Lighting - Daytime Running Light (DRL) Inoperative
94 Daytime Running Light (DRL) inoperative94 13 05
2032184/1
February 8, 2013
Vehicle Information
Condition
Customer may report:
^ Daytime Running Light is completely inoperative.
^ Daytime Running Light is partially inoperative.
^ Multiple Daytime Running Light LEDs are inoperative.
^ Error codes found in BCM1, address word 09: (DTC 02895 or DTC 02897), (Left or Right LED module daytime running lights and parking light, supply - Electrical fault in circuit, respectively).
Technical Background
The MY2013+ Audi Q5 LED DRLs use light-emitting "pipes" instead of multiple individual LEDs. There are two light pipes per headlight. Each light pipe uses a single LED for illumination (Figure 1).
The LEDs are contained in a single module. There is a large heat sink affixed to the outer back side of each headlight housing
The LED unit with heat sink utilizes a gasket and is keyed into the headlight housing to maintain proper alignment of the LED to each light pipe. The LED units (L176 and L177, left and right, respectively) are controlled via a control module (J860 and J861,left and right, respectively) located separately on the backside of the headlight (Figure 2). These LED units and LED control modules are electrically interchangeable from side to side, but the LED units are mechanically specific to each headlight side.
If the customer complaint is that the LED DRLs appear to be partially inoperative, please confirm this complaint while the customer is present. In most cases, the LED DRL is perceived as inoperative due to the viewing angle taken by the customer.
There are different angles from which a partial defect may be incorrectly perceived:
^ A defect may be perceived for top-down viewing angle (Figure 3).
^ A defect may be perceived for corner viewing angle (Figure 4).
^ A defect may be perceived for acute corner viewing angle (Figure 5).
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
If it is determined that it is a perception issue:
Explain to the customer that the LED illumination appears differently to someone standing in front of the vehicle than it appears to oncoming traffic. The viewing angle of someone standing in front of the vehicle will give a visual effect of an LED DRL inoperative or partially-inoperative condition.
If it is not a perception issue, and the LED DRL is inoperative, follow the steps below:
1. With ignition off, remove DRL control module and check red connector at module. Secure it, if loose. If necessary, remove red connector and reinstall to be sure connector is engaged properly. The wire guide of the red terminal housing may impede connector engagement.
2. Turn ignition on to see if DRL is now operating to specifications. If it is not, proceed to step 3.
3. Remove headlight(s) according to repair manual. See Repair Manual > Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 94 Exterior Lights, Switches � Removal and Installation.
4. With ignition off, remove LED DRL unit with heat sink from headlight housing (Figure 6).
5. With ignition off, inspect and secure all electrical connectors, if loose. Remove and secure the white connectors, even if they do not appear to be loose.
Note:
Be extra careful of red surface mount connectors. In general, a repair kit is not available for any internal headlight connectors.
6. If the above steps do not correct the DRL operation, continue with further diagnosis on the LED control module and LED with heat sink before replacing the headlight housing; e.g., swapping modules from one headlight to another, inspect wiring, connectors, etc.
Warranty
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.