C5 Avant Third Brake Light Intermittent
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Northeast PA
C5 Avant Third Brake Light Intermittent
My 1999 A6 Avant third brake light works intermittently. I have seen this work one day, then not another day. I have even seen this work but only glow dimly.
I would like to replace this light assembly but gaining access seems to be difficult to say the least. Can anyone offer strait up advice on how to gain access to this light? Must I remove the entire interior panel(s)? Can I just remove the panel trim just inboard of the light itself? Boy they made this difficult. Thanks for your advice out there.
I would like to replace this light assembly but gaining access seems to be difficult to say the least. Can anyone offer strait up advice on how to gain access to this light? Must I remove the entire interior panel(s)? Can I just remove the panel trim just inboard of the light itself? Boy they made this difficult. Thanks for your advice out there.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 43
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Glowing dimly could indicate a poor ground connection. Also the point where the wiring harness passes from the body to the hatch door is a point of flexing wires that often break. Check that area.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Northeast PA
I thought the very same thing...
When I saw that light glowing dimly I thought of a poor ground too; I had difficulty finding that group grounding point. I then thought that perhaps a wire in the flexible cables at each end of the Avant lid had a break...when flexed I could not see any change...not conclusive. I gather from reading online that these fixtures often fail inside due to a faulty solder connection(s). I tend to lean this way of thinking. Thanks Harleyguy!
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Northeast PA
This manual page is like a Christmas present! From watching videos I was under the impression that I must completely take apart the interior trim on that rear door and that I must release the light fixture from inside, nearly impossible! This page proves otherwise...as I mentioned to georgeb944 I have a feeling that this fixture is failing not from a wiring or voltage point but more from an internal soldering connection(s), this as described on online videos. I hope to know more conclusively as I repair this. Once opened up I will check both for power when brake is applied and for voltage. Those little caps may break but if placing a new light that won't matter.
With a OBD code showing this light is out, my TIP trans is exhibiting hard downshifts...I must repair the light in order to proceed. I also have a S.A.P. code showing insufficient airflow detected...I am in the process of chasing this down. I placed a new hose from air filter box to air pump. Had the other hose off, pressure tested with no leaks. I am about to check the kombi valves and so on.
A million thanks to you two guys, I can't thank you enough! I will post my findings ASAP.
With a OBD code showing this light is out, my TIP trans is exhibiting hard downshifts...I must repair the light in order to proceed. I also have a S.A.P. code showing insufficient airflow detected...I am in the process of chasing this down. I placed a new hose from air filter box to air pump. Had the other hose off, pressure tested with no leaks. I am about to check the kombi valves and so on.
A million thanks to you two guys, I can't thank you enough! I will post my findings ASAP.
Last edited by mrfixit54; Jun 26, 2018 at 03:46 PM. Reason: punctuation
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Northeast PA
You two guys are the best! You must post daily helping out many members.
With High-Mount Brake Lamp, Avant, Removing and Installing factory manual sheet with image A94-0181 printed I have carefully removed two caps and screws that secure the brake light to the body.
the directions state..."To remove, press brake light tabs -4- and remove lamp toward rear out from opening"
I did pop the interior trim in order to gain access to the two brake light tab slots/tabs. I wish it were as simple as the manual describes but it is not. This is where I hit the brick wall...I have pressed these tabs every way imaginable but can not release this light...grrrrrrr. Most videos on this topic are for platforms other than the C5 (1998-2005).
I am so close to release but I don't want to break this thing. Once removed I can then check for power ect. This seems strait forward enough...but I am probably among the few C5 Avant owners that have tackled this and written about it.
Any further advice is so very much appreciated...please help Mr. Wizard, keep me from this bridge from which I am about to leap!
With High-Mount Brake Lamp, Avant, Removing and Installing factory manual sheet with image A94-0181 printed I have carefully removed two caps and screws that secure the brake light to the body.
the directions state..."To remove, press brake light tabs -4- and remove lamp toward rear out from opening"
I did pop the interior trim in order to gain access to the two brake light tab slots/tabs. I wish it were as simple as the manual describes but it is not. This is where I hit the brick wall...I have pressed these tabs every way imaginable but can not release this light...grrrrrrr. Most videos on this topic are for platforms other than the C5 (1998-2005).
I am so close to release but I don't want to break this thing. Once removed I can then check for power ect. This seems strait forward enough...but I am probably among the few C5 Avant owners that have tackled this and written about it.
Any further advice is so very much appreciated...please help Mr. Wizard, keep me from this bridge from which I am about to leap!
Last edited by mrfixit54; Jul 1, 2018 at 11:01 AM. Reason: word choice
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo