HELP - S3 Couple of issues (juddering when on boost & headlight angle)

[gman1981]

Hi all,

Firstly my headlights are pointing about 10feet in front of my car and I therefore can't see anything at night time. Through searching I note this can be adjusted via vagcom, but as I don't have it, is there anyother way of fixing the issue.

Secondly, my S3 (BAM) has developed a sort if quick juddering as soon as the turbo is on song at around 3000rpm. It drives fine below these revs, but as soon as you get to 3k, the car judders and doesn't go much quicker. Initially the EML didn't come on, but after letting it judder for quite a few seconds, it then started to flash but went off again as soon as I started driving normally again.

I had my first coil go last month and this doesn't seem the same, so I was wondering what this could be. Again, I don't have access to Vagcom and sadly the nearest VAG specialist is a good 25miles away (I live in south oxfordshire).

Many thanks in advance

 

[bengal]

A good mot station for your headlights as you will need the equipment to adjust it right. As for the other problem you need to get it on vag com you could have a ring around garages local to you as some might have it other than that there is a list of members on here who have it and there might be one close to you. Look in the vcds/vagcom section on the forum.

 

[finesse]

sounds like a coilpack holding on for life, I would change the 3 old coils and fit 0.7mm gapped plugs!

 

[pj123]

The headlights constantly vary angle to avoid blinding other road users and motors within the headlights are controlled by sensors on the suspension.

If just one headlight is pointing towards the ground it is proabably the the motor in the headlight.

If both headlights are pointing towards the ground it is probably one of the sensors on the passenger side suspension (either front or back) that control the motors in the headlights.

 

[coyle]

should the front rod sensor have a bend in it? or should it be straight?

 

[s3dave]

front should be angled

 

[coyle]

ok good stuff, mine is
you know where i could get a replacement rear? as mines snapped

 

[talentwalsh]

The juddering issue does sound like a coil. What was happening to mine was the coil was actually lifting out of the head from 3k (from boost) and not connecting with the plug causing juddering and the EML to flash. Worried by it I lifted off and hey presto, coil sat back down enough and drove fine. Check if any of them are sitting a bit proud from the rest.

 

[Nilz]

If you are a member of RAC they will be able to do a scan for you and it will tell you what error codes if any, that should point you in the right direction of what the prob is, also will save you running around trying to find someone with VAGCOM.

They may even have a coil on them that you can replace and get on your way with, if thats what the issue is.

Re the lights, could be a sensor, of it could also be the motors jammed, if you pop your bonnet and look next to the headlights there is a little white plastic bolt, you will need an allen key to adjust it, just see if adjusting them makes a difference as it may unjam them.....it happened on mine and has been ok since I had a fiddle...lol.

 

[djarchive]

Re: Headlight issue: Mine are just as bad. As in its getting really bad / have to drive with the fogs on all the time just to see.


I take it you can maunally adjust them using the while plastic bolt / two white adjusters near the slam panel? If so... Which way (Clockwise or anti) will turn the headlights up & more importantly which one *As there's two per side* will do this?

Trail and error time?