Audi S5 Adaptive Headlight System Malfunction Alert

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2020 Audi A5 diesel, I can share some relevant experience. The symptoms you describe match what I encountered, inconsistent beam adjustment and warning lights related to the auto-leveling system. After multiple diagnostic attempts, the workshop identified a defective servomotor in the headlight assembly that was causing the adaptive headlights to malfunction. The control module was reading incorrect positions, leading to those erratic beam adjustments you mentioned. The complete repair included: Testing electrical connectors and wiring, Diagnostic scan of the headlight control module, Replacement of the faulty servomotor, Recalibration of the auto-leveling system Total cost came to 1040 Euro, including parts and labor. The repair took about 4 hours to complete. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Whether the issue affects one or both headlights, If you notice any grinding noise during beam adjustment, When the problem first started occurring, If the issue happens more frequently when driving on uneven roads This would help determine if your case is similar to what I experienced with my A5.

Last serviced at 159558 KM and wondering if there could be any correlation with the recent work done. The shop touched the front end during regular maintenance. After checking the ground points and fuses myself, both headlights still show the same erratic behavior. The grinding noise mentioned happens only on the passenger side during beam adjustment attempts. The intermittent range control problems started about 3 days after the service. Could the technicians have disturbed some electrical connectors while working in that area? Want to make sure I point them in the right direction when I bring it back.

Based on your description of the timing, this does sound suspiciously connected to the recent service work. When they worked on my A5, I discovered that the lighting system is quite sensitive to any disturbance in the front end components. The grinding noise from the passenger side headlight strongly suggests a mechanical issue with that servomotor, exactly like what I dealt with. In my case, the technicians had accidentally damaged a connector while accessing other components during routine maintenance. The headlight beam adjustment system is particularly vulnerable to such disturbance. Since your adaptive headlights started showing problems right after the service, I recommend: Having them check the headlight module connectors first, Getting them to inspect the passenger side servomotor specifically, Requesting a full diagnostic of the beam adjustment system, Having them verify all mounting points were properly secured after the service The light intensity issues combined with the grinding noise from one side matches the pattern I experienced before my repair. Given the timing after your service, the shop should check this under warranty since they likely caused the headlight malfunction during the maintenance work. Based on my repair experience, make sure they thoroughly test both the mechanical and electrical components of the auto-leveling system, as partial fixes often lead to recurring issues.

Thanks for the detailed insight about the servomotor and timing correlation with the service. The grinding noise definitely confirms my suspicions about the passenger side headlight range control mechanism. Since this started right after routine maintenance, I will insist they check it under warranty. Will have them focus on: All headlight switch connections they may have disturbed, The malfunctioning passenger side servomotor, Complete testing of the auto-leveling system, Proper mounting of components they accessed Already booked it in for next week. Will specifically mention the grinding noise during beam adjustment and the connection to their recent front end work. The intermittent lighting system behavior and warning lights started too close to the service date to be coincidental. Their inspection should reveal if they accidentally damaged something while working in that area. Makes sense to get this checked quickly before the headlight malfunction causes any safety issues. Will update once they diagnose the exact cause.