Matrix Beam System Failure
 

System has failed on car, not a bulb failure, but feels like camera/sensor failure, as main beam still works.

Seems to be working fine on passenger side, as can still see the blackout working on that side, but not driver side, as took a few flashes from other cars to work out they were flashing me.

Waiting for my local dealer to book me in with a decent loaner, as feedback is they might have it a while as sounds like a strange one and their first Matrix Beam failure.

Will let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Mark.

I was looking at buying D4 S8 for the past two days and all with Matrix so it will be very interesting to find out what went wrong especially if there is no faults.

This is probably a very silly question, but have you checked if camera/sensor isn't just very dirty or came loose and its pointing wrong direction ??

Have of got a VCDS to plug it in and scan for faults?

Some similar issues with A7's it would seem and not all Dealers have the specialist equipment, this could be why your dealer is putting you off for a few days.
Fantastic light output from them, I had them on a loaner A6 for a few days, make bi-xenons look like candles.

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/a.../t-171534.html

I'd definitely try and scan it yourself if you have access to VCDS or there's a friendly forum member nearby with it. At least then you can hopefully get an idea of what the issue is yourself. Essex Audi for example, only have one ACC calibration/alignment unit which is taken to and from the various dealers in the group as needed so it is possible your nearest dealer may not have immediate access to the necessary hardware.

Anyway, I had the Matrix lights on an A8 loaner and as has been said, they are a big step above bi-xenons.

I've got VCDS if you'd like to scan it sometime Mark, can always meet up after work +++

Thanks Neil, I am hoping it will be going in tomorrow or Monday, but good to know you have VCDS for the future - they are sorting out a suitable loaner for me - I have asked if they have a Q2, as not driven one of those yet. They will definately tell me what the issue and fix was, as have corporate relationship with them too, as discussed when we met. They are ordering some rear footrests for me too - got the bug after going in your car! - they are on back order though, so waiting to see what date they get given.

Guys - I washed car well at the weekend to ensure nothing to do with dirt, no difference, and couldn't see anything amiss with the sensor either, but strange one side appears to be working as it should.

I will update the thread as I get more info.
Cheers
Mark.

If one side is working as it should my money would be on the light unit itself - or at least something specific to that side. If the sensor was faulty it would lock out both sides?

Great just let me know if you ever need a scan, not a problem.
I did look for more footrests for you but only found one second hand pair for sale at A8 Parts but they are in a beige colour which wasnt suitable. I'll be interested to see if they can be purchased on back order as I might get another set myself if they are +++

I agree with Paul, thats good logic. Really amazed as I wouldnt have expected one to fail/play up so early in its life, I wonder if Audi know of any "developing issues"

I don't have them on my own car and having done a lot of miles with them and without I don't think it is a "night and day" that they are better. The matrix function is better at "shuttering" on the motorway, but on a other roads I prefer the adaptive xenon. I also disliked the Fresnel effect on the LED lights caused by the multiple beams from separate LEDs - but I can happily live with either until they fit lasers to the D5!!!!

Regarding the fault, each headlight is addressable as a subsystem of the Headlight Range controller (55), see a scan from a working 66 plate car below. I suspect this module would detail the problem on your car +++

Well this is strange. 2 days before going in, system started working perfectly again. No faults found, no messages, no codes.

Dealer has gone back to factory for advice, so continuing asis until we get a response. Car needs a service in c. 2000 miles anyway, so hopefully it will hang ok until then. I can then get a loaner whilst they do more investigation and service it.

Might have my rear footrests in by then too +++