dipped headlights adjuster
 

just failed MOT !
have never used the adjuster on the dashboard , apparently this has to work [ have never used myself
only one side works ...what and where is the actuater for this ...is this a commone fault ?

Not sure what sort your headlights are, but here's an illustration showing the control motor (#12).

standard old fashioned bulbs so that is probably correct ...will have a look in the morning; probably fairly easily to get out
thanks

well, I got out and got under and the problem is the circular dipped beam light which has a peculiar connector at the back , just a wire bracket or similar

any idea what exactly this is ?

That just looks like the wiring to the bulb, the height adjustment will be elsewhere on the body of the reflector mounting.
Is it an H1 bulb, or similar? They just have a single blade connector, the return circuit being via the body/base which in your case goes to the yellow cable.

Just went out and checked mine, and it's the same. The following photo of mine shows the actuator in situ (highlighted in red). It is located inside the headlight unit in the corner closest to the radiator, behind the other back cover.

ok, so it is actually a ram.
question is , presuming I can get the correct part , how do I get to in to fit it ?
looks like the back doesn't come off and if I can just remove the headlight how would that help?

Is it one of these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audi-Headli.../dp/B00NGZTNQI as sold by our sponsors!
(I'm sure they can advise on how to swap them over)

I've never looked at a D2 for this, having had Xenons on both my S8s, but other cars I've had used very (extremely) similar units and they were quite easy to replace. Given the small number of companies actually making headlight units this isn't really surprising, it's probably a Hella, Bosch (or similar) standard part.

thanks for that.....not actually that model but is actually one used on VW I find

a little research indicates that the reflector is detachable ....question is how to get the front glass off to do that , should be ok after that !
somebody must know how to remove the glass [ I hope !]

I've just had a look at the spare headlight unit that I have, and can confirm that it is attached by a single screw (from inside the unit). If you look at the illustration I had in a previous post, you'll see part #13, which is the retaining screw.

As Andrew said, our sponsors may be the best guide to how they removed them (assuming the unit wasn't damaged at the front). It may be possible to use a screwdriver bit on a ring spanner to undo the screw, but it could be very fiddly.

You will need to ensure you get the correct actuator for your headlight though. If you just have Halogen headlights, then the part number is 1J0941295A, but if you have the Xenon headlights, then the part number is 4B0941293A

as you say it's the 1J09412951 as used on a lot of VAG ,otherwise known as 0307853304 which may be a bosch number
looks like you have to detach the front glass , then the reflector ...not sure I have the nerve to try it though!
at a guess our sponsors sell the headlight units complete with this part if unbroken

Yup, generic part, Bosch 0307853304: https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/bosch-666857.html

Certainly looks very similar to the unit I swapped on my Ford Focus....

Probably easier to just replace the complete headlight unit than pull one to bits. I know Prestige just dismantled a couple of A8s.

Or replace the MoT tester. I've never seen the headlamp level even tested, let alone failed on one.

oh dear , can't see how I can change this part without breaking the assembly so have followed mikki jayne's advice [ thanks mj et al ] and sourced a headlight from our sponsors

well, I got out and got under and the problem is the circular dipped beam light which has a peculiar connector at the back , just a wire bracket or similar

any idea what exactly this is ?

If it's the bit I think you're referring to it holds the bulb in place, sort of presses in and to the side then out with the bulb.

What age is the D2? the early type has a glass lens and they come off in about 8 seconds from the front.

Also you need to find an MOT tester that's not such a jobs worth. That's not a fail, that's a little "get that sorted for next year mate"

well job done
real faff , one of the 2 screws behind the bottom trim was rusted in solid [ after only 20 years ! ] and had to be drilled out ; waiting for it to get dark to be able to adjust the headlight manually , the electric adjustment works ok
do all D2's have this electric adjustment or only the cars with factory fitted towballs I wonder ?