Some issues on my A6 3.0TDI

**lifemoveon** · 25-09-2013,10:59 PM

Hi all,

Thought of asking people here for help and advice please. I had a drive trip to France and Germany over last week – went to see the Frankfurt Motor show, but that's another post by itself

On the way back, I had a really good blast on the autobahn (let's just say I got from Frankfurt to the borders of Belgium near Aachen in just over an hour). However whilst 'blasting', my car showed up 2 issues – left rear side signal light and brake lights gone off. At my next stop (with my brakes really smoking), I found the indicator light working but the brake light gone. However after driving through Belgium and back to the UK, the lights came back on and the faults gone away. I'm wondering why?

If there's a need to replace to bulbs, how can I access them? Could someone kindly forward me some diagrams on it please.

Additionally, I have another issue on the fuel gauge. It's not showing the fuel level occasionally. I've read some historical post about this being a known issue and the plug on sender unit wiring will need sorting. What exactly is that and how could I get it fixed without spending a bomb by going to Audi?

I'm driving a 2005 Audi A6 3.0TDI (C6). I must say that the A6 is really a solid car on the autobahn

Thanks so much everyone.

Cheers.

**Akash** · 25-09-2013,11:09 PM

Maybe it hates Europe?
Actually, mine had the same problem though in my case, each bulb went in succession APART from the brakelights.
From what I know, it's a known issue with moisture in the bulb holders and mine was just that. Some have cleaned it out but in my case, I replaced the bulb holder itself and it's been find ever since.

The right went first and then a month later, the left went so I knew exactly what it was.
I guess one reason your brakes went is I am going to assume yours are not LED brakelights (highline ) whereas mine are and not part of the bulb holder.

**MarkTM** · 26-09-2013,12:23 AM

Life, am guessing you're getting a sporadic light issue, not had this in driving but when I had the car on ramps, ran a VCDS check and it told me that my left light cluster was out, cleared the 'fault' and it's not returned. On your fuel gauge yes it's the pump sender that sends signals to the pump in order for it to balance the weight in pumping from one side to t'other of the saddle tank. My local Indy had done several of these in the past so was able to do the job in under an hour with the lead itself costing I think £24. The time consuming bit is removing/replacing the rear seat bench. The awkward thing is having to have your tank less than half full...easier than it sounds when you don't have a working gauge!!

I think from Audi they'd easily charge you the best part of £300 for the job...since you are effectively paying software engineer rates so my advice would be to find an indy with a good rep and hourly rates

Mine was £50ph+VAT, so everything was £100 in total...oh also had the new gaskets for the tanks stoppers ready but they were not needed so not charged

**Guest 2** · 26-09-2013,06:24 AM

As above, two pretty common faults, check for corrosion on the bulb holder and bottom of the bulbs. For peace of mind buy two new holders as I don't think they're expensive new.

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**lifemoveon** · 26-09-2013,11:20 PM

Thanks so much for your replies guys...

Would anyone know how to get to the light bulbs? I opened my boot but can't quite yet figure out how to get to the lights. I'm trying to find where to buy the light bulb holders.

On the fuel gauge, can I just buy it off from the internet? Might just do a search for it..

Cheers.

**Guest 2** · 27-09-2013,06:20 AM

Should be in the manual but take off the little removable panel on the left hand side in the boot, you'll see a recess with a hold, get your socket set (can't remember which size) and you'll undo a big black screw about the length of your key, this loosens the cluster then prise it out from the outside from the edge nearest the wheel and that's it.

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**MarkTM** · 27-09-2013,06:38 AM

Life

Best to buy all parts from Audi just to ensure you have the right parts for your car as they'll cross ref with your reg.

**Akash** · 27-09-2013,02:53 PM

Chris has replied but just to add, the screw is flat in my case and I can use the supplied screwdriver in the toolkit to remove it
Once it is out and beware...DON'T DROP it otherwise you'll have to go hunting near the tyrewell and what not... You need to use some safe wooden or plastic lolly sticks (those flat ones) to remove. I got angry a while back when my first cluster went in full on rain and decided to use the screw-driver..naturally made a nice scratch but thankfully it's behind the cluster :- )

Once the cluster is out, it's just a case of unclipping the cable and then it's in your hand.

To top off how easy it is, it's actually in the A6 user/handguide