RS7 Adaptive Headlight Malfunction Causes Beam Issues

I had a similar issue with my 2018 RS6 last year. Having some experience with auto-leveling headlight systems, I recognized the symptoms immediately. The lighting system showed identical behavior, inconsistent beam patterns and constant dashboard warnings. The headlight range control system was completely unpredictable, with the beams out of nowhere adjusting up and down. After diagnostic testing, the workshop identified a faulty servomotor in the headlight assembly. The control module was reading incorrect position data from the defective servomotor, causing the auto-leveling system to malfunction. The complete repair included: Replacing the servomotor unit, Recalibrating the headlight range control system, Updating the control module software Total cost was 1040 Euro including parts and labor. The repair resolved all issues with the adaptive lighting system and auto-leveling features. Before suggesting specific solutions for your RS7, could you share: Current mileage, Whether both headlights are affected, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually, Any recent repairs or modifications to the lighting system This information would help determine if your case requires similar intervention or might have a different root cause.

Had my car in for service last week at 120375 KM. The technicians found a loose electrical connector at the headlight control module causing similar symptoms. After reseating the connector and cleaning the terminals, the headlight malfunction cleared and the auto-leveling system started working properly again. The range control system needed recalibration after fixing the connection, but no parts replacement was necessary. Labor cost was 180 Euro for diagnostics and repair. Much cheaper than I expected given the warning messages I was seeing on the dash. Would suggest checking the wiring and connections first before replacing any components. The lighting system is quite sensitive to poor electrical connections.

Thanks for sharing your experience. That is quite a fortunate outcome with just the connector issue. Mine needed the servomotor replacement since cleaning and reseating the electrical connectors did not resolve the adaptive headlight problems. Just to add, after the servomotor replacement, the workshop mentioned that dirt and moisture intrusion at the beam adjustment mechanism is another common failure point on these models. The headlight switch and range control systems are particularly sensitive to environmental contamination. This matches my experience as the warning lights in my speedometer reappeared briefly a few months after the initial repair. A thorough cleaning of the headlight assembly electrical connectors during regular maintenance has prevented any recurrence. For anyone else experiencing these symptoms, worth having the workshop check: 1. Connector condition and seating 2. Moisture/contamination in headlight housing 3. Servomotor function 4. Control module calibration The diagnostic order above typically goes from least to most expensive to repair.

The beam height adjustment issue ended up being much simpler than expected in my case. After having the techs diagnose the headlight malfunction, they found the loose connector at the control module was causing all the problems with the auto-leveling system. The repair only needed connector cleaning and reseating, followed by a recalibration of the headlight range control. Total cost was just 180 Euro for labor, far better than potentially replacing expensive components. Good point about checking for moisture and dirt buildup. Will make sure to have the headlight assembly connections cleaned during future maintenance to prevent issues from developing again. Much appreciate all the detailed feedback about servomotor replacement and other potential fixes, but thankfully my warning lights cleared up with just the basic electrical fix. For others with similar adaptive headlight problems, definitely have the simple connections checked first before assuming worst-case repairs.