) Gradually over the past 2 months i have noticed the duration of the flickering extending now it can last upto about 6 minutes into driving, an i am not convincedits not both of the main headlights. The car has no initial issues when cranking in the morning (even one frozen morning) could this still be a battery issue??

What would peoples recommendations be:??

1. Check battery - if shot replace
2. If not battery replace bulbs D1S (is this the Xenon?)
3. Take to Audi and quote TPi 2008706/9 and have the ballasts replaced?

Really would appreciate any additional input into this given the early nights and dark mornings of this time of year. likewise anyone thats made the changes with any feedback would be hugely appreciated.

Cheers J

[sanstorm999]

Hi
I have now done a fare bit of research on this problem and a pattern seems to be emerging.
1. Most people mention it is the off-side (drivers side UK) bulb that starts to flicker
2. If the D1S bulb is replaced in a timely manner i.e. as soon as the problem appears, often those people find the problem is fixed
3. If the bulb is not change or if it has severe flickering, often the Ballast (controller) also needs replacing.

Other points to note. A high percentage of people who required the Ballast to be replaced did so under advice from the Dealer!?

Thoughts: Is it the faulty bulb that is eventually blowing the Ballast???

I hope others can feedback there experiences regarding this problem to this particular post, so as we can build up some more accurate info on this problem.
Thank you
Sanstorm999

[paul muz]

I had the same problem with my zenons,replaced both bulbs 2 weeks ago and so far so good...no flickering.

paul

[sanstorm999]

I had the same problem with my zenons,replaced both bulbs 2 weeks ago and so far so good...no flickering.

paul

Hi Paul,
What colour temp would you say your new bulbs were and where did you get them please? are they a blue/white or yellow/white?
cheers
sanstorm999

[paul muz]

Hi Paul,
What colour temp would you say your new bulbs were and where did you get them please? are they a blue/white or yellow/white?
cheers
sanstorm999
hi there, the bulbs are blue/white and were replaced under warranty so not too sure if they are original audi part or not.was informed that each bulb was £121 .

cheers
paul

[quattrodlo]

Did you get any joy at all with this?
My issues are identical to yours and i'm also unsure as to what to replace first?
David.


I have a 56 Plate A4 2.0 Tdi with Xenon's and noticed exactly the same problem (as mentioned by everyone on this thread) initially 3 months ago. From starting the car and turning the lights on, i had an initial flicker and then it would seem to stop (initially offside headlight - although i am not certain as i am always driving and not outside....) Gradually over the past 2 months i have noticed the duration of the flickering extending now it can last upto about 6 minutes into driving, an i am not convincedits not both of the main headlights. The car has no initial issues when cranking in the morning (even one frozen morning) could this still be a battery issue??

What would peoples recommendations be:??

1. Check battery - if shot replace
2. If not battery replace bulbs D1S (is this the Xenon?)
3. Take to Audi and quote TPi 2008706/9 and have the ballasts replaced?

Really would appreciate any additional input into this given the early nights and dark mornings of this time of year. likewise anyone thats made the changes with any feedback would be hugely appreciated.

Cheers J

[sanstorm999]

Did you get any joy at all with this?
My issues are identical to yours and i'm also unsure as to what to replace first?
David.

Hi
I would replace the bulb first, this is a far cheaper option to start with. D1S Xenon bulb can be purchased on eBay for £30 upwards. You may find your original bulb is a Philips.

[quattrodlo]

Great thanks, there seems to be a few options 4300K, 6000K 12000K etc....
Do you know which ones are a direct replacement?
Thank you.




Hi
I would replace the bulb first, this is a far cheaper option to start with. D1S Xenon bulb can be purchased on eBay for £30 upwards. You may find your original bulb is a Philips.

[sanstorm999]

Great thanks, there seems to be a few options 4300K, 6000K 12000K etc....
Do you know which ones are a direct replacement?
Thank you.

Hi the standard oem colour temp bulb originally fitted by audi is 4300k.
Which is a warm yellow/white colour temp. in my opinion the best colour temp is 5000k which is a cold blue/white. Currently the best bulbs I have seen this colour temp are the very new osram cool blue 5000k bulbs @ £75 each one ebay. I am waiting for the price to drop.

[allanmb]

Can I ask a couple of questions?

1) How easy is it to replace the bulbs? I have an SE bumper if that makes any difference?

2) How can I test the battery to see if that is the problem?

Thanks
Allan

[Crasher]

Common issue, ballast unit inside the headlight, changing the bulb does not help, new headlight required.

[malaucene]

My A3 2.0 diesel sline 172 brake suffers from a dipped off side zenon going out for no reason . turn all the lights out and turn them on again it all works fine again . Any body had this ? My local Audi dealer is quoting £181 labour £123 for the gas bulb and £324 for the Control unit What do you think lads

[mini-mad-matt]

My A3 2.0 diesel sline 172 brake suffers from a dipped off side zenon going out for no reason . turn all the lights out and turn them on again it all works fine again . Any body had this ? My local Audi dealer is quoting £181 labour £123 for the gas bulb and £324 for the Control unit What do you think lads

Mine was just the bulb. All depends how hands on you are. On my A4, the bumper has to come off to change it (well, almost off!) once headlight out, it's relatively straight forward. I changed both my D1S xenon bulbs with cheap ish once from HIDSDirect. No problems whatsoever. Hope that helps.

[malaucene]

Many thanks for that

[Crasher]

Which year A3 is this as the design of the lights changed in 2006 and are they Xenon dipped and halogen main or bi-Xenon?

[malaucene]

They are BI-xenon and it is a 56 plate but march 2007
Thanks for your comments

[allanmb]

If my ballasts are needing replace, would an extended warranty cover it? If so then I might just get one...

Cheers
Allan

[Crasher]

Difficult to say, it could be classed as wear and tear. You will have to talk to them.

[darich]

I'd argue that if an item isn't on the service list, and there is no routine maintenance (eg seats aren't on service books but you would normally keep them clean), then how can it wear out?

[Crasher]

Have you ever dealt with one of these after market warranty companies? 99% of them are **** heads...

[f33nix]

.

[Crasher]

Personally, as a garage owner, I find them ALL a bloody nightmare, if it says on the front cover "mechanical failure warranty" or similar they are less useful than toilet paper. I utterly dread the words "I have a warranty" being uttered as the pain involved is so bad for us that we give the customer two stark choices, if the warranty company do say yes and give you a claim number, you have to pay for the authorised repair and wait for the warranty company to pay you or go elsewhere where they will wait for payment. We do not enjoy giving this choice but it is a stark reality as in the extremely rare event of receiving a warranty authorisation number, we have known warranty companies take 90 days or more to pay us, a small independent business simply cannot work this way as a few claims could seriously put them on the edge. The other problem is that these companies have a sneaky little trick up their sleeves. Say you call them because the gearbox has failed due to a differential rivet shearing (i.e. mechanical failure) as this happens a lot on the 02K and 02J boxes, they say “yes that sounds like it will be covered but you will have to remove the gearbox and strip it down, then lay it out on a bench and our engineer will call by in the next week or so to inspect it, but if he determines the box has failed due to a cause outside of the warranty, such as wear and tear, it is not covered and all work carried out so far is at the customers expense", so you are left with a car in pieces with the engine held up by one of your cross bars that you may need in a day or two. Added to this is that even if they say yes, they do not cover the cost of stripping the box down and then rebuilding it to give it back to VAG or a reconditioner for exchange.

[Sarge786]

On My A4 2006, I had the flickering then light/s goes out and dash warning, this happened randomly on both sides. Turning the headlights off at the switch and then back on had them working again, but they'd do it again, sometimes after a few seconds, other times after a few minutes.

The garage/s wanted to go straight for a new set of headlamps, and mine being adaptive headlights were frightfully expensive, also I wasn't convinced it was the ballasts. Turns out I was right.

I DIY'ed it and replaced the 'bulbs' (type D1s) and they haven't failed since April 2011!. It wasn't the ballasts in my case and also in the case of some others too who were all looking for a solution to the same problem as me. As the bulbs are the cheapest option of the two, I'd start by changing the bulbs and seeing how it works.

Also I didn't remove the bumper to change the bulbs, I removed the airbox on the drivers side and the power steering reservoir on the passengers side, and was able to get at the back of the headlights to change the bulbs :)

[f33nix]

.

[darich]

Given that you had the bulbs in for 5 years and the rated life for most Xenon discharge bulbs is 2000 hours then a good call on your side.

I wasn't aware of that life span of bulbs.
I've experienced the occasional flicker and even a dash warning without the light failing (presumably due to the flickering) and with my car being a 2006 I guess I could well be getting towards the end my bulbs' lives.

[Sarge786]

It's funny because when I spoke to the dealers about it, they were adamant that 'these headlights are designed to run for the lifespan of the car' so if headlights fail, then its a complete unit to be fitted! yeh right I thought.

The service personal at my local dealership are totally incompetent, they wouldn't accept the fact that there was a TSB from Audi about this problem back when my car was under warranty.
This would have meant the lights would have been repaired under warranty. Whilst at the parts dept of same dealership last year, I spoke to a mechanic (or known as a technician these days) who told me there was and it would have been covered!

I gave them a 'lot' of work (not any more), my cars as well as many others, of work I wasn't able to carry out, under warranty and out of warranty, they have come back with one or more issues/damage on virtually every job I gave them! Hate the dealerships - namely Audi Chingford London.

The thing is their incompetence means they are doing themselves out of work, if they listen to their customers (who are sometimes better informed and have better knowledge on their vehicles than the dealers) and they did the warranty work i.e repairing my lights then they get an income for it, what more do they want?!

Have to mention the 'parts' dept at Audi Chingford are great chaps, so no problem there!


Cheers
Sarge

[Crasher]

I printed off a particular TSB from ELSA and faxed it to Nottingham Audi in relation to a problem on a customers car and they said it did not exist and I had made it up!

[f33nix]

.