Bulb out warning light, all lights work?

**booost** · 05-06-2014 06:31 AM

Guys,

Starting yesterday I have been getting the bulb out warning light but have checked all bulbs and have not found a dead one. Any tips on finding out which bulb is throwing the warning?

I don't have VCDS but could probably get access to one. If I did, could I find out which bulb it is or just disable the warning altogether? Thanks.

**vw754** · 05-09-2014 02:05 PM

what model/year of car? i take it you have standard halogen rear lights?.....whats the bulb error on the dash saying?

Originally Posted by booost

Guys,

Starting yesterday I have been getting the bulb out warning light but have checked all bulbs and have not found a dead one. Any tips on finding out which bulb is throwing the warning?

I don't have VCDS but could probably get access to one. If I did, could I find out which bulb it is or just disable the warning altogether? Thanks.

**Project Quattro** · 05-09-2014 04:04 PM

You could try disconnecting the battery for a minute or so, then reconnecting it. That might reset the sensor, but it may also mess with your stereo as happens with some cars. Not sure in this case, I'm sure there are people better informed than me lol.

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**ReconByFire** · 05-09-2014 04:14 PM

Could be the 3rd brake light. I am currently having this issue, and from what I have read, is somewhat common. Some type of malfunction. Vagcom would be able to tell you, or go to a parts store and have them scan it.

**van462** · 05-09-2014 05:36 PM

If non led rear lights you may have a filament burnt out as well. There are two filaments in the bulb so it will give and error and not appear to be burnt out.

**vacsimile** · 05-09-2014 09:12 PM

Reverse light.

**Comp4k** · 05-10-2014 01:59 AM

rear fog light?

**booost** · 05-10-2014 10:22 AM

I have checked every single bulb - reverse, rear fogs etc. The error has been intermittent and says something like light bulb malfunction. I will keep an eye on it and try to scan with VCDS. Thanks guys.

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**SDF1** · 05-10-2014 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by booost

I have checked every single bulb - reverse, rear fogs etc. The error has been intermittent and says something like light bulb malfunction. I will keep an eye on it and try to scan with VCDS. Thanks guys.

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It's happened to a few people
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...highlight=bulb

Open your trunk, remove every single bulb and clean the connectors and bulbs. Make sure you don't touch the bulb with your hand but use a paper towel. It kept happening to me, almost every time after a car wash or rainy day.

One day I noticed there was moisture inside the housing. I went to the dealership right after it happened they saw the condensation and bulb error. Replaced the housing and all the bulbs. Never came back :)

**booost** · 05-29-2014 07:27 AM

Bump. I got a VCDS cable, is there a way to check which bulb is setting off the warning or just disable the warning altogether? It is driving me crazy. Thanks.

**SDF1** · 05-29-2014 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by booost

Bump. I got a VCDS cable, is there a way to check which bulb is setting off the warning or just disable the warning altogether? It is driving me crazy. Thanks.

Nope! If your still under warranty go to the dealer there is a TSB they will replacing the housing as it leaks water and humidity making a short

**booost** · 05-29-2014 11:01 AM

Ok so interesting development, on lunch today I messed around with VCDS and did the following coding to enable DIS control via faux-MMI (I'm Premium, I could only see miles to empty in the DIS by default, now I can view MPG, average speed etc.)

Check 56-Radio, Byte 9, Bit 6

Check 17-Instruments, Byte 1, Bit 2 (DIS Active)

I started up the car and saw a different message on the DIS, 'left turn signal'. Before it was telling me 'light bulb malfunction' or something like that. Front and rear left turn signal bulbs are working so when I get some time I'll pull the rear housing and try to clean the connector as SDF1 suggested. I'd rather not take it to the dealer and pay $80 for warranty deductible for something so simple.

Thanks guys.

**SDF1** · 05-29-2014 11:12 AM

It's super easy to take out the bulbs. It's literately 1 carpet clip and one screw. 5Minutes tops to take it all apart.
I cleaned all the contacts and replaced all the bulbs (0.75$/bulb) and after a few months it came back, same ritual. I had other issues with my car (surprise surprise) so I mentioned this to them and make sure I had the error. Just get the car washed by one of those 1000psi washers (very bad for your wax and car I know) and watch the error pop up.

**Booya** · 05-29-2014 11:34 AM

This was a common issue with the left turn signal. It happen to mine as well a couple of years ago. According to Audi they fix many MY2009-2011 for this left signal and notice all had one thing in common. All had upgraded their interior and license plate lights to led. They replace the bulb holder to fix the problem under warranty for me. If cleaning what SDF1 suggested do not help replace the left bulb holder part # 8K5945257A. $48 on ECS.

Edit: BTW Audi clean the connector and replace all bulb which fix my issue for about 3 weeks before it came back. Since replacing the holder haven't had an issue since.

**booost** · 06-05-2014 08:22 AM

Ok so I cleaned the contacts and replaced the rear bulbs. The light has been intermittent the past few days but I noticed today that the driver side rear view mirror bulb isn't working

. Is there a guide to replacing this bulb? I searched and didn't find anything too promising, I also don't want to spend the warranty deductible for a lightbulb. Thanks.

**SDF1** · 06-05-2014 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by booost

Ok so I cleaned the contacts and replaced the rear bulbs. The light has been intermittent the past few days but I noticed today that the driver side rear view mirror bulb isn't working

. Is there a guide to replacing this bulb? I searched and didn't find anything too promising, I also don't want to spend the warranty deductible for a lightbulb. Thanks.

side rear view mirror bulb ? That's an LED Strip.

**booost** · 06-05-2014 11:10 AM

Ok. Is it possible to replace the LED strip?

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**jay508** · 06-05-2014 11:12 AM

I had this same issue. All of the lights functioned normally. It turned out to be the 3rd brake light housing.

**SDF1** · 06-05-2014 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by booost

Ok. Is it possible to replace the LED strip?

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post a photo please.

**zero|fade** · 06-20-2014 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by jay508

I had this same issue. All of the lights functioned normally. It turned out to be the 3rd brake light housing.

I just fixed mine. The solder joints for the electrical connector on the led strip were broken and loose. A little more solder and it was good as new.

**Project Quattro** · 06-20-2014 07:46 PM

LEDs shouldn't burn out, maybe it's a connection issue since that door gets opened so often? A loose clip or plug could explain the intermittent error light.

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**zero|fade** · 06-21-2014 06:21 AM

LEDs can burn out, but they shouldn't for a long period of time. The whole strip at once seems very unlikely. As ProjectBlackout said, it's most likely a loose connection. Could be a broken solder joint on the led strip like I had happen with my third brake light.

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