Dashboard side lights lamp - not working as expected

[slabber]

Hi Folks

The green dashboard side lights lamp on my 2007 D3 isn't working as per the manual and I'm wondering if anyone could confirm expected behaviour. The lamp in question is the green one next to AUTO on the dashboard light switch to the side of the steering wheel, and if I'm understanding the manual correctly this green lamp should be always be on when the side lights or headlights are on, whether by the light sensor or by manually turning the switch. This isn't how it works on my car - the green lamp lights for a few seconds (so not the bulb) and then goes out. If the sensor deems the headlights to be needed they do stay on, however I find not being able to tell whilst driving disconcerting. My previous car (2005 A6) worked the way the manual describes so I'm wondering if there is a problem. I have adaptive xenon plus headlights if it makes a difference, and there's nothing on VCDS.

Thanks!

[snapdragon]

I had this problem when I bought the car and it affects many VAG models, event though the switches are quite different inside..
It is the tiny green SMD soldered on the PCB.
I bought a pack of new ones from ebay china and soldered one on in place of the old one.
It is bigger than the old one (which is like a grain of sugar) but the brightness is the same and it works perfectly.
Do you do fine soldering or know anyone who does?

[slabber]

Thanks for that snapdragon. Just to confirm, is the bulb the problem even though it lights up for a few seconds and then goes out? Do these things behave differently from normal bulbs that either work or they don't?

In terms of getting it fixed I bought a warranty with the car and electrics are covered, so hopefully I'll be able to get it sorted that way. Just as well, since my first and only soldering experience (replacing 10 capacitors on my fridge/freezer) was probably the worst soldering job in the history of soldering. Ended up looking like a real dog's dinner, despite the YouTube video I watched repeatedly. It worked mind, and I saved several hundred quid so good result.

[M1tchy]

The biggest thing I hate on both my wifes A5 and my A7 is the fact that there is no indication on the dashboard, at all, if the lights are on. The green LED comes on by the light control switch but nothing else, I also find it disconcerting that I cant tell if my lights are on or not without having to locate that little light (which due to my height isnt in direct view).

[slabber]

The green LED comes on by the light control switch but nothing else

At least you have the little green light, lol.:crying:

[Micha_elD]

The biggest thing I hate on both my wifes A5 and my A7 is the fact that there is no indication on the dashboard, at all, if the lights are on. The green LED comes on by the light control switch but nothing else, I also find it disconcerting that I cant tell if my lights are on or not without having to locate that little light (which due to my height isnt in direct view).

Tempted to say "why do you want to know?", but understand that sometimes we just do. In traffic I look out for the reflection of the lights in the back of the car in front, but after 7 years with the car, I just trust it to put them on when needed, then turn them off when not. Its probably a bit more cautious than I would be, i.e. it turns them off at higher ambient light levels than I would, but I guess that is safer than leaving them off until its pitch black.