VW Arteon Headlight Switch Malfunction & Repair Guide

Had the same problem with my 2020 VW Passat. The headlight switch symptoms were identical, unusual activation and error codes popping up on the dash. After thorough diagnosis, the issue was not the switch itself but corroded wiring connections at the fuse box. The moisture had worked its way into the main lighting harness, causing intermittent faults in the entire lighting system including tail lights. The repair required: Cleaning all connector terminals, Replacing damaged wire sections, Installing new weather seals, Updating the lighting control module This was a serious electrical issue that could have led to complete lighting failure if left unaddressed. The problem commonly appears after 80000-100000km when the original seals start degrading. To verify if you have the same issue, check if the automotive switch feels normal when turning but the lights still act erratically. If yes, its likely the wiring rather than the physical headlight switch mechanism. Would strongly recommend having a certified electrical specialist diagnose this rather than a general mechanic, as proper electrical diagnosis requires specialized testing equipment.

Really appreciate the detailed reply. Sounds exactly like what I am experiencing with my Arteon, the dimmer switch feels fine mechanically but the car lighting system keeps acting up. I will definitely look into getting those connections checked by an electrical specialist. Just wondering about costs, how much did you end up paying for the complete repair? Also, has everything been working properly since the fix or have you noticed any other electrical gremlins?

Since my original reply about my Passat lighting issues, I went to a certified electrical specialist who found and fixed the problem completely. The headlight switch has been working flawlessly for the past few months with no more unusual activations or error codes. The total repair cost came to 95€, which covered tracing and fixing a faulty cable connection in the electrical system. The issue was similar to what I initially suspected, moisture had affected the wiring connections near the fuse box, causing the intermittent electrical problems with both the tail lights and headlights. The repair has proven to be reliable with no other electrical issues showing up since. The automotive switch now functions exactly as it should, and all lighting controls respond consistently. Looking back, having a proper electrical diagnosis was key to solving the problem without replacing unnecessary parts.

Thanks for the update. Finally got the issue resolved at a certified electrical specialist last week. The diagnosis confirmed what you mentioned, corroded wiring connections at the fuse box were causing the dashboard lights and headlight switch problems. The repair cost 120€ total, which included cleaning the connections, replacing some damaged wiring, and updating the control module. Much better than the 400€ my previous mechanic quoted just to replace the dimmer switch. All the electrical problems are now fixed, no more unusual light activation or error codes. The specialist also applied additional weather sealing around the connections to prevent future moisture issues. Really glad I went with an electrical expert rather than a general mechanic this time.