2001 Audi A6: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Apr 20, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · MD

I have a 2001 audi a6 quattro 2.8l with p1411 and p1423 dtc codes. I am hearing it is a vacuum hose or combi value problems from what I am reading, common to this model, but I have had several mechanics look at it and not want to tackle it. In a recent forum I was told many of the items I have listed were recall items-including vacuum hoses. Yes, many were, there was even a law suit with audi, that audi denied my claim and paid several on. I appealed and they did not respond and did not define why they refused to cover it. Audi still has yet to cover the vehicle in the professional manner I expected. My life burdens are enough, I do not need a car manufacturer or dealer to yank me around, the vehicle now has 205,000 miles, because I paid outrageous car repairs on it. I feel audi is a good car, but fixing things on it that should be covered under recalls and service warranties is not happening. Do I really have to sue to get results, this is ridiculous! I have experienced check engine light, failed emissions testing, headlight problems, issues with water in lenses and mirrors, turn signal issues, I have had problems with my fuel line, replaced tie rods, and ABS brake light signals after brake repair. I am hoping the federal safety agency can shed some light and assist me with rectifying my car situation possibly. I have been dealing with these issues for many years now and I am hopeful to receive some relief.

Filed Mar 28, 2014 · Lights · 97,000 miles · CA

Our 2001 audi and many other cars like it have plastic headlights that perform well for several years. Then in any sunny location like the us southwest they begin to fog up and become progressively more opaque. This results is more light scatter using the headlamps at night: the headlamps no longer focus a narrow beam of light on the roadway ahead. Due to fogged, opaque head lamp light scatter visibility is reduced putting especially pedestrians and bicycles at risk while driving at night. Also, oncoming traffic experiences greater nighttime glare from fogged headlamps increasing accident risk. Often, replacement costs for new plastic headlamps are prohibitive - at times more than the cost of a used car. Many us drivers thus drive with fogged up, opaque headlamps. Previously glass headlamps delivered many decades of reliable service without ever fogging up as do the windows of any older car. I believe the federal safety agency should investigate and consider issuing a safety recall.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Lights · 95,000 miles · VT

Headlamps gradually developed a misting or fogging of lens which reduced light during night driving, required professional cleaning with special materials to restore light output. Problem started recurring more frequently and headlamps now require professsional restoration every 3 - 6 months, the misting of the lenses caused the vehicle to fail the mandatory vermont safety inspection in 2010. Cleaning costs are considerable, and audi does not make new headlamp lenses or headlamp shells available, only complete headlamp units are available at cost approaching $ 2000 for the pair. The misting over of the lenses with a deposit that cannot be removed by any normal means creates hazardous night-time driving conditions particularly during rain or snow.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 116,706 miles · TX · fire

2001 audi a6. Left headlight assembly wires shorted against frame and ignited a fire. Car was parked and off. Headlight switch in off position. Car was inspected for electrical leaks the week prior.

Filed Sep 10, 2007 · Lights · 85,000 miles · VT

Film has built up on inside of headlamp glasses resulting in reduced efficiency of lights and reduced light output creating possible safety hazard. Dealer has no known way of cleaning inside of headlamps.