Flashing NS headlight 2005 S4

[W1LD R]

Hi guys, just purchased a 2005 S4 last thurs, couple of little niggles with it,

1st is NS headlight xenon main beam flickers on and off, checked all connectors and all seem ok, what else can I check?

2nd is headlamp washers stay out after being used, and have to be manually pushed back into the bumper...

Thanks in advance for any help...

 

[A4_MaJiK]

Had both these issues on my A4 when I first got it. The flickering is more than likely the bulb (D1S) which requires replacing. The headlamp washer mechanism I solved with a bit of WD40 lol

Azeem

 

[W1LD R]

Cheers buddy, was thinking about some sort of lube on the shaft (oooo errrr missus lol), gonna swap bulbs over and see what happens. Cheers

 

[W1LD R]

So since this post, I've had the car to a local Audi specialist and the I say I should replace both ballasts and bulbs with new, Audi parts come to £975! So that won't be happening, spoke to the garage I bought the car from and they have agreed to pay for parts and I pay labour, I have found all the parts on evil bay for around £250, so just to double check I need d1s bulbs (going for 6k Philips ones) and the ballasts are these?

 

[hades-]

good on the garage

but let them pay and fit yourself.

bumper off lights out change parts job done 2 hour max for a first timer

 

[W1LD R]

good on the garage

but let them pay and fit yourself.

bumper off lights out change parts job done 2 hour max for a first timer

Yes that's the plan, I've told him I'm going to have a garage do the job, but will do it myself. I've already Bought the long reach t30 for the bolt down the hole in the wing.

 

[hades-]

theres also a very good guide on here for removeing the bumper

 

[martynash]

DO YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BUMPER TO REPLACE BULBS?

 

[A4_MaJiK]

I don't think you NEED to change the ballasts, I certainly never replaced mine. The D1S bulbs are such that the ignitor is built in to the bulbs themselves. Hence why you're having flickering issues. The ballast simply provides the correct voltage supply. Your ballasts are more than likely working absolutely fine.

Also the bulbs can be changed without removing the bumper but does require some patience. Undo top bolts from headlight and third bolt (lower one) is accessed via a hole in the wing. Once they're loosened off you can move the headlight unit slightly forward and and access the rear of the light unit. Although the PAS reservoir will need to be shifted on the passenger side.

Azeem

EDIT: Just read your post and realised you're not paying for the parts.

Let us know how you get on with the Phillips 6000k. Did consider them as replacements but ended up going for aftermarket 8000k bulbs from T8ups as they worked out a lot cheaper for the look I wanted.

 

[W1LD R]

I don't think you NEED to change the ballasts, I certainly never replaced mine. The D1S bulbs are such that the ignitor is built in to the bulbs themselves. Hence why you're having flickering issues. The ballast simply provides the correct voltage supply. Your ballasts are more than likely working absolutely fine.

Also the bulbs can be changed without removing the bumper but does require some patience. Undo top bolts from headlight and third bolt (lower one) is accessed via a hole in the wing. Once they're loosened off you can move the headlight unit slightly forward and and access the rear of the light unit. Although the PAS reservoir will need to be shifted on the passenger side.

Azeem

EDIT: Just read your post and realised you're not paying for the parts.

Let us know how you get on with the Phillips 6000k. Did consider them as replacements but ended up going for aftermarket 8000k bulbs from T8ups as they worked out a lot cheaper for the look I wanted.

Yes the garage is paying for the new parts (won't pay for new flywheel it needs though) I've ordered them all up now and will be removing front end as soon as they arrive, may even split the headlamp and do the cc mod while I'm there and plastidip the grille whilst it's off too....

 

[W1LD R]

Well bumper came off tonight and headlamps out

New ballasts fitted and the Philips 6000k bulbs, all back together now and no more flickering just lovely crisp light!

 

[dodsie75]

I hope you did the clear corner mod as you've done all the hardwork!!!!!!!

 

[W1LD R]

No, didn't have the time to do it, bumper off is an easy job, only took me 15-20 mins max to remove it, needs to come off again to replace low tone horn as that's dead.... Will get the gear in to do it for next time

 

[martynash]

I hope you did the clear corner mod as you've done all the hardwork!!!!!!!

Please can you enlighten me on this cc mod as I have to replace my D1S bulbs soon and will do at the same time and any others to do
Incidentally, how many bumper bolts and where are they all please?

Regards

Marty

 

[dodsie75]

Look in the sticky section at the top of the forum, there is a brilliant full how to do write up with photos. Very easy to follow. It cost me less than £5 and it takes years of the car!!!!

 

[martynash]

Thanks Dodsie
Top man
Just to clarify. You remove and then leave out the amber indicator lens but then do you fit a clear one or just put orange bulbs in?
The rear housing which is currently grey, after removal of all the chrome bits etc, you paint that black? is that matt or satin? and presumably from a spray can?
Thanks for your reply

Regards

Marty

 

[dodsie75]

Thanks Dodsie
Top man
Just to clarify. You remove and then leave out the amber indicator lens but then do you fit a clear one or just put orange bulbs in?
The rear housing which is currently grey, after removal of all the chrome bits etc, you paint that black? is that matt or satin? and presumably from a spray can?
Thanks for your reply

Regards

Marty

I removed the amber lens then put a pair of chrome 381 indicator bulbs in. Don't put orange ones in or you get the fried egg look!!!! I didn't bother with the clear lens (I'm too tight)
I can't help with the painting sorry, I just left mine (silver car so it suits)
I posted some before and after photos in "post photos of your b7" section if you want to look. About 2 months ago maybe

 

[martynash]

Cheers and thanks again