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lilianschwarz7

Audi S8's Haunted Headlights Need Professional Fix

My Audi S8 (2021, gas, 35000km) is having electrical problems with the lighting system. The headlight switch seems faulty, as lights out of nowhere turn on by themselves. The car also shows an error message in the system. Had some questionable work done at my last mechanic visit, so Im hesitant to go back. Has anyone experienced similar car lighting issues and can recommend how to handle this? Mainly looking for insights on whether this is a common problem and what repairs typically cost.

4 comment(s)

jenniferbecker1

Had a similar electrical problem with my Audi RS7 2018. The headlight switch malfunction showed identical symptoms, unusual activation and system warnings. The root cause was a failing dimmer switch connection in the main lighting control module. The repair required complete diagnostic testing of the automotive switch assembly, as these issues often stem from corroded terminals or loose wire harness connections. The dashboard lights would also flicker occasionally before the full diagnosis. This is actually a known issue with several VAG models from that generation. The repair involved replacing the entire headlight switch module along with updating the control unit software. While not the most expensive fix for an Audi, it requires specialized diagnostic equipment and proper coding of the new components. The important thing is having it addressed promptly, as faulty lighting controls can lead to more serious electrical system complications. Make sure to find a shop with certified experience in VAG electrical systems, as incorrect repairs can cause additional control module problems. From my experience, these symptoms rarely resolve themselves and typically indicate a failing switch component rather than just a loose connection.

lilianschwarz7 (Author)

I had that exact same issue on my S8 last year. I was really concerned when the fuse box check showed no obvious problems, yet the headlight switch kept acting up and dashboard lights were going crazy. Finally got it sorted at a certified shop, they found a faulty connection in the main control module and had to replace the whole unit. Pretty straightforward fix once they identified the root cause, but required special diagnostic tools. Would you mind sharing what the repair ended up costing you? Mine was around 850 Euro for parts and labor, but wondering if prices have changed. Also curious if youve had any other electrical problems since the fix?

jenniferbecker1

Since having the headlight switch issue resolved at my shop, everything has worked perfectly. The repair was actually much simpler and cheaper than expected, just 95 Euro to fix a faulty cable connection in the lighting control module. The dashboard lights and tail lights have all been functioning normally since then. Turns out there wasnt a need to replace the entire unit, the mechanic found that the dimmer switch connection had worked loose over time, causing those unusual activation issues. The diagnostic testing revealed this straight away, saving both time and money compared to a full component replacement. The price difference from your repair is quite significant since they only needed to repair the connection rather than replace parts. No other electrical issues have surfaced in the 6 months since the fix. The car switch systems are all working exactly as they should. Good to hear you got yours sorted too, even though your repair ended up being more extensive. These electrical gremlins can be tricky to diagnose, but once properly fixed, they tend to stay fixed.

lilianschwarz7 (Author)

My lighting system nightmare finally got resolved last week. After getting tired of unusual headlight switch activations, I took it to a certified Audi specialist rather than my usual mechanic. The diagnostic testing revealed issues beyond the fuse box, a failing dimmer switch was causing all the electrical problems. The dashboard lights would flicker whenever the system acted up, which was their first clue. The repair ended up costing 850 Euro total, a bit steep but worth it for peace of mind. The light switch and control module are working perfectly now, no more unusual activations or error messages. The techs were thorough and explained everything clearly. Much better experience than my previous shop. The specialized diagnostic equipment they used caught problems my old mechanic missed completely. Would have saved time and stress if Id gone there first instead of trying cheaper options.

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