LED headlights causing error message

[JDCinATL]

Had LED's before on my '02 b6, one failed so I bought a different mfg LED to replace. New ones function great, along with LED fogs the illumination is terrific. Unfortunately I am getting an error message almost constantly. Not much info when I searched the posts. I think there is a way to code the message out in VCDS, but I am not familiar enough to go changing without some knowledge. Anybody with this issue ?

[MacFady]

You need to add a resistor or get a different bulb (search forum, not sure what size resistor). Not all CANBUS bulbs will be error free but they will not have hyperflashing. The current draw is so low in the LED bulb the car doesn't recognize a bulb is there.

[Deerhurst]

The resistor will be a bandaid for the blinkers. For headlights you'll want CANBUS error eliminators. Sometimes they call them anti flicker. The LEDs have a different resistance and capacitance than the halogens it's looking for. The harness mimics that so the car sees nothing wrong. Still should work and show if a bulb goes out.

[JDCinATL]

thanks guys! I have had less than stellar results from resistors in another vehicle application! (Actually melted wires it got so hot.) As best I can tell any quality CANBUS error eliminator should work. will update this as I correct the issue, as now we will start seeing lots of LED retrofits!!!!

[gtsingh91]

Do you guys see a huge improvement in visibility with the LEDs in the halogen housings as compared to the stock bulb and/or aftermarket HID kits?

[Deerhurst]

Do you guys see a huge improvement in visibility with the LEDs in the halogen housings as compared to the stock bulb and/or aftermarket HID kits?

Raw lumens will increase. Please do not stick HIDs or LEDs into a housing it designed for them. You will be blinding other drivers by doing that. Likely you will also decrease the usable light for you. High beam should be OK, it's an open beam but do not do that for low beam.

If you want to go HID low beams please do a proper retrofit. Yes, it's expensive and duanting but well worth it.

A HID at 35w is a little more than twice the lumen output of a halogen. LED is probably about 30-50% more than a halogen.

[ElectroDuck]

I have switched all 6 stock halogens from my 2006 Audi a4 for LED's. Including fog lights, headlights and highbeams. Headlight beam pattern is larger than stock however not as bright as most LED kits. I fixed any error warnings I encountered by using a decoder for the fogs and a resistor for the headlights. Full beam lights did not give an error so should be fine if you decide to upgrade them.

The cheapest option to fix the issue would be connecting a resistor in series, decoders are usually more pricey.