2023 S4 Matrix headlight question

[gabemcclintock]

HelloHello everyone,

I am new to this group. I have a 2018 RS5 but just picked up a 2023 S4 in District metallic green. Now reading online it appears the S4 Technik here in Canada has the Matrix headlights, but from what I understand they come “deactivated” and need to be activated to achieve what we see the same as the European Audi's

So I messaged the sales manager about activating them before I pick up the car and this was her response:

"The S4 comes with “matrix-design” headlights so they aren’t the full matrix lights that can be activated. They have the look of the matrix but not the function.”

Does that sound right?

Thanks in advance and I am looking forward to sharing and being inspired by everyone's rides here.

Here is the my new S4 stock, looking forward to personalizing it over time.

S4.jpg

[A4 Centaur]

^Alex@europrice can hook you up!

https://europrice.us/

Headlight Activation | Matrix LED (North American)

https://europrice.us/audi/a4-s4-rs4/...-20/lighting-6

[a4audi4fun]

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/aud.../#post25843235

Guy named Sam in Toronto has been enabling full matrix capability for many folks with S5 / RS5 - check him out via the link above

[ILLITE]

You can enable them through coding. Last I heard the US Federal Government was about to approve Matrix lights in the US. That is why they aren’t programmed to function on any vehicles yet is because of the typical outdated Fed standards.

You can pay like $800ish to some of the guys listed above to have it coded in remotely. My 2021 S4 has them installed too but not coded.


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[Goonz]

Still a small price to pay for the B9.5 models where as the B9 requires different headlights, software coding and wiring. I did this on my previous B9 S4 and though it was tedious, well worth it in the end.

I used Europrice as well and had my current Digital Matrix LED's headlights fully activated with the Light Carpet feature as well on my new e-tron S.

[Avant_Garde]

You can enable them through coding. Last I heard the US Federal Government was about to approve Matrix lights in the US. That is why they aren’t programmed to function on any vehicles yet is because of the typical outdated Fed standards.

You can pay like $800ish to some of the guys listed above to have it coded in remotely. My 2021 S4 has them installed too but not coded.


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Can you do this via OBDeleven? I have a B9.5 but didn't realize they weren't activated from the dealership. Interesting

[Goonz]

Can you do this via OBDeleven? I have a B9.5 but didn't realize they weren't activated from the dealership. Interesting

No to OBD coding, Matrix headlight activation of any sort requires software change so a VAS interface is needed.

[oxxomxxo]

I have a b9.5 premium plus with activated matrix lights. Only the prestige modeks have the matrix headlights. The base and premium plus have matrix style headlights.

If you have a prestige then all you need is flashing. If you were like me i had to replace headlights and run a wire but definitely worth it.


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[Avant_Garde]

I have a b9.5 premium plus with activated matrix lights. Only the prestige modeks have the matrix headlights. The base and premium plus have matrix style headlights.

If you have a prestige then all you need is flashing. If you were like me i had to replace headlights and run a wire but definitely worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

So in Canada, the trims are a bit different here, but I have the Technik. It is essentially the Prestige like you guys have in the states. I do have the matrix headlights, I just don't know if they are 'fully activated', if that makes sense

- - - Updated - - -

No to OBD coding, Matrix headlight activation of any sort requires software change so a VAS interface is needed.

So even with the Prestige/Technik package?

[oxxomxxo]

So in Canada, the trims are a bit different here, but I have the Technik. It is essentially the Prestige like you guys have in the states. I do have the matrix headlights, I just don't know if they are 'fully activated', if that makes sense

- - - Updated - - -



So even with the Prestige/Technik package?

So then you should be good. All it takes is to flash your bcm and headlight modules.


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[ILLITE]

Can you do this via OBDeleven? I have a B9.5 but didn't realize they weren't activated from the dealership. Interesting

To my knowledge no. It’s more intensive coding…or at least no one has found out how to via OBD11 yet.


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[Goonz]

So even with the Prestige/Technik package?

Yes, VAS software update for the headlight controllers. OBD can't do that.

[A4 Centaur]

https://europrice.us/headlight-activ...north-american

VAS5054A Interface

https://vw.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDe...temId=20900162

Here is the VAG manual:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/15...Vas-5054a.html

[[email protected]]

https://europrice.us/headlight-activ...north-american

VAS5054A Interface

https://vw.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDe...temId=20900162

Here is the VAG manual:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/15...Vas-5054a.html

Thanks for the mentions!

This activation has been super popular. Customers can rent or purchase the VAS5054A interface to have this activation done. Activating full matrix functionality cannot be done with Vagcom (VCDS), OBD11, VCP or other DIY interfaces unfortunately. It's a fairly quick remote process and can be done for all post-facelift models with matrix headlights from the factory.

More info available here:

Headlight Activation | Matrix LED (North American) <-Click Link for More Information

If anyone isn't sure whether their headlights can have matrix activated with their current headlights you can also email your VIN over: [email protected]

Cheers,

[Goonz]

https://europrice.us/headlight-activ...north-american

VAS5054A Interface

https://vw.snapon.com/SpecialToolsDe...temId=20900162

Here is the VAG manual:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/15...Vas-5054a.html

A4/S4 isn't included as part of the activation - maybe some more work is involved in this particular models activation or I'm sure a simple email to Alex at Europrice along with your VIN will give you a definitive answer.

I did use this activation for my Digital Matrix Headlights in my e-tron S, I now have both matrix and light carpet function activated. It required VAS and was done remotely taking about ~45min. So amazing to have everything activated, makes driving at night fun and safe.

[[email protected]]

A4/S4 isn't included as part of the activation - maybe some more work is involved in this particular models activation or I'm sure a simple email to Alex at Europrice along with your VIN will give you a definitive answer.

I did use this activation for my Digital Matrix Headlights in my e-tron S, I now have both matrix and light carpet function activated. It required VAS and was done remotely taking about ~45min. So amazing to have everything activated, makes driving at night fun and safe.

Glad the matrix is working well on your e-tron!

The 2016 to 2019 pre-facelift A4/S4 in North America need to fit a full matrix headlight retrofit package for matrix high beam functionality:

Headlights | A4, S4, RS4 Matrix LED Retrofit Package <-Click Link for More Information

The 2020+ post-facelift A4/S4 in North America that have matrix headlights fitted from the factory can have the full matrix high beam functionality enabled without changing headlights:

Headlight Activation | Matrix LED (North American) <-Click Link for More Information

The 2020+ post-facelift A4/S4 with standard LED headlights cannot have the matrix functionality activated. In the future with the proper needed files it will be possible to upgrade 2020+ post-facelift models with standard LED headlights to upgrade to new matrix headlights and have the full matrix functionality too.

If anyone just isn't sure what they can do, email over your VIN anytime: [email protected]

Cheers,