Hi, got a warning light for a lighting issue yesterday, all the bulbs checked out OK, but the headlight self levelling doesn't work and the headlights are stuck on their lowest setting making night time driving impossible.

 

I have the following codes:

 

01537 Vehicle level supply voltage. Implausible  signal.

00496 Vehicle Levelling Front, open or short circuit

00497 Vehicle Levelling Rear, open or short circuit.

 

The car has Xenons and levelling sensors front and rear.

 

I don't know for example if the power for the sensors is mounted in series and I have one failed sensor?

 

Any ideas on where to go with this greatly appreciated.

Edited 25 January, 20251 yr by CzechPassat
More detail

Check what you can with your scan tool - but do ensure your scan tool has the (correct) program for your model and year of VW and that the program is fully up to date before you use it on the car, check the car and if appropriate scan tool batteries are not in a lower state of charge.

 

Then the basic old fashioned unsexy diagnostics of checking the supplies, live, return, computer, the wires, connectors, fuse(s), etc.. with multimeter, tester load bulb, eyes, ears, touch.

 

Some info to check out below, but first do tests to confirm things, that is doing diagnostics rather than trying to fit a solution to your issue plus always considering there might be more than one issue or more than one cause of issue(s).

 

Good luck.

 

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/01537

 

https://forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/37797/

 

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00497

 

Edited 25 January, 20251 yr by nta16
typos

I'm using a late version of VCDS so the data should be accurate. Been raining all day so I haven't been able to research any further. The fact that all 3 codes have come up at the same time is puzzling, maybe there's a supply issue or an issue with the module.

 

Coincidentally, or otherwise, I've been having issues with the steering wheel controls as well, so I'm wondering if there's an issue with the slip rings or similar? 

Sorry I have no idea about updates with the VCDS system.

 

You should be able to get info about issues from the scan tool or wait for VCDS users here to guide you.

 

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/01537

 

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/00497

 

Otherwise you can use other diagnostic tools, a scan tool is just one diagnostic tool, such as multimeter, test bulb for load, your eyes, ears, touch to confirm supplies live, return, computer, are reaching or not reaching where or reporting back to where or not as your codes are for open or short circuit and supply voltage Implausible signal.  You can look at wires and connectors and wiggle them

 

I assume the steering wheel controls are actually on the steering wheel but where are all the controls and switches for headlights, on stalk, dash, etc..  Other issues may be related or partially related to headlight issues or totally separate, if you have other error codes recorded that will not delete and not return with some use of the car then put those codes up here too.

 

This guy is quite thorough and checks and cross references the issues, resolves and results if you can't find your specific type of issue the general work pattern will apply from other issues on the videos. - Milligan Auto Diagnostics - https://www.youtube.com/@mrautoservices7354/videos

  

I've now had a second scan done using a Snapon Scanner and got the following codes

 

00496  front  sensor for vehicle levelling open circuit/short with power

00497, rear sensor for vehicle levelling open circuit/short with power 

01537 vehicle level sensor supply voltage not a plausible signal

 

So all the same codes as I got from VCDS.

 

the 00496/00497 codes for front/rear sensors, it seems unlikely they have both failed simultaneously

 

The 01537 code for the J431 module seems like a possibility but I don't know where it is and therefore how to check the wiring which Ross suggest. The fuse for it is fine (also does the PDC which is working).

 

Any idea where the J431 module might be?

 

 

An up to date VCDS is more likely to be accurate than a Snap-On but conformation of codes is a good step.

 

1 hour ago, CzechPassat said:

the 00496/00497 codes for front/rear sensors, it seems unlikely they have both failed simultaneously

I agree but with diagnostics checking is batter than assuming but they are not the best place to start from given the information available so far.I

 

For location of module J431, possibly in the boot area(?) but  you really want to look in or ask in the Superb Mk2 forum and/or get access to the Workshop Manual for that model and year and the wiring diagram from your VIN (which some members may have access to) would be useful for diagnostics and physical repair(s) if required.

 

Skoda Superb Mk2 (2008-2015) - https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/136-skoda-superb-mk2-2008-2015/

 

Good luck, let us know how you get on

 

16 hours ago, CzechPassat said:

01537 vehicle level sensor supply voltage not a plausible signal

This is the important code, it suggests a lack of supply voltage to the J431.

 

Have you checked the fuse that supplies it? Myabe getting the wiring diagram it a good idea - a site called erwin has the official information?

3 hours ago, PetrolDave said:

Have you checked the fuse that supplies it?

Sorry I forgot the most obvious basic check, although I always start at the battery and battery terminal clamps anyway on any electric issues on someone else's car especially when they say "the battery is good" "er, no I haven't checked it but I know it is because  ... ".  😆

 

At a guess, it's either an issue with the internal voltage regulator in the AFS master control module or there is a wiring issue between the AFS master and sensors shorting out the power line...

 

I expect both sensors share a power supply but I know they have separate pins on the connector for each sensor.

 

Should be a very easy job to disconnect the AFS master connector and then beep the wiring out to each sensor to rule out issues.

Thanks for all the replies. I've been through and checked a few things, like the battery (which is new anyway) and the fuse which also does the PDC, all ok. I still haven't been underneath to check wiring to the sensors because it's so wet here, maybe tomorrow. It would be very useful to get a copy of the wiring diagram so I can check the pins on the plug to the module, also I don't know where the module is either?

 

I think the AFS master be behind the climate control panel as I'm pretty sure the MK2 Superb is similar to the MK2 Octavia in this regard.

 

Snippet of a wiring diagram:

 

If I remember correctly:

- J745 is the AFS master

- G76 is the rear sensor

- G78 is the front sensor