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Hello. First ever post on the forums. I looked around on the forum before posting and could not find anything specific to my issue, which is this...
I have a 2014 Q7 TDI with a headlight range control defective error light. It is being caused by the a broken wire on the rear left ride-height sensor. The wire(s) going to the sensor are completely broken off where the wiring harness comes out of the wheel well (through a 90 degree rubber boot). I have experience repairing broken wires, but in this case the wires are not visible and/or accessible. It seems that all of this wiring is wrapped up (no pun intended) in a larger wiring harness that controls some sensors attached to the wheel and the brake caliper.
All that being said, I have a few questions. Is it possible to repair the wiring? If so, any advice related to doing that would be appreciated. If not possible to repair the wiring, should I just replace the entire wiring harness? If so, what specific wiring harness? Should I just leave it alone and ignore the Headlight Range Control defective light?
Attaching two detailed pictures to show the problem. Thanks to any/all forum contributors in advance for your help.
You can buy repair wires if you want to run a new wire from the plug to the broken part of the line. You would need to make sure you get the correct wire for that plug. Lookup how to depin VW connectors, it is pretty easy. https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit..._Repair_Wires/
Or just use any similar gauge wire to repair the broken section. Either way you will need to get into that 90° boot and expose some of the broken wire to attach too.
You really have two separate issues. The broken wire would cause you problems with the air suspension height controls, and throw some codes specific to that system, as that's what the height sensor pertains to, along with self-leveling rear suspension functions; but it's still the suspension level control that's impacted by it.
The headlights errors have to do with their own set of self-checks when you turn on the car. The lights dip low, then up, then level out after verifying range of motion available, etc. The same headlight control/features system is in place regardless of the suspension type your car has. You can Google search the error code for the headlights range control and it will lead you to Ross-Tech forum and others that describe how to resolve it.
I had that same headlight range control error on my '10 w/steel suspension, verified it didn't do the self-test correctly at key-on/startup...it would freeze up after dipping low, and I was able to just hook up VCDS and reset/adapt the headlight range control module; worked like a charm. Now you know why it does the up/down/level-out sequence on the headlights when first turned on...that's the level control and distance control self-checks.
Last edited by '10Q7TDI_Prestige'; Mar 9, 2022 at 06:34 PM.
You can buy repair wires if you want to run a new wire from the plug to the broken part of the line. You would need to make sure you get the correct wire for that plug. Lookup how to depin VW connectors, it is pretty easy. https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit..._Repair_Wires/
Or just use any similar gauge wire to repair the broken section. Either way you will need to get into that 90° boot and expose some of the broken wire to attach too.
Thank you for the reply. Do you have any suggestions for getting into that rubber boot? Perhaps if I remove the wheel well cover I could gain more access to that area. Thoughts?
You really have two separate issues. The broken wire would cause you problems with the air suspension height controls, and throw some codes specific to that system, as that's what the height sensor pertains to, along with self-leveling rear suspension functions; but it's still the suspension level control that's impacted by it.
The headlights errors have to do with their own set of self-checks when you turn on the car. The lights dip low, then up, then level out after verifying range of motion available, etc. The same headlight control/features system is in place regardless of the suspension type your car has. You can Google search the error code for the headlights range control and it will lead you to Ross-Tech forum and others that describe how to resolve it.
I had that same headlight range control error on my '10 w/steel suspension, verified it didn't do the self-test correctly at key-on/startup...it would freeze up after dipping low, and I was able to just hook up VCDS and reset/adapt the headlight range control module; worked like a charm. Now you know why it does the up/down/level-out sequence on the headlights when first turned on...that's the level control and distance control self-checks.
Thank you for the reply. I don't believe that my vehicle has air suspension height controls. Here is the specific error from the VCDS scan that led me to the issue:
Address 55: Headlight Range (J431) Labels:| 8X0-907-357.clb
Part No SW: 8X0 907 357 C HW: 8X0 907 357 B
Component: ****LWR12**** H02 0020
Serial number: 130819-0002-105
Coding: 1147A71010020400
Shop #: WSC 31414 790 00001
ASAM Dataset: EV_HeadlRegulBasic 005001
ROD: EV_HeadlRegulBasic_AU35.rod
VCID: 42DD440E540E961BF15-8016
1 Fault Found:
127242 - Rear Left Ride-Height Sensor
C1036 15 [137] - Open or Short to Plus
[Geber fuer Fahrzeugniveau hinten: Signaleingang Kurzschluss nach Plus oder Unterbrechung]
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 232
Mileage: 184377 km
Date: 2022.02.28
Time: 10:53:29
Your point about hooking up the VCDS and resetting/adapting the headlight range control module is something that I had not thought of, but will certainly explore. Thank you again.
Thank you for the reply. Do you have any suggestions for getting into that rubber boot? Perhaps if I remove the wheel well cover I could gain more access to that area. Thoughts?
I would see if you can get to the back side, hopefully there will be enough slack to push it out and work on the wires.
So do you have steel suspension springs w/ struts & shocks...the springs surround both struts & rear shocks, or do you have the 'air suspension w/air bags...no external springs visible on suspension?
So do you have steel suspension springs w/ struts & shocks...the springs surround both struts & rear shocks, or do you have the 'air suspension w/air bags...no external springs visible on suspension?
Yes, springs surrounding the struts and rear shocks.
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2014 Q7 Rear Left Ride-Height Sensor Broken Wire
