My 2010 Elegance estate with bi xenons is pretty poor in the lighting department. The xenons do their little dance on start up, up, down, left and right. The cornering fogs work OK but throw of the dipped beam is poor. I can't see a bend in the unlit road some 20 yards ahead, unless of course main beams are on, luckily I know its there. 

The bulbs are about 11 years old, could that be the problem or is it the levelling sensor I've been reading about despite the startup dance working ok, or do they just need adjustment as per another thread. 

If the levelling sensor does need replacing is it easy to do, where is it, and is it a dealer only part and does it need coding with vcds. 

HID bulbs fade over time. If yours are on the original bulbs, it might be time to swap them out. If the leveling sensors fail, the AFS functionality will shut down and you'll get a warning on the dash.

As a newcomer to Superbs, hoping to have my first one very soon, I must ask whether it is expensive to replace the xenon bulbs?

 

Many thanks

12 minutes ago, chimaera said:

HID bulbs fade over time. If yours are on the original bulbs, it might be time to swap them out. If the leveling sensors fail, the AFS functionality will shut down and you'll get a warning on the dash.

Excellent thanks chimaera, that's what I was hoping to hear and hopefully something I can manage to do myself

1 hour ago, Dazstap said:

As a newcomer to Superbs, hoping to have my first one very soon, I must ask whether it is expensive to replace the xenon bulbs?

 

Many thanks

I've just ordered Osram Xenarc D1s from Amazon for £72

If the arm breaks on a level sensor, you won't get a system fault but it will effect the aim.

 

Take a look to check both are in good condition and not snapped 👍

1 hour ago, chimaera said:

HID bulbs fade over time. If yours are on the original bulbs, it might be time to swap them out. If the leveling sensors fail, the AFS functionality will shut down and you'll get a warning on the dash.

Any idea over what time frame they fade? thanks

 

43 minutes ago, langers2k said:

If the arm breaks on a level sensor, you won't get a system fault but it will effect the aim.

 

Take a look to check both are in good condition and not snapped 👍

Ah right thanks. Where will I find them? 

Front and rear suspension on the passenger side.

 

You can see some pictures from my Octavia which should be very similar in this thread:

 

 

Great thanks,  I was about to say I'm sorted thanks. I found a youtube video showing one being replaced on the rear, I missed the bit about the front one. Also it was on a foreign car so on the offside (to us in the UK). Either way it looks easy enough. 

Problem solved. Turns out it is a broken linkage on the rear levelling sensor. The problem I'm having is not knowing which new part to buy. On the Autodoc website they show several replacements for my 2010 Superb as just being what looks like the electronic box with a moving plastic lever. Another much more expensive item (£71) seems to show the same electronic box as above but with brackets and metal rods attached. I'll give them a ring tomorrow. 

I think you want 3T0 941 273: https://www.cars-equipment.com/www/en/shop/sensor/oem-3t0941273-xenon-autoleveling-sensor-for/

 

Might be worth taking a few pictures of what's fitted so you can compare

1 hour ago, langers2k said:

I think you want 3T0 941 273: https://www.cars-equipment.com/www/en/shop/sensor/oem-3t0941273-xenon-autoleveling-sensor-for/

 

Might be worth taking a few pictures of what's fitted so you can compare

Many thanks Langers. I will take some pictures as soon as I can. Its hard to say from the link if it matches what is on the car. The website seems to indicate that the front is different to the rear. I never considered they would be different. I was going to replace the r front as well as it did seem very stiff, unless it was just under load from the suspension. 

This is the page I am looking at which, to my mechanically uneducated eyes, seems a clearer image of the rear sensor but I will try and confirm it with some pictures. 

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares-search?keyword=sensor&kbaStr[0]=Fl60mvu&car_id=32788&model_id=8495&maker_id=106&brandNo[0]=6558&sort_categories[0]=3721

The brackets etc can be specific to the front or rear (car model etc), however, I think the actual sensor is the same. That being said, there is a good chance just the link arm has snapped but I don't think it's available as a separate part.

 

For the front, I'd spray some lubricant on the two ball joints, it should be pretty stiff as it'll only move with the suspension.

 

This is where I found the part numbers: https://7zap.com/en/catalog/cars/Skoda/brand/17/0/Superb/Superb (2009 - 2013)/Skoda/bHA4RXNnejhaZy9idGVqT1daWFFRdz09--/6bbffde8b5b8077d2d0a5796da6eea3c:4c2e20e94021f4be4d301b9c2ce0a9f0/universal/10110->12847/bHA4RXNnejhaZy9idGVqT1daWFFRdz09--::632941250::941025::383862/bHA4RXNnejhaZy9idGVqT1daWFFRdz09--::632941250::941025::383862

 

The autodoc page might be using generic images. I'd contact https://www.coverdalecarparts.co.uk/ with your reg/vin and ask about the rear sensor, they've been great whenever I've needed bits and reasonable for a VAG parts supplier

Thanks again langers, your knowledge and help is really appreciated. It's good to have to hand all of these sites and suppliers for future reference. 

Because of my uncertainty and lack of mechanical knowledge I've been in touch with my usual mechanic who deals with TPS a lot so I'll wait and see what he comes back with but if they can't help I will definitely give Coverdale a ring. 

Bearing in mind what others have said about bulbs I invested in a couple of new Osram Xenarcs (this was before I discovered the faulty sensor) and I have to say the difference is amazing, so much brighter but still obviously pointing down. 

Thanks again for taking the time to help. 

I have a brand new genuine VW 3T0 941 273 for sale it is complete except missing the rod which was the only bit the garage used.  If interested PM me.

Too late thanks I've bought the part and fitted it. I don't think it would have been any good to me anyway as it was the linkage that was broken not the sensor. 

 

It doesn't seem to have helped. Prior to me putting the new sensor in I'm sure my headlights did the little dance setting up on first switching on, now they don't but they appear to be turning OK with the steering wheel when I'm driving. There are no warning lights on the dash. Is it possible the front sensor needs changing as well? 

 

I've done a VCDS scan and nothing shows up to do with the headlights, just something to do with motorised flaps in the heating vents, I can't remember the exact wording. 

Edited 19 February, 20215 yr by ashfan
VCDS scan

 

This is my scan showing no faults with the headlights, I think. The only fault that is recent is the climatronic flaps fault. I tried the reset buttons but that did nothing. All of the headunit faults are because I changed the Columbus for an android headunit. The only fault at the moment that concerns me is the headlight issue but no faults are showing in vcds, as far as I can tell anyway, I'm no expert with VCDS. 

 

 

Saturday,20,February,2021,12:37:39:07794

VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 10 x64

VCDS Version: 20.12.0.1 (x64)

Data version: 20201125 DS322.1

www.Ross-Tech.com

 

 

VIN:    License Plate: 

Mileage: 178920km-111175mi   Repair Order:

 

 

Chassis Type: 3T-SK46 (7N0)

Scan: 01 02 03 08 09 10 15 16 17 19 25 36 37 42 44 46 52 55 56 62

          72 77

 

VIN: TMBKF   Mileage: 178920km-111175miles

 

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000

02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000

03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000

04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000

08-Auto HVAC -- Status: Malfunction 0010

09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000

10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000

15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000

16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000

17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000

19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010

25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000

36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000

37-Navigation -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100

42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000

44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000

46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000

52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000

55-Headlight Range -- Status: OK 0000

56-Radio -- Status: Malfunction 1110

62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000

72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000

77-Telephone -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 01: Engine (J623-CFGB)       Labels:. 03L-906-018-CFF.clb

   Part No SW: 03L 906 018 CJ    HW: 03L 906 018 BR

   Component: R4 2,0L EDC   H22 7828 

   Revision: 42H22---    Serial number:              

   Coding: 001D0012042500080000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018CJ 003006

   ROD: EV_ECM20TDI01103L906018CJ.rod

   VCID: 74E7906DDFA55D2416-8020

 

No fault code found.

Readiness: 0 0 0 0 0

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 02: Auto Trans        Labels: 02E-927-770.clb

   Part No SW: 02E 300 052 H    HW: 02E 927 770 AL

   Component: GSG DSG AG6     511 2208 

   Revision: 05151112    Serial number: 00001008251405

   Coding: 0000020

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 193981D9D087C04CE5-804C

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104)       Labels:. 1K0-907-379-60EC1F.clb

   Part No SW: 1K0 907 379 BE    HW: 1K0 907 379 BE

   Component: ESP MK60EC1   H31 0108 

   Revision: 00H31001   

   Coding: 863D6016092400FD610B06E9901C0082350800

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 76E3AA65C1D94F3428-8022

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 08: Auto HVAC (J255)       Labels:| 5K0-907-044.clb

   Part No SW: 3T0 907 044 AS    HW: 3T0 907 044 AS

   Component: Climatronic   H15 0401 

   Revision: 00005001   

   Coding: 0000000002

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   ASAM Dataset: EV_Climatronic A01006

   ROD: EV_ClimaAutoBasis_SK46.rod

   VCID: 0305C3B18A0B6A9C1F-8056

 

2 Faults Found:

9473138 - Motor for Left Temperature Flap

          B108C 54 [009] - Missing Calibration / Basic Setting

          Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 00000001

                    Fault Priority: 2

                    Fault Frequency: 1

                    Reset counter: 56

                    Mileage: 178920 km

                    Date: 2021.02.20

                    Time: 12:31:40

 

9474418 - Motor for Front Air Distribution Flap

          B1091 54 [008] - Missing Calibration / Basic Setting

          Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 00000001

                    Fault Priority: 2

                    Fault Frequency: 1

                    Reset counter: 96

                    Mileage: 172139 km

                    Date: 2027.08.02

                    Time: 15:26:50

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519)       Labels:. 1K0-937-08x-09.clb

   Part No SW: 1K0 937 087 P    HW: 1K0 937 087 P

   Component: BCM PQ35  H+  104 0615 

   Revision: 00104 AE   

   Coding: 48010AB8E85BF1C040080080110089E4427000AE736D85605C0140000040

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 3E737245A969C77430-806A

 

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 3T2 955 119 A  Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB

   Component: Wischer 20081  26  0602

   Coding: 00D7B7

 

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 955 559 AH  Labels: 1K0-955-559-AG.CLB

   Component: RLS 040910 05  54  0403

   Coding: 0730ED

 

   Subsystem 3 - Part No: 7N0 951 171

   Component: DWA-Sensor 00  002 0205

 

   Subsystem 4 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C

   Component: LIN BACKUP HO  H05 1501

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 10: Park/Steer Assist (J791)       Labels:. 1T0-919-475.clb

   Part No SW: 3T0 919 475 A    HW: 3T0 919 475

   Component: PARKHILFE PLA H07 0003 

   Revision: --------    Serial number: 78331020003089

   Coding: 301108

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 3B757B51BA7BD25C17-806E

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 15: Airbags        Labels: 5N0-959-655.lbl

   Part No SW: 3T0 959 655 B    HW: 3T0 959 655 B

   Component: J234__LDB VW10 HI   1916 

   Revision: 19014000    Serial number: 003GRPJ6962R 

   Coding: 0017474

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   VCID: 408F0CBD139DB18442-8014

 

   Subsystem 1 - Serial number: 6332MTS659572360

 

   Subsystem 2 - Serial number: 6342MTS609452360

 

   Subsystem 3 - Serial number: 6351HTS6NVMEE9KR

 

   Subsystem 4 - Serial number: 6361HTS65ATEE9KR

 

   Subsystem 5 - Serial number: 63727TS6RVA3E9KR

 

   Subsystem 6 - Serial number: 00000000000000000

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 16: Steering wheel (J527)       Labels:| 5K0-953-569.clb

   Part No SW: 5K0 953 521 AT    HW: 5K0 953 569 B

   Component: LENKS.MODUL   009 0136 

   Revision: FF010038    Serial number: 20100823200842

   Coding: 188A140000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   ASAM Dataset: EV_SMLSNGVOLWS A01004

   ROD: EV_SMLSNGVOLWS.rod

   VCID: 7EF3B245E1E9077470-802A

 

   Multifunction steering wheel control module:

   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 3T0 959 537     HW: 3T0 959 537   Labels: 3C8-959-537.CLB

   Component: E221__MFL-URO  H07 0012

   Coding: 820000

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 17: Instruments (J285)       Labels:| 5K0-920-xxx-17.clb-SRI1

   Part No SW: 3T2 920 941 H    HW: 3T2 920 941 H

   Component: KOMBI         H04 0406 

   Serial number: 00000000000000

   Coding: 711F01

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   ASAM Dataset: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09 A04089

   ROD: EV_Kombi_UDS_VDD_RM09_SK46.rod

   VCID: 3A7B7E55BD41EB540C-806E

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 19: CAN Gateway        Labels:. 7N0-907-530-V1.clb

   Part No SW: 7N0 907 530     HW: 1K0 907 951

   Component: J533  Gateway   H27 5603 

   Revision:   H27       Serial number: 040910F2001461

   Coding: EDA1FF0640060200009303

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 6DD18509748F8CECD9-8038

 

4 Faults Found:

00469 - Infotainment Databus in Single Wire Operation

            011 - Open Circuit - Intermittent

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 00101011

                    Fault Priority: 3

                    Fault Frequency: 1

                    Reset counter: 95

                    Mileage: 178905 km

                    Time Indication: 0

                    Date: 2021.02.19

                    Time: 12:05:01

 

01300 - Control Module for Navigation with CD-Rom (J401)

            004 - No Signal/Communication

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 01100100

                    Fault Priority: 2

                    Fault Frequency: 1

                    Reset counter: 105

                    Mileage: 163300 km

                    Time Indication: 0

                    Date: 2021.04.07

                    Time: 03:56:16

 

01304 - Radio

            004 - No Signal/Communication

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 01100100

                    Fault Priority: 2

                    Fault Frequency: 254

                    Reset counter: 56

                    Mileage: 163300 km

                    Time Indication: 0

                    Date: 2021.04.07

                    Time: 03:56:16

 

01303 - Telephone Transceiver (R36)

            004 - No Signal/Communication

             Freeze Frame:

                    Fault Status: 01100100

                    Fault Priority: 2

                    Fault Frequency: 1

                    Reset counter: 105

                    Mileage: 163300 km

                    Time Indication: 0

                    Date: 2021.04.07

                    Time: 03:56:16

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 25: Immobilizer (J334)       Labels:| 5K0-920-xxx-25.clb

   Part No SW: 5K0 953 234     HW: 5K0 953 234

   Component: IMMO          H04 0406 

   Serial number: 00000000000000

   Coding: 000000

   Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000

   ASAM Dataset: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09 A03008

   ROD: EV_Immo_UDS_VDD_RM09_VW32.rod

   VCID: 6ADB8E158D619BD4BC-803E

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr        Labels: 3C0-959-760.lbl

   Part No SW: 3C8 959 760     HW: 3C8 959 760

   Component: J810                0801 

   Revision: 00002000    Serial number: 00000000000000

   Coding: 0000003

   Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000

   VCID: 72EB96756DB1531404-8026

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 37: Navigation

Cannot be reached

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386)       Labels:. 8X0-959-793.clb

   Part No SW: 8X0 959 793 C    HW: 8X0 959 793 C

   Component: TSG FA        H09 0409 

   Revision: --------    Serial number: --------------

   Coding: 011D0220DE01001000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   VCID: 4D91258914CF6CECB9-8018

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 44: Steering Assist        Labels: 1K0-909-14x-GEN3.clb

   Part No: 1K0 909 144 J

   Component: EPS_ZFLS Kl. 196    3001 

   Revision: 00H17000   

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 31695979A837280CBD-8064

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387)       Labels:. 8X0-959-792.clb

   Part No SW: 8X0 959 792 C    HW: 8X0 959 792 C

   Component: TSG BF        H09 0409 

   Revision: --------    Serial number: --------------

   Coding: 011D0220DE01001000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 4C97288DEFD565E4AE-8018

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 55: Headlight Range        Labels: 5M0-907-357-V2.lbl

   Part No SW: 5M0 907 357 C    HW: 5M0 907 357 C

   Component: AFS-Steuergeraet    0148 

   Revision: 00H04000    Serial number:              

   Coding: 1377095

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   VCID: 3467506D57251D24D6-8060

 

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 7L6 941 329 B  Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB

   Component: AFS-Lst.-Modul l    0004 

   Coding: 00000021

 

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 7L6 941 329 B  Labels: 3D0-941-329.CLB

   Component: AFS-Lst.-Modul r    0004 

   Coding: 00000021

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 56: Radio

Cannot be reached

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 62: Door, Rear Left (J388)       Labels:. 8X0-959-795.clb

   Part No SW: 8X0 959 795 B    HW: 8X0 959 795 B

   Component: TSG HL        H06 0409 

   Revision: --------    Serial number: --------------

   Coding: 010C00200001001000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00999

   VCID: 4E93228519C957F4C0-801A

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 72: Door, Rear Right (J389)       Labels:. 8X0-959-795.clb

   Part No SW: 8X0 959 795 B    HW: 8X0 959 795 B

   Component: TSG HR        H06 0409 

   Revision: --------    Serial number: --------------

   Coding: 010C00200001001000

   Shop #: WSC 33361 790 00055

   VCID: 4E93228519C957F4C0-801A

 

No fault code found.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address 77: Telephone

Cannot be reached

 

End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 03:30)--------------------------

Edited 20 February, 20215 yr by ashfan

That all seems happy.

 

Sometimes it's easy to miss the headlight dance but I can't see anything to suggest a problem. Maybe have a helper jump in the car and start it while you watch the projectors to see if they move? Obviously from the side so they don't completely blind you

Thanks again langers. The car is parked facing a wall at home so the headlight dance is usually obvious but I'll have another look tonight

I've checked several times now at night and the headlights are definitely not doing "the dance". I'm at a loss now. I'll get the wheels off tomorrow and check the sensors again.

Edited 25 February, 20215 yr by ashfan

Hopefully just pointing out something obvious that you've already checked, but is the headlight switch set in the 'Auto' position?

3 hours ago, chimaera said:

Hopefully just pointing out something obvious that you've already checked, but is the headlight switch set in the 'Auto' position?

It is yes. I only ever use the auto position. 

The saga continues. I've plugged in my VCDS again and decided to follow a Youtube video about setting up and aligning my xenons after fitting new bulbs. I don't know if it is needed or not. This is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqaJasC_h-A.

 

I got so far and mine seemed to stop at a point in the screenshot below

 

 

Whereas in the Youtube video the second box had the word "headlights" inserted and as you can see from the Youtube screenshot "Adjust" in the first box whereas mine just had the word "Activate" in the first box and nothing else. I admit I do not understand VCDS too much but I did follow the instructions in the video and couldn't replicate it in my car. I also note that he was using version 17.8.1 whereas I am up to date with version 20.12.0.

Does this indicate that there is a fault on my headlights that VCDS isn't picking up.

 

I think at that point you just hit the On/Off/Next button a few times to complete the basic settings.

 

 

I'd be tempted to log the front/rear sensor output along with the up/down and left/right motor positions as you go for a drive. That'll confirm if the system is working. 

 

The AFS system is pretty good at throwing faults/warnings so given you have neither, it seems like its fine?

 

The missing startup dance is weird, I'd definitely expect to see it with the headlights on as you start the car at night.