"AUTO" Illumination on Light Switch

[A4_MaJiK]

So I'm pretty sure something isn't right or they may be a fault somewhere but any comments are welcome as always.

I have auto lights (factory fitted) with the bi-xenons on my B7. I'm pretty sure the AUTO symbol shown in the image below used to permanently illuminate orange/yellow when in auto mode, regardless of whether the headlights were on/off (correct me if I am wrong). I have noticed however it no longer illuminates (as shown below) and my headlights seem to always be on when in auto (although it has been quite cloudy over the last couple of days).

I attempted to shine some light on the light sensor (windscreen side) using an LED workshop lamp (quite bright) in an attempt to try and get the headlights to switch off (this was outside when it was dark however) whilst in auto but no luck. Auto wipers and rear view dimming function correctly and all other light switch positions work fine too. No bulb errors, and the small LED on the knob of the switch flashes on ignition (bulb error checks) as it should. Follow me home lights and DRLs also work as they should (i.e. follow me home lights won't come on during daylight), which is why I think my headlights stay permanently on in AUTO too as I thought if the follow me home lights don't operate there is enough light detected to prevent the headlights from coming on when driving (but I may be wrong).

I have noticed however, if I come back to the car after a couple of hours and start it as per normal procedure the "AUTO" will illuminate orange/yellow. But as soon as you drive off it will go out.

I know it really isn't a big deal at the end of the day and I can still control my lighting manually, but things like this really bug me and I'd love to get down to the bottom of it. Just wanted to know if anybody is/has experienced a similar issue themselves.

Thanks in advance, Az.

 

[Joe_Murphy21187]

Don't know much about auto lights, but with electrics a lot of faults can be cause by bad earths... probably a bit of a stab in the dark though. Have you checked all of your fuses, is there a separate one for the auto light control?

What are 'Follow Me Home Lights'? Never heard of those before...

 

[pistonripper]

I have a similar problem.....only my sidelight does not illuminate....I did read somewhere the bulbs go.....but did not bother, because I wasn't really bothered by it.

 

[V6 Quatt]

Thanks for this post A4 _ Majik
I noticed this recently on mine which also has auto function - (must be a common fault) when we had a cold spell it worked for a bit then after I drove off it went out. This amber illumination should light up when auto lights come on or swithced to auto as in picture!! should go red when auto not in use I'm wondering whether its the bulb that is faulty??

Not sure how to fix as those switches are expensive and rare??


Let me know if you find a solution as I have the same issue as you

So I'm pretty sure something isn't right or they may be a fault somewhere but any comments are welcome as always.

I have auto lights (factory fitted) with the bi-xenons on my B7. I'm pretty sure the AUTO symbol shown in the image below used to permanently illuminate orange/yellow when in auto mode, regardless of whether the headlights were on/off (correct me if I am wrong). I have noticed however it no longer illuminates (as shown below) and my headlights seem to always be on when in auto (although it has been quite cloudy over the last couple of days).

I attempted to shine some light on the light sensor (windscreen side) using an LED workshop lamp (quite bright) in an attempt to try and get the headlights to switch off (this was outside when it was dark however) whilst in auto but no luck. Auto wipers and rear view dimming function correctly and all other light switch positions work fine too. No bulb errors, and the small LED on the knob of the switch flashes on ignition (bulb error checks) as it should. Follow me home lights and DRLs also work as they should (i.e. follow me home lights won't come on during daylight), which is why I think my headlights stay permanently on in AUTO too as I thought if the follow me home lights don't operate there is enough light detected to prevent the headlights from coming on when driving (but I may be wrong).

I have noticed however, if I come back to the car after a couple of hours and start it as per normal procedure the "AUTO" will illuminate orange/yellow. But as soon as you drive off it will go out.

I know it really isn't a big deal at the end of the day and I can still control my lighting manually, but things like this really bug me and I'd love to get down to the bottom of it. Just wanted to know if anybody is/has experienced a similar issue themselves.

Thanks in advance, Az.

 

[Rudedaubin]

Shouldn't the sidelights only light up green when you have them manually switched on? I know mines a B6 but when the switch is in Auto as in your picture the sidelights are lit up red. It looks to me like the switch has broken but I'm not sure how you'd check it.

 

[ultramodz]

I have this issue - the illumination for the switch on the "auto" mode is flickering on/off randomly.

I might whip the switch out and have a look. As far as I know, all switches are lit by LED, so it might be a connection that has worked loose, or needs re-soldering.

 

[Richardesty]

Some time ago my green side light bit didnt illuminate.... Audi replaced the whole switch, under warranty 👌.

Seems to me that the led has failed 😳

 

[A4_MaJiK]

Just a quick update: Auto light functions correctly (was clear day yesterday and DRL's were running as opposed to headlights coming on). I think the problem may well be just the switch.

Don't know much about auto lights, but with electrics a lot of faults can be cause by bad earths... probably a bit of a stab in the dark though. Have you checked all of your fuses, is there a separate one for the auto light control?

What are 'Follow Me Home Lights'? Never heard of those before...

I haven't checked any earths or fuses as I believe it may be just the switch itself. By "Follow Me Home Lights" I meant the fog lights coming on when locking/unlocking the car.

I have a similar problem.....only my sidelight does not illuminate....I did read somewhere the bulbs go.....but did not bother, because I wasn't really bothered by it.

I'm sure the bulb hasn't gone as it does come on on startup sometimes but goes off after a minute or as soon as I start driving.

Thanks for this post A4 _ Majik
I noticed this recently on mine which also has auto function - (must be a common fault) when we had a cold spell it worked for a bit then after I drove off it went out. This amber illumination should light up when auto lights come on or swithced to auto as in picture!! should go red when auto not in use I'm wondering whether its the bulb that is faulty??

Not sure how to fix as those switches are expensive and rare??


Let me know if you find a solution as I have the same issue as you

I'm having the exactly the same issue, forgot to mention it NEVER goes red anymore so may well be LED failure within the switch itself. Are the switches expensive then?

Shouldn't the sidelights only light up green when you have them manually switched on? I know mines a B6 but when the switch is in Auto as in your picture the sidelights are lit up red. It looks to me like the switch has broken but I'm not sure how you'd check it.

The sidelights are lit because the auto function switched the headlights on when the picture was taken.

I have this issue - the illumination for the switch on the "auto" mode is flickering on/off randomly.

I might whip the switch out and have a look. As far as I know, all switches are lit by LED, so it might be a connection that has worked loose, or needs re-soldering.

Does your "AUTO" light up red when not in use (e.g. when you have manually switched to sidelights/headlights function).

Some time ago my green side light bit didnt illuminate.... Audi replaced the whole switch, under warranty ������.

Seems to me that the led has failed ������

I don't it has completely failed as it does come on startup but goes out after a minute or when I drive off. Although saying that, it no longer illuminates red anymore.

 

[Dani_B19]

Anyone else had this issue and found a fix to it? Noticed mine flashing on and off tonight, didnthis for about 2 minutes then just went out permantely.

 

[Rackers]

Mine does it, replacement switches are available on the bay. The switch works fine though so I've left mine.

 

[Dani_B19]

So is it just a faulty contact then? Mine seems to be working fine also. Touch wood.

 

[Rackers]

I think so, mine occasionally flashes orange and then stops.