If you are getting the “Headlight Range Control Defective” alert on your Audi, then this article will help you understand the leading causes and guide you on how to fix the issue.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get into it.
Audi Headlight Range Control Brief Explanation
The headlight range control feature is one of Audi’s safety features. This sophisticated system helps drivers to obtain optimal visibility when driving at night.
The system adjusts the angle and range of headlights automatically based on various factors, such as the vehicle’s tilt and speed.
The range control feature uses sensors that monitor the tilt of your car as well as the lighting conditions in your surrounding so the system can adjust the range of your headlights accordingly.
This enhances both your safety and that of other road users. For instance, say you stopped at the red light and the headlights are on a high beam.
This could dazzle oncoming drivers and potentially cause unwanted situations.
So the headlight range control feature steps in uses the sensors to detect the situation, and lowers the angle of your headlights slightly.
When you start accelerating, the system again senses the situation and points the lights back on the road at the normal angle.
The feature also helps drivers to avoid blind spots by adjusting the headlights according to the tilt of the vehicle.
What Does Headlight Range Control Defective on an Audi?
Simply put, when the “Headlight Range Control Defective” message comes on your Audi dashboard, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem with the headlight range control system.
The headlight range control defective warning message in Audi can be caused by a variety of issues.
The main issue is having faulty headlight range control sensors.
The sensors monitor the tilt of the vehicle and adjust the headlight range automatically to enhance the lighting experience and convenience on the road for you and other drivers.
Audi “Headlight Range Defective” Causes
So what causes the headlight range control defective error message in Audi cars? Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Faulty Headlight Range Control Sensors
This is the major cause of the headlight range control defective error message. The sensors monitor your car’s tilt, among other things and adjust the range and angle of the headlights accordingly.
When the headlight range control sensors are damaged, experience electrical issues, or wear out, they fail to transmit accurate information to the car’s control module.
This results in errors in the headlight range control feature, triggering the warning message.
Here are the part numbers of these sensors for the most common Audi Models:
- Audi A3 (1K0941273L)
- Audi A4 (8K0941285P)
- Audi A5 (8K0941285P)
- Audi A6 (4B0907503A)
- Audi Q3 (1K0941273F)
- Audi Q5 (8R0941285E)
2. Certain Repairs
Repairs such as bumper or headlamp changes can also cause the problem. These and other modifications at the front of the vehicle may interfere with the calibration of the sensors and the headlamps.
If the headlamps and the sensors are not properly aligned and calibrated, there are going to be errors in the way the sensors collect data.
Wrong data sent to the car’s system will cause an error message.
If you have to make any modifications, it is important that you hire a professional technician to do the job for you so they can counter-check everything and make sure the sensors are aligned properly.
3. Change in Tilt of Headlamps
Sometimes when driving, you may hit a bump or a pothole you didn’t see at high speed.
This sudden impact may cause a change in the tilt of the headlights.
Even the slightest change in the position of the headlights can significantly hinder the functioning of the headlight range control feature.
This feature relies heavily on the accurate positioning of the headlamps, so if you hit a bump and soon afterwards began seeing the headlight range control defective message, then there could be a position issue in your headlamps.
4. Outdated Software
Another possible cause is outdated software. Like most software-based systems, your Audi computer needs to be updated regularly.
Outdated software may hinder smooth communication between the headlight range control sensors and the car’s system. This can lead to malfunctions, hence the error message.
Audi release software updates periodically to address a variety of issues related to car systems.
Have your Audi software updated when new updates are out to avoid this and many other software-related issues.
How to Fix Headlight Range Control Defective on an Audi
Now that we know the top 4 potential causes of the headlight range control defective error message, it is time to find solutions.
Below are 4 fixes you can try:
- Ensure repairs are done and calibrated properly: If you have to repair your bumper or headlights, see to it that the modifications are done properly and installations calibrated accurately according to company standards. Be sure to test the sensors after repairs to make sure they are okay. You can test-drive your car at night for a few miles after modifications to make sure.
- Inspect headlamps and range control sensors: I recommend letting the experts help you. Take your car to the nearest Audi Service Centre and explain the issue. The technicians there will use special equipment to inspect the headlight range control system and fix any malfunctions.
- Do software updates: Again, it is always advisable to let a professional help you with software updates. You will often get this service for free at your Audi Service Centre if your car is still under warranty. And if it is not, software updates don’t cost much.
- Realign your headlamps: If you suspect your headlamps may have tilted as a result of hitting a pothole or a bump at high speed, be sure to have them checked out and realigned.
Additional Sources
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-headlight-range-control-warning-light-mean-by-spencer-cates
https://www.auditech.org/acont-755.html
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audi-technology-lexicon-7180/lighting-7187