If you’re driving an Audi A6 4F and your headlights aren’t aimed correctly, you might need to adjust them. This guide provides two methods: a simple manual adjustment and a more advanced procedure using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) for resetting and recalibrating the headlight leveling system. This is particularly useful for lowered vehicles or after replacing a ballast. Proper headlight adjustment ensures optimal visibility for you and prevents blinding oncoming traffic. Let’s get started!
Manual Headlight Adjustment (Minor Adjustments)
This method is ideal for minor vertical adjustments when your headlights are generally aligned but need slight tweaking.
Tools: Phillips head screwdriver.
Time: Approximately 5 minutes.
-
Park and Prepare: Park on level ground about 20 feet from a wall perpendicular to your car. It’s easier to see the beam pattern in the dark.
-
Locate Adjusters: Open the hood and locate the headlight adjusters. They’re usually behind dust covers near the headlights. Refer to your owner’s manual for precise location. There are two types of adjusters:
- Vertical Adjuster: This is what you’ll use for this method. Turning clockwise raises the beam, counterclockwise lowers it.
- Lateral Adjuster: Use this only if your headlights are significantly off-center. If so, consider the VCDS reset method described later.
-
Adjust the Beam: Turn on your headlights. Cover one headlight to work on the other. Using the screwdriver, slowly turn the vertical adjuster. Small adjustments make a big difference. Aim for a downward angle of approximately 1.5%, meaning the beam should be about 0.5 inches lower at 20 feet. Repeat for the other headlight.
Headlight Adjuster Locations
Aiming Reference Point
VCDS Headlight Adjustment (Reset and Recalibration)
This method utilizes VCDS to reset the headlight leveling system to factory defaults and then recalibrate it. This is necessary for significant adjustments, resolving “dipped headlight” errors, or after replacing a ballast.
Tools: Phillips head screwdriver, laptop/tablet with VCDS software, VAG-COM diagnostic cable.
Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Important Note for Lowered Cars: If your car is significantly lowered, raise all four wheels off the ground before starting this procedure. This ensures accurate readings from the suspension sensors.
-
Connect VCDS: Connect your VAG-COM cable to the car’s OBD-II port and launch the VCDS software.
-
Access Xenon Range Controller:
- Select “Select Control Module.”
- Choose “55-Xenon Range.”
-
Reset to Factory Defaults:
- Go to “Adaptation – 10.”
- Enter “00” in the Channel Number box.
- Click “Read” to load factory defaults.
- Click “Save” to apply the reset.
-
Basic Settings Adjustment:
- Go to “Basic Settings – 04.”
- Click “Go!” to start the basic settings procedure. The output boxes will change.
- Wait 20 seconds when the output shows specific values (refer to the original article for these values).
- Click “On/Off/Next” to enter the learning state. The output will change to “ADJUST” or “LEARNING.”
- Manually fine-tune your headlight vertical adjustment using the screwdriver as needed. If you previously reset the adaptation, wait 20-30 seconds for the module to learn the current position.
- Click “On/Off/Next” again. The output should confirm successful adjustment.
- Check for fault codes to confirm the fix.
By following these steps, you can ensure your Audi A6 4F headlights are properly adjusted for optimal visibility and safe driving. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific details related to your vehicle.
