Audi A6 C6: Rear Turn/Brake Light Out Diagnostic
Having your turn signal stuck on is not only annoying, it can also be confusing (and dangerous) to drivers behind you. Read on to learn about some of the more common reasons why this happens, so that you can diagnose the problem.
This article applies to the Audi A6 C6 (2005-2010).
There are a lot of electronics in your Audi A6, which increases the likelihood of something going wrong at any given point in your drive. The more susceptible of them is the turn signal, which has been known to get stuck on. The constant beeping and messaging can be annoying, let alone the fact that it can be confusing to drivers behind you. But what’s causing this component to malfunction? The following are a couple of the more common diagnoses.
Step 1 – Check if the bulb holder has broken down
If could be a faulty bulb holder.
Something as simple as a faulty bulb holder in the light assembly can cause the turn light signal to malfunction. You can get a new one at any auto parts store, and it’s an easy enough fix.
If the holder wasn't the issue, then go on to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check if the light connector is not functioning
The leads could be the issue with the light.
Again, it’s a relatively simple idea—if the light connector is faulty, whether it’s due to water damage or wear and tear to the wire, this could lead to the turn signal acting up. Check the wire for damage and loose connection to the light assembly; fix/adjust as necessary. You can also take it to the dealer to have the car checked via VAG-COM, but this will cost you money.
If the wires all looked great, then keep troubleshooting.
Step 3 – Check if the whole light is going out
The light itself could be on its way out.
A bit more headache inducing is if the entire light assembly is on its way out. If this is the case, it can be a bit more expensive to replace than a bulb holder, especially if you own a newer model that has an LED cluster. New parts and labor could run you anywhere between $300 and $400 if you take it to a shop.
If the light and housing were all okay, then soldier on to Step 4.
Step 4 – Check the hazard/emergency light switch
Unfortunately, it has come down to replacing the light system.
This is only necessary if all of your turn signals/hazard lights are not working–if this is the case, then the entire hazard/light switch system needs to be replaced because the relay runs the turn signals and hazards. It’s about $35 to $40 for a new one, and easy enough to replace yourself.
Step 5 – Check the turn signal stalk
The problem could be in the stalk itself.
While most of the time the problem with the turn signals can be routed back to an issue with the hazard switch, the rest of the time it has to do with the turn signal stalk. Gain as much access to the stalk in your A6 and clean it out with general cleaning tools and compressed air—the component is subject to general dirt and grime as well as wear and tear. Plug it back in and test the signal system out, replace if it still feels loose.
Related Discussion
Intermittent Rear Brake Turn Signal Light Outage - AudiWorld
