No bend lighting, AFS function! fault

[bryanp]

My Elegance came up with the "No bend lighting, AFS function" fault 2 days ago and for the first couple of trips after would be OK for about 10 mins of driving until the fault appeared, the lights were still doing the self levelling dance when starting the car. Now the fault light is on permanent, get the same message everytime, even when the lights aren't on, the lights don't self level anymore and I don't know if it's me but they seem to be pointing a bit more to the ground!

I've got it booked in with a VAG specialist but was hoping if anyone has had the same fault rectified so I've got an idea what it could be and what damage to the wallet as I've seen some scary prices on other VAG forums for the same fault to be fixed but admittedly at Main Stealers!

Cheers

[langers2k]

I would take a look at the front and rear suspension on the passenger side (UK) as there are level sensors on each. These have been known to have their arms snap - its an easy one to check if you can get access.

 

Other than that, at least one member had an issue with water ingress into the control module on one of headlights as it's attached to the bottom. Much harder to check as you won't get access unless the headlight is removed which is a bumper off job.

 

A VCDS scan will give you more clues as to what the problem is

[bryanp]

I would take a look at the front and rear suspension on the passenger side (UK) as there are level sensors on each. These have been known to have their arms snap - its an easy one to check if you can get access.

Other than that, at least one member had an issue with water ingress into the control module on one of headlights as it's attached to the bottom. Much harder to check as you won't get access unless the headlight is removed which is a bumper off job.

A VCDS scan will give you more clues as to what the problem is

I've check the levelling sensors which look fine and as they were still levelling upon start up the first few times the fault appeared during driving I fear its going to be water ingress in one of the light modules which have been mentioned on other posts, the VAG specialists I am taking it too have all the latest VCDS software and as they see every conceivable VAG car they have seen the fault on numerous occasions so they good idea of what it will initially!

Just the costs I have read for repairing it sound horrendous! Seen £400 quoted on one VW forum!

What with £50ish for a xenon lamp and possible repair bills like this for faults makes you wonder if that extra bit of light is worth it especially as the cornering lights are so subtle its hard to notice much difference!!!

[langers2k]

If it water ingress you can probably get away with only replacing the headlight control module.

 

It depends on the condition of the pins on the headlight, if they are damage or corroded beyond repair then that will significantly add to the price. If it's just the control module then you can get a good used one for £60-£90 on eBay. I'd try and match the software level to the one it's replacing. Might even be worth adding some appropriate contact grease to avoid any potential issues in the future.

 

The bulbs are expensive but have a significantly longer life than halogens, especially the uprated performance halogens - think I'd rather have the xenons

[bryanp]

If it water ingress you can probably get away with only replacing the headlight control module.

It depends on the condition of the pins on the headlight, if they are damage or corroded beyond repair then that will significantly add to the price. If it's just the control module then you can get a good used one for £60-£90 on eBay. I'd try and match the software level to the one it's replacing. Might even be worth adding some appropriate contact grease to avoid any potential issues in the future.

The bulbs are expensive but have a significantly longer life than halogens, especially the uprated performance halogens - think I'd rather have the xenons

Thanks for the rrply but the problem is I have no access to VCDS so can't determine the fault, If I do guess at the module I have no idea which one it is and mentioning the software level has confused things more! Plus looking on E-bay they make no reference to software levels so it really would be a stab in the dark!!!

[Danny 57]

Thanks for the rrply but the problem is I have no access to VCDS so can't determine the fault, If I do guess at the module I have no idea which one it is and mentioning the software level has confused things more! Plus looking on E-bay they make no reference to software levels so it really would be a stab in the dark!!!

 

 

 Have a look at the VCDS locations map, I did and found one twenty minutes away who was very helpful. It will be worth while.

 

I have also now taken the plunge and I am awaiting delivery (about twenty minutes time according to the DPD tracker). Found Gendan (Ross-Tech UK supplier) very helpful on the phone not just in his advice but not "pushing" to get to the next person on the phone.

Edited 8 March, 2016 by Danny 57

[langers2k]

Once it's been to the garage you should ask for a copy of the autoscan, they should be able to either print it or email it to you. I'm sure a local member would be happy to do an autoscan for you as well.

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262215-list-of-vcds-owners-previously-known-as-vag-com/

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/224376-vcds-owners-map/

 

At a guess, I would expect the control module to be 7L6941329B probably running SW 0004. It's not worth buying one until you know that's the fault but here is an example:

[DEL80Y]

 Have a look at the VCDS locations map, I did and found one twenty minutes away who was very helpful. It will be worth while.

 

I have also now taken the plunge and I am awaiting delivery (about twenty minutes time according to the DPD tracker). Found Gendan (Ross-Tech UK supplier) very helpful on the phone not just in his advice but not "pushing" to get to the next person on the phone.

Danny what 1 did you go for Micro_Can or full?

[Danny 57]

The full one although at a glance it is only a lead! Now I have got to learn how to use it once I have successfully loaded it onto the laptop and read the idiots guide, must be full proof idiots guide by the way.

When I am confident I will happily join the map location list.

Btw Del8oy did you buy your car from Henley's if I got the name right.

Edited 9 March, 2016 by Danny 57

[bryanp]

Car sorted today, turns out it was the front left suspension level sensor for the self levelling lights! Cost just under £200 to get it sorted! Relieved it's done as travelling to work in the dark was getting a bit dodgy with the lights pointing at the ground, probably only illuminated about 8ft in front of the car!!! This is supposed to be "safe mode" when their in fault!! More like "Bloody dangerous mode"

Edited 18 March, 2016 by bryanp

[malmoy]

I go the AFS function fault with both headlights pointing into the ground.  Diagnosed by main agent as no signal from sensor (£95), came back the next week to have a new front height sensor fitted, (£135+£30).  The sensor had seized which would explain the nsf squeak over speed bumps.  In hindsight splashing through puddles (which are kinda fun?) probably didn't help?  My car is 6 years old with 65,000 miles.

[LEEA165]

I HAD A SIMILAR FAULT ON MY SUPERB ELEGANCE.  TOOK IT TO SKODA MAIN DEALER HERE IN N.IRELAND.  THEY SAID THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE BOOKED IN FOR DIAGNOSIS CHECK AND IT WOULD TAKE TWO TO THREE HOURS AT £80 PLUS VAT PER HOUR AND THE EARLIEST THEY COULD DO IT WAS IN 3 WEEKS TIME.  ON    I CALLED A LOCAL GARAGE WHO PLUGGED IN THEIR SCANNER AND FOUND THE FAULT TO BE FRONT LEVEL SENSOR.  PHONDE LOCAL DEALER WHO QUOTED ME £149.00 PLUS VAT AND IT WOULD TAKE TWO TO THREE DAYS FOR IT TO ARRIVE.    WENT ON INTERNET  GOT AN ADDRESS IN CHZEC REPUBLIC  WHO HAD ONE IN STOCK AT 80 NEURO PLUS 20 EURO CARRIAGE. THAT WAS ON TUESDAY AND PART ARRIVED TODAY THURSDAY.  FITTED IT AND LIGHTS ARE BACK TO NORMAL.  NOW THATS SERVICE FOR YOU

[Coops]

On 18/03/2016 at 19:01, bryanp said:

Car sorted today, turns out it was the front left suspension level sensor for the self levelling lights! Cost just under £200 to get it sorted! Relieved it's done as travelling to work in the dark was getting a bit dodgy with the lights pointing at the ground, probably only illuminated about 8ft in front of the car!!! This is supposed to be "safe mode" when their in fault!! More like "Bloody dangerous mode"

 

Standard mode on the S3 - headlights are really poor, and I still can't fathom out the usefulness of AFS.

[chimaera]

Be aware that there's a mechanical adjustment for headlamp aim on AFS equipped cars. If the basic aim is badly set, then the system will not be able to compensate. When properly set up, AFS is fantastic compared to fixed headlamps.

[DEL80Y]

3 hours ago, chimaera said:

Be aware that there's a mechanical adjustment for headlamp aim on AFS equipped cars. If the basic aim is badly set, then the system will not be able to compensate. When properly set up, AFS is fantastic compared to fixed headlamps.

+1 I was trying different bulbs in mine because I was not happy with standard lights..Still not much improvement 
Then when it was getting its yearly test I noticed that they were set really low on the Beam tester I then adjusted them up to the correct or highest level and the difference driving that night was incredible so much so that I replaced the "improved" bulbs with the originals and was still impressed.
Also when I drive my Meriva without AFS I curse the car for the stupid headlights that dont turn when I do....