Do we need Xenon adjustment for GLI's with lowered suspensions??

[Nurendra]

This is from the Audi A3(8P) forum.
They're having a problem adjusting the xenons in lowered A3's; as the lowering seems to be tilting the auto levelling sensors.
1. Is anyone with a lowered GLI having this problem?
2. For those of us planning on lowering their car, is this what we have to do to recalibrate the sensors?
3. (Slightly off topic) I read somewhere that if you have the alignment done, the dealer needs to have the steerings electronics zeroed and recalibrated after the alignment.

Can someone explain #3?

Here's the link to the A3 post:
http://forums.fourtitude.com/z...10890



Modified by Nurendra at 11:17 PM 1-9-2006

[svander]

Very interesting... Deffinitely something to keep our eyes on.

I haven't read anyone who has lowered HID equipped Jetta or GLI noticing this.

[Just4u2c]

question is do they make a rheostat for the motors yet so we can manually control height?

[08CandyWhite]

Xenon height adjustments are made using an alignment tool, then programing the car using a VAG-COM or 5052 to set the lowbeam level. Seen it done on W8's.

[Pelican18TQA4]

When I lowered my car the auto-leveling became non-functional. No CEL was thrown nor were there any DTCs. However, when I scanned the auto-leveling module and tried to complete the VAG-COM adjustment procedure, I found out that the front sensor was out of adjustment range. I had to drill a new hole in the bracket that holds the sensor to physically position the sensor lower on the bracket. It's maybe 3/4" lower and it put the sensor right in the middle of its voltage rating thereby making the auto-leveling functional again. Honestly, the procedure to aim the Bi-Xenon lights isn't nearly as complicated as one might think. Simply, you have to put the car on a level surface with a gas tank that's at least 3/4 tank full, log into the leveling module via VAG-COM to "zero" the lights, aim the lights and then save the settings via VAG-COM. VW doesn't provide for any adjustment on the sensor itself, by the way.

[iThread]

Interesting, my GLI levels just fine despite being lowered. I can see them aim down and then level.

In fact my cutoff is still right at the trunk line of cars I'm following.

[svander]

Quote, originally posted by thread »

Interesting, my GLI levels just fine despite being lowered. I can see them aim down and then level. In fact my cutoff is still right at the trunk line of cars I'm following.

Good to know, because I'm after your suspension setup.

[jettaproblems]

As mentioned in Ross-Tech website, you can just bend back the metal rod that connect level sensor to axles... do this while you have a Vag-Com reading out the leveling voltage measuring block

[syntrix]

I'm having problems.

I can't log into 55 or 29 for the controllers and then basic... it stops on 004, something no adjustment permitted.

Under 55 i do get this:

Quote »

VAG-COM Version: Release 512.1-UD Control Module Part Number: 1T0 907 357 Component and/or Version: Dynamische LWR 0003 Software Coding: 0000003 Work Shop Code: WSC 00066 1 Fault Found: 01539 - Headlights Not Adjusted 005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation

Time for a custom bracket? And I'm just on Neuspeed sports... ugh!

[FUZE]

Quote, originally posted by svander »

Good to know, because I'm after your suspension setup.

Hehe, beat ya to it...
You'll be after his AND mine

[syntrix]

Quote, originally posted by thread »

Interesting, my GLI levels just fine despite being lowered. I can see them aim down and then level. In fact my cutoff is still right at the trunk line of cars I'm following.

Ummm, that won't allow you move them up or down. Mine still goes up and down when you turn the lights on.

But you can't adjust them, supposedly the sensor is out of range when lowered.

I think the only way is to make some new custom brackets, or fab up some new shorter "rods".

[IchBinDarren]

Quote, originally posted by thread »

Interesting, my GLI levels just fine despite being lowered. I can see them aim down and then level. In fact my cutoff is still right at the trunk line of cars I'm following.

I would assume yours work fine because your running 19's maybe? with that combination the car cant be sitting all that much lower to the ground than stock. Does that sound correct?

[syntrix]

^^^
A arms are still compressed the same, no matter how large or small the wheel is.

See the pic I posted above, that rod will need to be shortened (in my case front 1.2" and rear 1.5"), or the brackets will need to be bent or new ones fabricated. That will get the sensor at the top of that rod back in "range".

Once that is back in range, you should be able to do the vag-com procedure to adjust the lights, then set that adjustment in the ecu.

[svander]

Quote, originally posted by IchBinDarren »

I would assume yours work fine because your running 19's maybe? with that combination the car cant be sitting all that much lower to the ground than stock. Does that sound correct?

That shouldn't make a difference; when running 19s, metal replaces rubber. The overall size of the wheel (rim and tire) should always be the same. Otherwise, the speedometer would be thrown off.

Lowering the car shouldn't affect the leveling of the HIDs unless the rear was a lot lower or raised than the front. Especially when the drop is modest (i.e. not "tucking")

[GaBoYnFla]

Quote, originally posted by svander »

That shouldn't make a difference; when running 19s, metal replaces rubber. The overall size of the wheel (rim and tire) should always be the same. Otherwise, the speedometer would be thrown off. Lowering the car shouldn't affect the leveling of the HIDs unless the rear was a lot lower or raised than the front. Especially when the drop is modest (i.e. not "tucking")

When mine was done, the dealer crushed the sensor. They ordered a new one and all is fine. I didn't exactly understand this cause if it would crush under spring compression....why wouldn't a loaded trunk do the same? They replaced it and didn't charge me a dime so I was happy....

[syntrix]

I'm going to get under there this morning, but if you look at the sensor with the car on the ground, It's all the way up. That probably explains the error code, and the failure to manually adjust them.

If I used some RACE springs, I'll bet it would have snapped off under normal compression of the lower control arm.

[Dan Halen]

I wonder if the European GTI suspension has a completely different bracket for the sensors...

[syntrix]

You can use a pry bar to move the front sensor up.

The back is a little trickier, I just tried bending it up but it's really close to the exhaust, so I hope it's enough.

I'll scan for codes later and see if I can recode to reset the headlight aiming.

[Scuba2001]

Quote, originally posted by thread »

Interesting, my GLI levels just fine despite being lowered. I can see them aim down and then level. In fact my cutoff is still right at the trunk line of cars I'm following.

This is true...

Ive had no issues with mine either, and I believe I was one of the first people to install coilovers on my GLI. As low as Ive been, Ive yet to have any serious issues. They are a little low for my liking, I would like to have them tilted up just a hair higher, but they adjust fine and afaik have no error faults. Im going to have to get a hold of a VagCom at some point and see if there is anything.

Steve

[syntrix]

Quote, originally posted by Scuba2001 »

TThey are a little low for my liking, I would like to have them tilted up just a hair higher, but they adjust fine and afaik have no error faults. Im going to have to get a hold of a VagCom at some point and see if there is anything. Steve

You should scan for codes on the xenon controller (55) before making assumptions!

[iThread]

Quote, originally posted by syntrix »

You should scan for codes on the xenon controller (55) before making assumptions!

No faults on mine. Just scanned it.

[adeck20]

I checked my headlights and the auto-leveling isn't working anymore either. When I start the car it levels the headlights but while driving they don't move up and down at all anymore. I have the Neuspeed sport springs installed.

[syntrix]

Quote, originally posted by adeck20 »

I checked my headlights and the auto-leveling isn't working anymore either. When I start the car it levels the headlights but while driving they don't move up and down at all anymore. I have the Neuspeed sport springs installed.

frustrating isn't it? And they aren't even the lowest springs out there

[adeck20]

It won't be long before one of these Vortex geniuses figures it out. My bet is on the guy who decoded the LED tails.

[cgvalant]

I have to head over to the dealer tomorrow to drop the gli off for a week but while im over there I am going to talk to them about the eibachs they have and also see what they say about them and other springs affecting the hid's leveling.

[iThread]

Quote, originally posted by adeck20 »

It won't be long before one of these Vortex geniuses figures it out. My bet is on the guy who decoded the LED tails.

Uh, but, mine work.

[Scuba2001]

Quote, originally posted by adeck20 »

It won't be long before one of these Vortex geniuses figures it out. My bet is on the guy who decoded the LED tails.

Quote, originally posted by thread »

Uh, but, mine work.

So do mine. You guys must have some installation error to be having the issues you're having. And for all we know, the A3's may have a different leveling motor setup then the GLI's do.

[Branman]

why couldnt you cut the rods and weld them back together shorter. Maybe the suspension companies will start adding these to there kits. Just a thought

[syntrix]

Quote, originally posted by Branman »

why couldnt you cut the rods and weld them back together shorter. Maybe the suspension companies will start adding these to there kits. Just a thought

You could do that!

But combined with the error codes, and seeing the brackets... I can see how there is room for MUCH variance between cars. I'll have to go out and see if my crowbar tricks worked to remove the codes.

Did any of you all read the code above that I posted?

Even if it's working or not working, you can NOT set the baseline for the HID's using known procedures. Did anyone pick up on that?

[syntrix]

vag-com

55
then
04
select block 001, hit go and it reports:

Adjustment Invalid Adjustment Not Possible.

Same thing if I just select 002 without hitting go. Same error message.

Same fault code, too.

[Theresias]

Quote, originally posted by syntrix »

Adjustment Invalid Adjustment Not Possible.

The basic setting must be performed under the following requirements:

- no fault codes stored
- control module coded correctly
- battery voltage above 10.5 V
- front/rear level sensor within specification range!
- ignition on
- lights on
- hand/parking brake NOT engaged

Once you lowered the suspension, the sensors give implausible values.

I've updated the specific VAG-COM labelfile for that control module, so it will show specifications for the 2 sensors now, the updated file can be found here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-c...7.lbl

So as you can see, the current values of the 2 sensors can be found in meas. block 2.

Block 002 Field 1 = Front Sensor (G78) (actual)
Specification: 12.5...50.0 %

Block 002 Field 2 = Rear Sensor (G76) (actual)
Specification: 50.0...87.5 %

As said, I doubt that your sensors give values in the specification range, but you should check them anyway.

So in princinple you have 2 chances now, relocate the sensors, or try an untested procedure.

IMHO relocating the sensors is not an option, due to warrenty and so on. So if your sensors are out of spec, try this:

VAG-COM > Select > 55 - Xenon > Adaptation - 10 > Channel 006

I'm not sure which value is stored, it's whether 0 or 1, simply change it to the opposite and try the basic setting.


Modified by Theresias at 7:12 AM 1-31-2006

[Branman]

This sucks, its so awesome to have self-leveling hids but its already turning into a pain in the but

[syntrix]

Theresias, good stuff!!!

Since the car has gone down 1.2 - 1.4" with lowering. I have been thinking that even one leveler, if it's bottomed out, will cause the problem. The rears are a pain to modify.

I'm going to pick up some steel at the hardware store and fabricate some new brackets. If that works, I'll make a few sets and sell 'em for cheap.

I'm pretty sure it's just the rear one that is at the limits now. The front one can be bent upward quite a bit. Checking the values should tell where they are, and it might be helpful to jack the car up a bit and re-read those values.

Ok, I think I'm on the right track now!!

[ItalianGLI]

Quote, originally posted by syntrix »

Theresias, good stuff!!! Since the car has gone down 1.2 - 1.4" with lowering. I have been thinking that even one leveler, if it's bottomed out, will cause the problem. The rears are a pain to modify. I'm going to pick up some steel at the hardware store and fabricate some new brackets. If that works, I'll make a few sets and sell 'em for cheap. I'm pretty sure it's just the rear one that is at the limits now. The front one can be bent upward quite a bit. Checking the values should tell where they are, and it might be helpful to jack the car up a bit and re-read those values. Ok, I think I'm on the right track now!!

I'll be interested in purchasing those brackets, if you make some

[adeck20]

Does anyone have a picture of the rear sensor handy, I don't recall what it looks like?