Swapped Headlight - No auto level

A

alastairb

Member
Messages
239
Hello,

QP5; I've replaced the drivers headlight including ballast and I've lost auto-levelling. Lights working fine otherwise. Do have a fault that won't clear , can't recall the error messagem

Just wanted to check if the knowledgeable folk on here know which component trips the computer(s) out as I can swap the ballast and levelling motor back from my original light if required.

Alternatively if it's now out of sync and I need a Leonardo or SD3 type affair to re-learn it etc.

Cheers
Al
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,893
Does the light cycle through the leveling test when you first switch it on?

If not it may be the lifter motor that is not working.
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,893
Get someone to listen to the light unit as it should make an electric whirring noise as the lifter brings the beam to the top and bottom of the travel... if you have sound but no change in the lights vertical motion then it may have come disconnected from the reflector cone.

if no noise then check the fuses first and the connections to the light lifter unit As they may not be connected well or getting power.
 
rs48635

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
Hi @alastairb
Have you made any progress? Will be looking at my own N/S headlight levelling over the next week so happy to share notes.
 
G

Goldsax

Junior Member
Messages
34
had this levelling problem with NS lamp.
when removed it to check, there were broken plastic bits, i think due to seized parts even though the motor was working.
these lamps are expensive, was wondering if there is a firm that can repair these items?
 
rs48635

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
Self-levelling still inoperative. Neither lamp does "the sweep" at start up / switch on. Garage has checked the sensor ( on suspension arm?) which looked to be connected. Cannot see fuse listed. What else is common to both lamps?
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,843
rs48635 said:
Self-levelling still inoperative. Neither lamp does "the sweep" at start up / switch on. Garage has checked the sensor ( on suspension arm?) which looked to be connected. Cannot see fuse listed. What else is common to both lamps?
Click to expand...

There are two sensors from memory. One on each front and rear NS arm. They need to move freely....

<edit> just checked. Yes, two sensors. Need to be moving freely. My money is very much on this


C
 
rs48635

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
CatmanV2 said:
There are two sensors from memory. One on each front and rear NS arm. They need to move freely....

<edit> just checked. Yes, two sensors. Need to be moving freely. My money is very much on this


C
Click to expand...
Thanks C
I was aware two devices exist. Is it possible to measure the voltage here?
The mechanic at local shop may have overlooked this foible. He is very good at dealing with every other issue that I am unable to resolve. :D
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,843
rs48635 said:
Thanks C
I was aware two devices exist. Is it possible to measure the voltage here?
The mechanic at local shop may have overlooked this foible. He is very good at dealing with every other issue that I am unable to resolve. :D
Click to expand...

No idea, but I imagine so. AFAIK they are only variable resistors so I'd imagine 12v at one side and a varying amount on the other side as you swing it through it's range of motion (it'll need to be disconnected from the wishbone to do that, fairly obviously)

Don't recall anyone ever having to replace an actual sensor. It was always the tie bar that corroded, and snapped. Bloody ****, they got silly! (The tie rods)

C
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,893
If the system detects a fault in the position for the HID lights it will default to its lowest setting to avoid dazzling other road users.

Given that the start up calibration is not happening my money would be on the ECU rather than the sensors. However the ECU may not be receiving a signal from the sensors, but they are generic in function if not the size.
 
rs48635

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
safrane said:
If the system detects a fault in the position for the HID lights it will default to its lowest setting to avoid dazzling other road users.

Given that the start up calibration is not happening my money would be on the ECU rather than the sensors. However the ECU may not be receiving a signal from the sensors, but they are generic in function if not the size.
Click to expand...
thanks.
Anyone have the location for the ECU?
 
rs48635

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
will have a ply around with connections first. Sometimes cleaning electrodes can help. Recent work involved driver side seat removal . Likely this module was under the seat. Would have warned the garage first, if I knew about this ecu. Every day is school , even after nine years with this one :)
 
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