LED numberplate bulb help for newbie...

[mikebeardmore]

Hi all, just bought a 2012 A3 2.0TDI Black Edition...have replaced the rear numberplate bulbs for LED's, have tried a few 'error free' bulbs to no avail, even tried the direct replacement full unit ebay specials...sufficed to say were of poor quality and did not fit! Is there anyone local to Newcastle-under-Lyme with VAGCOM and the knowledge of how to disable the warning light? I know you can get resistor kits but dont want to start messing around with wiring and splicing connections...

Thanks in advance,

Mike.

[JayA3sline]

There should be loads on this forum with this topic I had particular trouble with this. But have overcome it with a resistor but since purchased VCDS so can do this too. 3 door or 5 door?


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[mikebeardmore]

Hi mate, thanks for the reply! Yeah done a search and found quite a bit about this subject! Just really want to avoid messing about with resistors and wiring and wondered if there was a way of removing it from the diagnostics...

[Guest 2]

I believe for 10+ cars you turn off the cold diagnosis for the number plate lights.

Once you reach 10 posts you can PM somebody from this link - VWAF User Location Map - VCDS - Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/0Shx)

Welcome to VWAF.

[JayA3sline]

I understand pal. I think it's the newer versions that raise up the error code. However some have not, bit hit and miss...
I've ended up using the OEM audi LEDs with the resistor pack behind the boot cluster. Chris is the man for this and details




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[mikebeardmore]

Thanks guys, bought some replacement units off ebay, not genuine, and they looked the same as my OEM units but did not fit, they refused to locate properly despite about an hour of fettling! So bought some that had a built in resistor but again error message. If the car was older would probably have a go at the resistor fix but just can't bring myself to do it!

[JayA3sline]

2416524166

Just do it mate, the pictures I've attached are a resistor pack that I bought - all in all spent over £100 to get the blooming things working and this resistor pack was £30! But it did solve the fault.


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[mikebeardmore]

Where did you source the resistor pack finally? Do you have a bit of a guide I could use for reference, looks like a really neat job you have done...

[JayA3sline]

I've been searching the net for it mate, it was the only website that I could find it and I can't for the life of me find it. It was a simple plug and play mate. Is yours a 3 door?



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[mikebeardmore]

Yes it's the three door...oh so it just plugs into the existing wiring loom then? That sounds more like it :)

[JayA3sline]

That's it, Unplug the harness from the car, plug in the resistor pack and plug into car plug and bosh, error gone and it looks OEM as it's covered in the felt. The only difficult bit was getting the boot trim off as it's held on by them horrible clips. And the torx screws on the inside. I shall keep looking mate, if not, I could always remove mine and sell it to you and I can just use VCDS to eliminate the error on mine. I should do it to be honest but haven't really had a reason to


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[mikebeardmore]

I remember removing the boot trim off my old MK4 Golf...rattled for the rest of eternity lol

[JayA3sline]

Just take it easy and slow you'll be fine. If you get stuck take some photos and I'll try to help


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[JayA3sline]

mike found it

http://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/Audi/A4-B6/8E/Adapter-plate-LEDs-Audi-A4-B6-B7-/-Audi-A3-8P

[mikebeardmore]

Brilliant mate, cheers! Take it you need one for each side?

[JayA3sline]

No mate just the one feeds both number plate holders


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[mikebeardmore]

Mate really appreciate your help!!! Will let you know how I get on! Thanks again!!

[JayA3sline]

Remember those pictures. Good luck, slow & steady


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[mikebeardmore]

Haha, will try but patience has never been my strong point...will give it a go and take some pictures to upload as a bit of a guide! Didn't realise you could get a plug and play module, as all the threads I have seen involve hard wiring and terminal blocks, that's what I wanted to avoid! So really looking forward to fixing that damn warning now.

[mjom89]

I bought the lights and the resistor pack above from Kufatec and they are due for delivery today. Looking forward to getting then fitted but didn't realise I had to remove the boot trim... Was hoping to do it all through the light hole!

[Guest 2]

2 screws on the inside handle, then pull firmly from the outer edge of the trim.

You'll hear horrible noises and someof the spring clips may come off/break but its easy once you've taken it off once. Just make sure to line them all back up though.

[JayA3sline]

I did mention above that the boot trim requires removing as that's the hardest bit, requires some patience and hard pulling. After that, easy, simple connection and error free


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[mjom89]

Was just as easy as you mentioned - 15 minutes from start to finish and now I have led number plate lights. I would definitely recommend the kufatec resistor harness

[JayA3sline]

Well done bud, did you buy OEM audi LED number plate lights or fleabay versions? Once you have that harness on I'd go for the OEM look, looks much better and obviously it's OEM for that nice touch


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[mjom89]

OEM Audi all the way for me too where possible. I purchased OEM ones through Kufatec - didn't compare prices with Audi themselves but at least they turned up in the post at the same time as the harness!

[JayA3sline]

Great stuff 👍


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[mikebeardmore]

Just been looking at the kufatec website and am worried because my car is a 2012 model whether their resistor mod will work and saw this Diagnostic Interface LED number plate Audi-38061 (http://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/diagnostic-tools/kufatec-diagnostic-coding-dongle/volkswagen-audi/diagnostic-interface-led-number-plate-audi?tab=frage) wondering if this may be more appropriate? If I'm spending £30 I want the resistors to work lol!!

[Guest 2]

Not for the A3 my friend

A4 8K
A5 8T
A5 Cabrio
A8 4H
Q5 8R

[JayA3sline]

That's not for A3/S3 though?


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[mikebeardmore]

I'm showing my ignorance but do you guys reckon the resistor fix will work on a 2012 model? Been trying to get in contact with MFGF as he is local to me and has VCDS...

[JayA3sline]

As long as it's an a3/s3 8P I would of thought it'll be fine


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[JayA3sline]

What month was your car manufactured?


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[mjom89]

Should have mentioned that my car is a 62 plate and the resistor mod worked fine

[mikebeardmore]

Yeah me too but really don't want to spend £30 if it doesn't work! Would prefer just to live with the warning light...tight I know!

[JayA3sline]

There's your answer mike 👍


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[Guest 2]

It'll be fine, one of the major advantages of having a 2009 is that I don't need vcds nor resistors to have my OEM LEDs ;)

I think (!) the difference is that 2010+ cars started using the BCM Body Control Module which integrated the CECM and CCM into one module and things were changed whereas my 2009 still has the two separate modules which which obviously had the same current/resistance and allowed the LEDs to be fitted with no issues.

[mikebeardmore]

Brilliant, I know i'm a big girl but that's put my mind at rest :)

[mikebeardmore]

mjom89...when you bought the oem LED units did they come with screws? I've had mine in and out some many times they are past their best shall we say...

[JayA3sline]

I wouldn't of thought so mate. From audi they don't anyway


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[mikebeardmore]

Right got my shopping list and with the Easter weekend coming up will have time to be patient and take my time to avoid breaking anything...deep breath...will take some photos and let you guys know how I get on! Thanks for all you advice and guidance everyone!

[JayA3sline]

If it was me I'd be out there in pitch black doing it... I changed my standard S3 grille to an RS3 grille in complete blackness... So impatient


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[mikebeardmore]

Know what you mean pal, but I just know if I did that i would end up breaking something then setting fire to the car out of anger and frustration! Yeah maybe I should see someone about it :Blush2:

[JayA3sline]

Haha! It really is a simple job. Ignore the hype just do it


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[mikebeardmore]

Really don't get why on my car when Audi went to the expense and effort of LED DRL'S and Xenon headlights they didn't spec the LED number plate units, especially ont the later S3's?

[JayA3sline]

Because they probably didn't have to change the rear end too much from the previous model so would rather mugs like us pay the extra expense to add the modern look. Win win for Audi


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[Guest 2]

No 8P came with them from factory.

They are nice tho ;)

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A3/81f56121.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A3/cc69f489.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A3/67952349.jpg

[mikebeardmore]

Yeah Chris, I just can't believe the difference it makes! A few of the lads at work have got Audi's of various ages/models, now they all want to replicate my LED look, just not the continual error message :zx11:

[JayA3sline]

2420424205242062420724208

Got to love the LED look


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[Guest 2]

Loving it for sure!! :)

[MrHSingh]

Jay, where did you source the interior LEDs from?

[MrHSingh]

Guys Ive got an a3 8P 61 plate MY2012 (Feb) will I need the transistor Adapter plate LEDs Audi A4 B6, B7 / Audi A3 8P-39298-1 (http://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/Audi/A4-B6/8E/Adapter-plate-LEDs-Audi-A4-B6-B7-/-Audi-A3-8P) along with the lights LED number plate light - original Audi - 4H0 943 021 / 4H0 943022-39264 (http://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/Audi/Q7-4L/LED-number-plate-light-original-Audi-4E0827574K) ?

Cheers

H

[JayA3sline]

T8ups on audi sport forum. He sells all interior LEDs and externals if required


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[Guest 2]

Can vouch for Trups also.


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[mikebeardmore]

Got my resistor kit today after work and wasted no time in fitting them, was a pain to remove rear trim panel even by taking my time and having another set of hands to help, but finally got it off...have to confess I broke a clip, but will get another clip before re-fitting! The good news though no annoying warning notice every time I turn the light on :banana:

[Guest 2]

Glad to hear it! :)

Was it one of the metal clips you broke?

[mikebeardmore]

Yeah Chris was really careful too! Used a short pry bar to gently tease the individual clips once I had identified where they were, rather than just manhandling the whole trim panel. The clip came off as one but had a small crack which split as I pulled it out of the plastic housing in order to inspect it :zx11:

[mikebeardmore]

With the trim panel remaining off for the time being whilst I get another clip, has anyone else noticed just how hot the resistors get when the lights are on!!!

[JayA3sline]

They will get warm but they'll be fine. Just make sure you try and use some of the existing cable ties to strap it down to stop it from rattling around. Pleased to hear it


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