Dipped Headlight

[SejRamkas]

I've got an issue with my left (drivers side) headlight. I got a warning light yesterday that I had a dipped headlight/main beam headlight. When I got out of the car to inspect I saw that the left headlight was still on, but it was not nearly as bright as the right side, and also was a more purple hue. I have seen a few discussions in regards to this on earlier models, but still not a lot for the B8's (probably age related so we may see more of them soon). Does anyone have experience with this on a B8 and could you tell me if this is a bulb or ballast failure before I go digging into the headlight? I'd prefer a burned out headlight, but from what I've read they tend to explode instead of burning/dimming out and I would think it wouldnt give off any light at all if it was a bulb failure...

FYI my car is an 09 with 90K miles.

[Lambda13]

I've had to replace both of my headlight bulbs already, '09 with 100k here. I suggest ebay or amazon for replacement bulbs as they are inexpensive and if it doesn't solve the problem you still have a new bulb in case you need it. In your case it almost sounds like the ballast isn't fully igniting the bulb. In either case I think that the parts can be found with out having to go directly to the dealership. FWIW I think the dealership said it would be $150 to replace the headlight bulb and I paid about $15 for a bulb.

[junchen]

You need a d3s bulb if you are running hid. It's quite likely the d3s bulb is gone, thus showing some bluish / purplish tint. Had replaced my bulb at 80k km, and once again at 120k km (the other side)

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[SejRamkas]

This weekend I am planning on switching the bulbs between the two and see if the code follows. If it does, great, it's the bulb and much cheaper fix. If not then it's the ballast. Either way I should know this weekend. For those of you who have pullled the headlights or done the bulb changeout you got a good link to a DIY for it?

Lambda13, hows your 09 holding up at 100K? I'm at 90 and terrified the car is about to start falling apart. I just replaced my door lock on the passenger side a few weeks ago and now the headlight. Dont even get me started on the mechanical issues. Mine has had just about all of them (oil consumption stage 1 and 2, power steering hose, wobble/vibration at highway speed, and I know there are others that I cant remember probably because my mind has blocked them out as a defense mechanism to keep me from cursing the car every time I'm in it). For some reason I still love it though. Us Audi drivers are a twisted bunch aint we?...

[STA4]

Here's a video in French...haha:

[Lambda13]

This weekend I am planning on switching the bulbs between the two and see if the code follows. If it does, great, it's the bulb and much cheaper fix. If not then it's the ballast. Either way I should know this weekend. For those of you who have pullled the headlights or done the bulb changeout you got a good link to a DIY for it?

Lambda13, hows your 09 holding up at 100K? I'm at 90 and terrified the car is about to start falling apart. I just replaced my door lock on the passenger side a few weeks ago and now the headlight. Dont even get me started on the mechanical issues. Mine has had just about all of them (oil consumption stage 1 and 2, power steering hose, wobble/vibration at highway speed, and I know there are others that I cant remember probably because my mind has blocked them out as a defense mechanism to keep me from cursing the car every time I'm in it). For some reason I still love it though. Us Audi drivers are a twisted bunch aint we?...

Surprisingly well. I was just about bone stock until 95k miles. I had the oil consumption done around 65k or so? I don't quite remember but the engine should be solid for awhile. I also had a few parts fail under warranty and get replaced... intake manifold and transmission seals to name a few. So I feel like despite the mileage its got a lot of newer parts so it's deceiving. I'm also stage 2 now so it pulls pretty hard. I am currently saving for a bigger turbo in the event that mine craps the bed.

Here's a video in French...haha:

They went way overboard with what you really need to replace the bulb. I didn't unscrew or remove anything except the bulb cover... Tight fit but it's doable.

[doowopaudi]

http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ghts/headlight

[SejRamkas]

lambda13 can you elaborate on transmission seals? Were they actually leaking? I ask because I've noticed my trans feeling like it almost lags when trying to shift at slow speeds and feels kinda jerky. Wanted to know if yours was just because it was leaking trans fluid or if it was some other issue similar to mine that required the repair. I'm terrified it is going to crap the bed sometime soon...

[Lambda13]

lambda13 can you elaborate on transmission seals? Were they actually leaking? I ask because I've noticed my trans feeling like it almost lags when trying to shift at slow speeds and feels kinda jerky. Wanted to know if yours was just because it was leaking trans fluid or if it was some other issue similar to mine that required the repair. I'm terrified it is going to crap the bed sometime soon...

Basically my car would REFUSE to shift from 2nd gear in Sport mode unless I kept on the throttle. If I accelerated heavily and let off it just refused to change gears. Happened in a few different gears. I complained to Audi at least a dozen times and I think they just pulled it apart and swapped some parts to make me feel better lol.

[SejRamkas]

hmm something else to look out for. great! I have noticed mine really loves 2nd gear after a hard acceleration (stays at >4K RPMs even after letting off gas and wont shift to 3rd), but haven't experienced difficulty going into sport to shift up.

Anyways back on topic. I'll be checking on the bulb tomorrow and will report back what I find. Hopefully it's just the bulb.

[SejRamkas]

Well it was definitely the bulb. Took it out and it looked a bit burnt. Swapped to the other side and the code followed. Can anyone send a link to a good price for a good set of bulbs for this car? I heard the dealer charges like $200 a bulb and I'm not paying that for a lightbulb....

[Yogi Bear]

try Amazon.