MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Dave J on April 14, 2013, 09:46:34 pm

Title: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Dave J on April 14, 2013, 09:46:34 pm

Hi all,

Bit miffed at having my first issue with my mkv only 5 months in. Basically, I have noticed the Xenon lights are no longer checking themselves - the auto alignment when switching the lights on seems to have stopped.
When I bought the car, the lights would level every time they are switched on - now they don't, and the passenger beam seems to be about half a metre higher than the driver side, whereas before they were equal height.

I've done the usual, and have checked through the search function on the forum - so far I know I need to; 

1. Check for fault codes on Vagcom
2. Check for any visual fitment issues with the wishbone mounted sensor

Any other suggestions before I have to take it to VW?

Cheers...

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Dave J on April 17, 2013, 10:49:22 pm

Just seen this thread (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,10876.0.html) which has given me a bit more knowledge over the sensor locations.

Any ideas? Why would a Xenon be aligned & ok one day, and then be completely out the next?

As I say - I've just noticed they aren't auto levelling when turning the lights on.

Don't want to take the car to VW if I can avoid it!

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Dave J on April 20, 2013, 08:39:56 pm

Anyone?! :surprised:

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: marko on April 20, 2013, 08:58:11 pm

i guess the levelling rods  could be impedded or a wiring issue...
im sure they can be measured on vagcom!!

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Type_R on April 21, 2013, 10:47:59 am

I had a similar issue where the start up check wasn't being done and I noticed my xenons were not auto levelling over bumps.

You can use VCDS to check the number that the controller is receiving from the sensor.

Mine turned out to be a faulty front xenon levelling sensor which was replaced and all has been well since!

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Dave J on April 21, 2013, 05:05:01 pm

Thanks guys - much appreciated!

Have just updated the ol' laptop with the latest version of VCDS from Rosstech & have dug out the cable, so will check the codes and hope it is a sensor, rather than anything within the headlamp itself...

Title: Re: Xenon auto alignment issue
Post by: Dave J on April 24, 2013, 10:55:56 pm

Weird shizzle - this seems to have resolved itself..., for now.
Lights are auto-levelling again, and beam heights are back where they were & are even.

Still need to get the laptop on the car to see any codes, but all seems ok.

Wonder if one of the shutters got a bit stiff on full beam, and jammed...