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2006 Audi A4 Quattro

Question: Left dipped headlight

Question

dave2404, 4 Cylinder, Northbrook, IL, February 01, 2009, 10:37
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 Rookie

The left headlight of my 2006 Audi A4 quattro has this annoying -- and
dangerous -- problem:
1. The left headlight flickers
2. It then turns itself off
3. The message "left dipped headlight" appears
4. The message is changed to a sign indicating that the lightbulb has
failed.

If I turn the light off (Note: We're talking about driving at night
here) and turn it back on again, the light will become normal again,
for about a few minutes and then the cycle repeats itself.

This problem is intermittent. It has been occurring a lot recently
with the cold weather. I can't tell for sure whether it is
temperature related.

My Audi dealer said that Audi knows about this problem but doesn't
know how to fix it -- changing the light bulb doesn't solve the
problem.

A number of other drivers seem to have this problem as well as evidenced by the comments on some other forums. Any solutions?

7 Answers
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  • Answer #1

    dandd February 01, 2009, 12:44
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     Master

    Does your Audi have dual or single stage Xenon Gas Headlights? I have seen a lot of intermittent problems with their Igniters recently which are very expensive (well over $600 plus labor). Is there any oil around your headlight area? Since you said it was the left Headlight, I have seen some Power Steering Over flow issues cause problems with the Headlignts on the Driver's side of the vehicle. Actually on Weds of this week I had one. Bulb replacement will not solve these issues. Also be VERY CARFUL when dealing with these types of Headlights. There are several thousand volts built up in the Igniters and it is recommended ( by Audi ) that you disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 10 minutes before touching any of the Bulb contacts. You can be very seriously shocked.

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    Visitor, December 22, 2010, 21:47

    I had brake fluid leak out then my headlight went out. I replaced the blub but it’s still out. Based on your post is the only solution to replace the igniter?

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    Visitor, December 26, 2010, 18:51

    Really need to find and repair the source of the fluid leak , or else more bulbs will burn out. Then try a new bub, and if no luck a new igniter. I have seen more that 1 Audi have a power steering leak that kept ruining the bulbs and igniter.

    dandd

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  • Answer #2

    spyder February 03, 2009, 21:47
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     Journeyman

    The HID lighting system is diagnosable with an appropriate scan tool.
    Do you know if there are any DTC's associated with your symptoms?

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  • Answer #3

    VWEB October 22, 2009, 10:55
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     Rookie

    Hey Dave-
    I have an 05 Audi A4 and have the exact same problem. I procrastinated on getting it taken care of because the dealer blew me off but now it started doing it to my right headlight so I finally took it in & they want $1600 for 2 igniters & bulbs!? Did you get your problem resolved and if so, what was the outcome? I'm on the west coast and looking for answers...I appreciate any help you can provide!
    Veronica:)

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    dave2404, October 22, 2009, 11:47
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     Rookie

    I have not fixed this problem and its still happening. I've taken it in a few times (for regular service) and they "reset" something in the car which doesn't help. ANYONE who has had any luck fixing this please let us know!

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    Visitor, August 29, 2010, 18:22

    **SUPPORT A RECALL, HOLD AUDI ACCOUNTABLE & REPORT THIS PROBLEM TO the NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA):

    To Report this problem GO TO:

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

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  • Medium-star Best Answer
    BMAZZ January 05, 2010, 20:15
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     Rookie

    I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2006 AUDI A4 2.0 T

    PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBSITE AND FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA). THIS MAY RESULT IN A MANDATORY RECALL

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

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  • Answer #5

    Visitor, March 19, 2010, 16:34

    Same flicker problem Dealer replaced mine under warranty last week (car's warranty expires next week) - but it sounds like it may start happening again soon. Bug NHSTA if it's not just a blown bulb.

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  • Answer #6

    Visitor, April 07, 2010, 22:05

    05 A4. Same exact problem. Even got a ticket from it. I had the ignitors replaced not the bulb and have not had an issue since. I don't remember exactly but I think they were 175 a piece.

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  • Answer #7

    Visitor, October 24, 2010, 20:49

    Same problem happened yesterday. Just filed a complaint through the website VWEB provided. I am wondering how should I proceed with this problem. Can I fix it myself or should I take it to the dealer and burn hell of money?

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