Audi Q3 Headlight Switch Failures Plague Owners

As someone with decent experience working on hybrids, I dealt with a very similar issue on my 2019 Audi Q4 Hybrid last year. The automotive switch problems you describe match what I encountered, unusual light activation and dashboard warnings. After checking the fuse box like you did, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a faulty cable connection at the main light switch assembly. The wire harness had developed a poor contact point, causing intermittent electrical issues with both the headlights and dashboard lights. The repair involved replacing the wiring connector and testing the dimmer switch functionality. Total cost was 95 Euro and the work took about 2 hours. Since the fix, the lighting system has worked flawlessly. To help troubleshoot your specific case, could you share: Does the issue occur more frequently when using the dimmer switch? Are there any specific dashboard warning messages? Does the problem happen more often in wet weather? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? This could help determine if you are dealing with the same connector issue or potentially something else in the lighting control module.

Had my vehicle serviced last month at 37496 KM. The headlight switch problems started shortly after. I tried disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes to reset the electrical system, but the unusual light activation continues. The dimmer switch also feels stiff when adjusting brightness levels. The car lighting issues seem worse during cold starts, and I noticed the dashboard warning only appears after the lights turn on by themselves. The workshop quoted 220 Euro for diagnostics and potential switch assembly replacement. Just wondering if I should get a second opinion before proceeding with such an expensive repair.

Based on the timing of your issues starting after the service, this definitely sounds like a technician may have disturbed the headlight switch assembly during maintenance. I had nearly identical symptoms with my Audi Q4 after routine service, stiff dimmer switch operation and unusual activation issues. The cold start correlation is particularly telling. In my case, the poor connection in the switch wiring would contract in colder temperatures, creating intermittent contact issues. The stiffness in your dimmer switch also matches my experience before the repair. The 220 Euro quote seems high compared to my 95 Euro repair. While my issue was just a connector replacement, they might be quoting for a full switch assembly replacement which may not be necessary. The key is proper diagnosis of whether its the wiring or the actual automotive switch components causing the problem. Given these similarities, I would recommend: Get a second diagnostic opinion focused specifically on checking wire connections, Have them inspect if any wire harness clips were left loose during the recent service, Request testing of just the dimmer switch portion before replacing the entire assembly The tail lights showing unusual activation is a clear indicator of an electrical connection issue rather than a complete switch failure, similar to what my repair revealed.

Thank you for the helpful troubleshooting suggestions. The cold start correlation seems significant, and I think you might be right about the service potentially causing these car lighting problems. The stiff dimmer switch definitely matches what you experienced. I called another workshop and got a quote of 140 Euro for diagnostic work and basic electrical problem repairs. They mentioned they would first check the wiring connections before recommending a full switch assembly replacement. This seems more reasonable than the 220 Euro quote. They can look at it next week, and they estimate about 2-3 hours for testing and repairs. I will make sure they specifically check the wire harness connections near the dashboard lights and test the dimmer switch functionality separately. If the repair cost ends up being similar to what you paid, that would be much better than replacing the entire headlight switch system. Will update once I get the proper diagnosis and repair completed. Thanks for sharing your similar experience, it helped avoid potentially unnecessary parts replacement.