Audi Q8 Hybrid's Random Light Glitches Solved

I had a very similar electrical problem with my 2018 Audi Q7 Hybrid last year. As someone with basic car maintenance experience, I initially thought it was just the dimmer switch acting up. The symptoms matched yours exactly, unusual activation of tail lights and dashboard illumination, plus error codes. After attempting basic troubleshooting like checking fuses, I took it to a workshop since electrical problems can be complex. The technicians found the automotive switch assembly had a loose connection causing intermittent contact. They discovered damaged wiring within the light switch module where cables had worked themselves loose over time. The repair involved replacing the connection terminals and securing the wiring properly. Total cost was 95 Euro, mostly labor. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Are there any specific error codes stored? Does the issue occur more frequently when using certain functions? Have you noticed any pattern with when the electrical problem appears (wet weather, temperature changes, etc)? Are all lights affected or just specific ones? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different.

Latest service was at 162000 KM. I checked the error codes through the infotainment system. The main ones are B1359 and B1474, both related to lighting control modules. The issue happens most during cold starts in the morning. The headlight switch seems normal when operated manually, but the automatic function is erratic. The problem affects all exterior lighting, headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. The dashboard lights flicker occasionally too. The dimmer switch adjustment still works fine though. I will schedule a workshop visit next week, but wanted to check if your wiring fix resolved similar error codes permanently. Did you need any software updates along with the physical repair?

Thanks for sharing those details. Yes, those error codes actually match what I experienced with my Q7, and the cold start behavior sounds identical. The wiring fix in my case did resolve the B1359 and B1474 codes permanently, I havent seen them return in over a year now. The technicians did perform a control module reset and software update after repairing the loose connections in my light switch assembly. This was apparently important since the lighting control module needed to relearn the correct signal patterns from the repaired switch. While the labor cost I mentioned earlier was 95 Euro, I should note that the software update was an additional 45 Euro. The total fix has been completely reliable since then, no more unusual tail lights or dashboard lights activating, and the automatic headlight function works perfectly again. Based on your identical symptoms and error codes, especially with the cold start issues and fuse box staying intact, I strongly suspect you have the same wiring problem I did. When you visit the workshop, have them specifically check the automotive switch wiring terminals for loose connections or corrosion. Just make sure they also do the software update after any physical repairs, as this seemed to be key for a permanent fix in my case.

Thanks for providing those additional details about your wiring repair experience. Your matching error codes and successful repair gives me more confidence about my situation. The similar cold start symptoms and identical module codes (B1359 and B1474) are particularly telling. I will definitely mention your repair experience when I take it to the workshop next week. I will ask them to inspect the headlight switch wiring connections carefully, and ensure they include a control module reset and software update if they find similar issues. Good to know the full cost expectation of around 140 Euro for both the electrical repair and programming. The dashboard lights flickering and automatic lighting issues have been quite annoying, especially during morning commutes. Really hoping a wiring fix and software update will resolve everything like it did in your case. Will update the forum once I get it checked out and repaired. Did the repair require any special programming tools or was it mainly physical wiring work? Want to make sure the workshop I choose is properly equipped to handle both the electrical problem and software aspects.