target39

There are four vehicle level senders, one at each wheel. According to your scanner, the left front level sender has an electrical fault in circuit. This is the same error I received via VCDS, along with the right front sender error. I don't see why the sensor itself would be bad since it is a simple potentiometer and does not usually go bad (mine are over 230k mi old and still work). Therefore, I'm leaning towards a bad connection between the control module and the sender (wiring harness). More specifically, within the connectors, at the terminal level.

A VCDS tool would be helpful; however, if you read the self study program, you'll notice that the vehicle level senders are interchangeable within the same car, i.e. the right front level sender can be connected to the left front's wiring harness to at least check for a fault in the wiring harness. If the fault code for the left front goes away once you connect your right front level sensor to the left front's wiring harness(same pinout, and connector can only go in one orientation, so don't force it), you can rule out a faulty wiring harness and order a new sender.

If you find that the wiring harness is fine, here are a couple of senders that should work for $45 (either should work because of interchangeability, however you must swap the linkage arm to the control arm).


2006 AUDI A8 D3 FRONT LEFT DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LEVELING SENSOR SRS - OEM | eBay

2006 AUDI A8 D3 FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT LEVELING SENSOR SRS - OEM | eBay

As for the level control module fault, don't worry about that right now, as it's bound to emit an implausible signal because it can't properly read the left front ride height. It should go away once you get the level sender issue sorted out.

welj31

"As for the level control module fault, don't worry about that right now, as it's bound to emit an implausible signal because it can't properly read the left front ride height. It should go away once you get the level sender issue sorted out."[/QUOTE]
That's what I was thinking too.

Mister Bally

Just a quick point; Motor vehicles have not had potentiometers for over fifteen years. These, along with "dial type" controls are now glass encoders.

Depending on your age, you may (like us older people) recall when turning on a car radio by the volume/on-off dial; A lot of static. That was from a dirty/corroded potentiometer. You had to spray "technician in a can" into the potentiometer in an attempt to fix the issue. Imagine if they were used on today's complex vehicles.

Failure of encoders include IR light source transistors/LED's failing or the receiver optic sensor failing or a mechanical failure of the etched glass rotor falling off its' axle etc. Otherwise, yes, wiring from the controller to the sensor. Then again, connectors can sometimes be an issue but VW/Audi connectors from this era are really robust.

welj31

I should add this car is a one owner with 56k. I will check the wiring but leaning towards the sender. I already had it off once today. Really hoping this is related to the headlight range finder problem.

audionlineparts

If you do end up get a sensor, the part number has updated from E - G Full part number is 4E0-941-285-G (4E0-941-286-G for passenger side) 177 on my site and free shipping (use code "audiworld") Let me know if theres anything else i can help with!

welj31

ok this is the scanner I have and it does everything i can think of. Is there a better one some where? Link? thanks

the_duke

Ross-Tech Store: VCDS

Jack88

There is no substitute.

MP4.2+6.0

+ many!

And if you exit the Audi (or VW) brand ever, you can probably sell it for like 75-80% of the one time price of admission if you are the legit owner. Best price ever for empties after you are done enjoying the contents. Likewise you always get the latest full software suite. Thus the software that supported my D3 in 2007--three years plus before the D4 was even intro'ed or the Q5 was first released, let alone Hybrid drive electronics or the 5 years in the future 4.0T--now supports all of them. Also deals with critical modules that were integrated between generations and different bodies. Many other vendors would try to endlessly upsell you for that kind of "major release" change.

welj31

Thanks for all the information. I think once I get this one fixed I will list it. I will be running away from Audi fast. This is the second one and both were very undependable, overpriced (for what you get), and a total PITA to work on. The first had 156k on the ticker so I my thinking was less miles less problems. So I picked this 04 up from Westmont in IL. It has 56k .All it needed was tires and a sensor said the salesman at the stealership. BS left my wife stranded 3 times hundreds of miles from home. Nothing but problems with both. Hell Audi cant even come up with a simple way to connect blue tooth or music. Really its a shame. I love the ride (spinal cord injury), love the power, but my kids caddy rides almost as good. Thanks again