Federal DOT requires brake and hazards be visible when the lift gate is open. They leave it up to the manufacturer how they do it. It’s interesting to see the different ways it’s done.
@@5Dale65 Makes sense and really proves that the failsafe works -- it failed in the 'tailgate not closed' mode.... but was the fix clearing all the codes?
Great video. Very accurate. I’m a 6 year audi tech. We see this issue more often than you would think. Even some of the brand new q5s come from the factory with misadjusted striker contact switches
Thank you sooooo Much!! I have bought both Latch and micro switches, costing loads of £££ and it was just a adjustment issue! over years makes sense it would move!
Just installed a hitch and wiring harness on my 2017 q5 and had the same issue. Hearing the talk about the hatch switches led me to discover that I had failed to connect a wiring connection when I reinstalled the scuff plate! I was going crazy trying to find the issue. Thanks, man!!!
Ah thanks a lot for this one. I had exactly the same issue on my RSQ3. There is no buttons in the catch on my car but it got me looking there and found that a connector got loose. Plugged back in and all sorted!
Or just a solid single switch somewhere where it won’t wear out or get sloppy over time. This is typical of German cars though in my experience. they over engineer things so much that their own engineering is the cause of most failures not actually anything else.
Great overview. I don't have any of the diag tools, but I was able to look in there and see a tiny pebble that was blocking one of the switches from pivoting all the way. Fix took 1 minute where most of the time was going inside to get some tweezers. Thank you!
I saw one in the Wendy's Drive Thru and thought it didn't seem right, it had this same problem I looked it up and there was an article in the Audi Forums it mentions to check the liftgate switch. Wanted to tell the owner but didn't want to freak anybody out at 1:00 am 😅
I've worked on a couple of family member's Audis. They are nice cars when they work but overly complicated and you will need this RossTec special OBD2 tool ("VagCom") to do stuff. I'm not a fan of that brand. Nice diagnostic, Ivan. Always good.
On my B6 2010 Passat Wagon that feature is programmable with an OBD Eleven or VCDS so that you can turn it off. You can also turn off auto locking of the rear hatch when the vehicle is in motion (it pulls the hatch if not fully closed), interior lights when hatch is open, trailer mode for the lights, turning on or off of the tail lights when the hatch is open, dimming of the rear lights... Etc.
Yep I knew exactly what is was when you said the paddle switch in the sill plate. I had it off to take off the bumper and didn't plug the connector back in. Mines a 2012 Q5. Thanks for the video! LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED!
I'm kinda confused: did clearing the codes just cause the taillights to work again? It looked like possibly a separate issue after they still didn't work after fixing the latch.
He adjusted the contacts but didn’t clear the codes initially. Seemed like once the codes were cleared, everything was reset and the adjustment did the job
Man when will people understand the more little extras the more trouble you will have down the road. All computers and modules should be limited to the engine and trans.
In this case it’s the government regulations. The reason those second lights even exist is because you can’t have brake lights on a moveable panel. My Mercedes GL has a standard lift gate and the lights stay with the car, which is a pain because once my Dad and I were loading lumber into the back of my SUV and he accidentally smacked the tail light and broke the housing. Had the rear end been designed like the Audi that wouldn’t have happened
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics One you're driving and don't need convenience and entertainment features . Two all you need is a AM / FM radio with a way to play your own music and maybe books. I think a good amount of the modern road rage comes from people and there convenience and entertainment features that take there attention from the road.
@@JackS425 But you don't need a module and computer to make that happen. Just be on and working whether it's open or closed. All that can be on a inexpensive relay in the fuse box. As far as breaking the tail light that's the designers and people counting the money so they can put five computers and twenty five modules in it. So they can charge you fifty thousand for a twenty thousand vehicle.
Awesome video, I always learn something when I watch your vids! I love the logical progression through the diagnostics/troubleshooting as opposed to just throwing parts at it. Might I ask how you got started in doing this? Did you go to tech school or learn on your own?
Most modern vehicles do this, it is very easy to forget about it and off down the rabbit hole you’d go until 4 hours later everything tested good ,then codes are cleared in frustration & hay resto. Bloody electronics 🤔🙂
@@kennedysgarage3281 like the stupid bulbs on gm cars. I replaced the bulb with a good one and thought I shorted something replacing it it, but I had to cycle the key.
YES even my 07 Audi is like this. and a mom and pop scanner can't clear the codes. you need Ivans expensive one of VCDS as you have to clear module codes not ecu codes
@@bobspurloc obd eleven is awesome. You can do long coding with it and is more capable than the thinkcar scanner on vw stuff. Probably almost as good as vcds.
Its a US market thing, the law mandates the tail lamps have to be illuminated and seen at all times. So since the tailgate ones move up when it opens, there needs to be a supplemental set as seen in the lower bumper that kick in when the tailgate goes up.
Could of, Audi did that because the tail lights are on the tail gate, so there need those lights to be on when it's open, most cars the tail lights are on the vehicle body so it won't need all of that
Hey Ivan , I have the same problem in my Audi Q7 2012 , the only difference is that the rear driver side back lights work but the rear passenger doesn't work at all. Just wanted to know can I fix it the same way for just one light not working. Or both of them need not to work for it to be the hatchet switches for it to work.
So adjust the latch? Make sure both switches click and erase codes? Can obd 11 do a basic scan and erase or do I have to go into something specific to erase codes
Everything must be perfect. I had a mini van side power door problems with paddle and other type switches. Similar adjustments etc to get to work, that also had a ground problem.
Ivan i now have the engine replaced in my Q7. Had it running to for a bit until it cut off....i have door handle touch sensors issue. I saw how to clear that issue have not checked to see if all the other codes which were present with old engine in vehicle are all still there or not ? Just letting you know i finally got engine and installed it. Its definitely been one hell of a journey with this darn vehicle....couple things still need to check verify and resolve ....
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics TSB says to install spacers under the paddle switches with dimensions of no less than 5.5mm I.D., no greater than 13mm O.D., and no thicker than 5.6mm. so a pair of 1/4" washers on each side should work. The OE spacers are 4L0863191A which are the same parts they use on the interior trim panel for the rear quarter trim under the screws.
Hey my friend. I see you really like that thinkpad pro.. How does it seem to work with domestic vehicles. Another great no parts required. Now that we got rid of Wolfies mandates. Maybe I can get up there and we can enjoy afew adult beverages.
great job on this Ivan! Can you do a video on the thinktool? I"m currently using a Bosch ADS 625 and like it but am looking towards my next tablet scan tool. I'd love to know your thoughts and have a "real life" tour!
I have this problem on Q5 2013, and even after swapping the sensor I still get "light system" warning on dashboard with a loud beep. Any idea what else I can check?
What to do if there is no wiring or paddle switches in that area.. Where else could the switches be ? I have a 2017 Q3 Same exact issue. I'm thinking in the door itself, But i'd like an idea before tearing into the door.. Thanks,.
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnosticsbecause they don't need to be on when the hatch is open, as they aren't visible from the back anyway...? Not to mention that the auxiliary lights turn on instead, so I don't see any problem here.
Hi, I have a 2013 Audi Q7. The right tail light on the lift gate partially work. The middle light work but not the one around it. Any help appreciated. Warning signal reads “ right turn signal” and “ right brake light” Thanks
Ivan said the trim peace yes was not clipped in right so the door wasn’t hitting the switches. Ivan did say the owner replaced the switches so he didn’t put it back together 100%
It allows the boot to have a bigger opening. Also, the purpose is not to drive with the boot open, but rather when you're stopped at the side of the road.
Havin problems with 08 Audi q7 tailights done took to mechanic 3 times tail lights won’t stay on done replace twilight switch n all kinda of stuff one will work den sometimes neither one works hate to take to dealership for something simple but really hate can’t drive truck @ night
U skipped how they suddenly started working again. owning a Q7 I can add that part LOL. when you cleared all the codes the car finally accepted the fact that you fixed the switches and decided to allow the use of the tail lights lol. Audi's are a really PITA to work on. a lot of things are like that. It will see an intermittent issue and shut off the device. it wont attempt to use it again until u clear the code. not everything but I've seen it enough to know clearing the codes needs to be done lol.
No, both contact switch were not changing until Ivan refitted the panel holding them correctly. After that the lights still didn’t work until he cleared faults. Then once the comfort modules saw the tailgate position working again it sent power to both lamps. No bother to Ivan 👏
Overly complicated German design that is not practical with dirt and wear. Had a '12 GTI that used single filament tail lamp bulbs and a PWM to control tail/brake lamp brightness. Went though bulbs as the lamps would get black and burn up.
I didn't saw it in the video. Did it look like this? If yes, it's a different type used in some cars junkmailimages.blob.core.windows.net/large/a9c51c4e98da4574bd0c622e1a9ae240.jpg
I am not an auto technician or diagnostician but I watch Ivan's videos to gauge what cars to avoid when getting them.
Pre 1980 is a good bet for a reliable vehicle.
Thank you fixed my issue right away when you talked about those paddle switches, I think a piece of hay wedged in mine. Fixed now !thx
Brings new meaning to the phrase, "needlessly complicated".
Federal DOT requires brake and hazards be visible when the lift gate is open. They leave it up to the manufacturer how they do it. It’s interesting to see the different ways it’s done.
Most new Audis utilize this design, personally I think it's very clever. You can make the tail gate wider, not putting the lamps on it's sides.
@@5Dale65 Makes sense and really proves that the failsafe works -- it failed in the 'tailgate not closed' mode.... but was the fix clearing all the codes?
Great video. Very accurate. I’m a 6 year audi tech. We see this issue more often than you would think. Even some of the brand new q5s come from the factory with misadjusted striker contact switches
Thank you sooooo Much!! I have bought both Latch and micro switches, costing loads of £££ and it was just a adjustment issue! over years makes sense it would move!
Just installed a hitch and wiring harness on my 2017 q5 and had the same issue. Hearing the talk about the hatch switches led me to discover that I had failed to connect a wiring connection when I reinstalled the scuff plate! I was going crazy trying to find the issue. Thanks, man!!!
Nice!
You've got some crazy good diagnosing skills Ivan! I learn something new each and every video.
Perfect video! My 2019 Q7 had this issue, but the door was obstructed, just a little. You helped out here. Thank you
Ah thanks a lot for this one. I had exactly the same issue on my RSQ3. There is no buttons in the catch on my car but it got me looking there and found that a connector got loose. Plugged back in and all sorted!
So after carefully studying this video I've learned .............to never buy a car with lights in the hatchback ! Valuable lesson.
haha well it's not the end of the world!
Why do I just “like” your videos before I even watch them bro!? 🤦🏽♂️ I guess I know I’m gonna learn something new everytime you post! 👍🏾
Hey Greg, thanks man, appreciate the comment! Plenty to learn every day!
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Sure is brother the learning never stops! I appreciate your efforts bro! ✊🏾
The switches setup is so dodgy, a bit of wear and the computer will be crying again lol.
Basic hatchbacks with gas struts were simpler.
Or just a solid single switch somewhere where it won’t wear out or get sloppy over time. This is typical of German cars though in my experience. they over engineer things so much that their own engineering is the cause of most failures not actually anything else.
One can see that someone has been working on the alignment in the past.
That is one reason I always go for a basic model of anything I'm looking at. Plus I'm both cheap and poor.
@@Honeypot-x9s You said it!!!!
After about 5 minutes I'm shaking my head and missing my '62 VW Beetle.
Great overview. I don't have any of the diag tools, but I was able to look in there and see a tiny pebble that was blocking one of the switches from pivoting all the way. Fix took 1 minute where most of the time was going inside to get some tweezers. Thank you!
Nice to see a European machine being worked on Ivan, well done. Keep it simple 👍👏
I saw one in the Wendy's Drive Thru and thought it didn't seem right, it had this same problem I looked it up and there was an article in the Audi Forums it mentions to check the liftgate switch. Wanted to tell the owner but didn't want to freak anybody out at 1:00 am 😅
There wasn't any water from the trim and gasket being wrong?
I've worked on a couple of family member's Audis. They are nice cars when they work but overly complicated and you will need this RossTec special OBD2 tool ("VagCom") to do stuff. I'm not a fan of that brand. Nice diagnostic, Ivan. Always good.
No tail lights, no problem! Going dark, bwweeeeh. Stealth mode activated 😎
On my B6 2010 Passat Wagon that feature is programmable with an OBD Eleven or VCDS so that you can turn it off. You can also turn off auto locking of the rear hatch when the vehicle is in motion (it pulls the hatch if not fully closed), interior lights when hatch is open, trailer mode for the lights, turning on or off of the tail lights when the hatch is open, dimming of the rear lights... Etc.
Yep I knew exactly what is was when you said the paddle switch in the sill plate. I had it off to take off the bumper and didn't plug the connector back in. Mines a 2012 Q5. Thanks for the video! LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED!
I'm kinda confused: did clearing the codes just cause the taillights to work again? It looked like possibly a separate issue after they still didn't work after fixing the latch.
He adjusted the contacts but didn’t clear the codes initially. Seemed like once the codes were cleared, everything was reset and the adjustment did the job
That was a great idea to clear the code's and then manually test the switches
Battle was won without any shot from the parts cannon. The ancient war mechanic diagnostician Sun Tzu would be proud of this battle. (Bows to Ivan)….
Ivan your skills are from another alien planet there great great
Always great seeing you work your genius!!!!
Luckily this wasn't too hard to pinpoint...I was worried at first!
Man when will people understand the more little extras the more trouble you will have down the road. All computers and modules should be limited to the engine and trans.
In this case it’s the government regulations. The reason those second lights even exist is because you can’t have brake lights on a moveable panel. My Mercedes GL has a standard lift gate and the lights stay with the car, which is a pain because once my Dad and I were loading lumber into the back of my SUV and he accidentally smacked the tail light and broke the housing. Had the rear end been designed like the Audi that wouldn’t have happened
Too right 🤔
But then cars wouldn't have all the fancy convenience and entertainment features 😅
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics One you're driving and don't need convenience and entertainment features . Two all you need is a AM / FM radio with a way to play your own music and maybe books. I think a good amount of the modern road rage comes from people and there convenience and entertainment features that take there attention from the road.
@@JackS425 But you don't need a module and computer to make that happen. Just be on and working whether it's open or closed. All that can be on a inexpensive relay in the fuse box. As far as breaking the tail light that's the designers and people counting the money so they can put five computers and twenty five modules in it. So they can charge you fifty thousand for a twenty thousand vehicle.
Awesome video, I always learn something when I watch your vids! I love the logical progression through the diagnostics/troubleshooting as opposed to just throwing parts at it.
Might I ask how you got started in doing this? Did you go to tech school or learn on your own?
So um, current fault codes had to be deleted before tail lights could come back online? 🤔
Most modern vehicles do this, it is very easy to forget about it and off down the rabbit hole you’d go until 4 hours later everything tested good ,then codes are cleared in frustration & hay resto. Bloody electronics 🤔🙂
@@kennedysgarage3281 like the stupid bulbs on gm cars. I replaced the bulb with a good one and thought I shorted something replacing it it, but I had to cycle the key.
@@Surjnarine I know been there & bought the t shirt 🤔🙂👍
YES even my 07 Audi is like this. and a mom and pop scanner can't clear the codes. you need Ivans expensive one of VCDS as you have to clear module codes not ecu codes
@@bobspurloc obd eleven is awesome. You can do long coding with it and is more capable than the thinkcar scanner on vw stuff. Probably almost as good as vcds.
Great job Ivan. NPR love it. Those fancy cars have all kinds of stuff to work on.
" This car's very comfortable so it need's 2 comfort control module's " LMAO Ivan.
Its a US market thing, the law mandates the tail lamps have to be illuminated and seen at all times. So since the tailgate ones move up when it opens, there needs to be a supplemental set as seen in the lower bumper that kick in when the tailgate goes up.
Yes but the switch should only turn on the lower lights, not turn off the upper lights. Unnecessary complication.
@@_RiseAgainst its an Audi, says a lot.
That is one of the dumbest "It's a feature not a bug" things I've ever seen on a car.
To gimmicky 🙄😑
this is european law that the taillight have to be seen and lit from behind even if the tailgate is up.
Over-engineered. Just make all of the brake lights work all of the time. SMH
Could of, Audi did that because the tail lights are on the tail gate, so there need those lights to be on when it's open, most cars the tail lights are on the vehicle body so it won't need all of that
Your solution makes too much sense for it to ever be considered by a European auto maker.
Amen! Over-engineering is the only thing I have a religious zeal against.
Your right! Just make the tail and stop lights all work what switches are applied on! This Euro has too many switches, sensors.........etc!
Hey Ivan , I have the same problem in my Audi Q7 2012 , the only difference is that the rear driver side back lights work but the rear passenger doesn't work at all. Just wanted to know can I fix it the same way for just one light not working. Or both of them need not to work for it to be the hatchet switches for it to work.
I love my Audi Q7! The MMI is spotty as hell and it drinks a lot of gas ⛽️ but DAMN! is it ever comfortable to drive.
Nice NPR. Thanks Ivan!
I have this exact problem, will check with the scanner and see what is up, Thanks !!!
Thanks for your video it’s allowed me to fixed my car taillight
So adjust the latch? Make sure both switches click and erase codes? Can obd 11 do a basic scan and erase or do I have to go into something specific to erase codes
.
All it takes is a loose screw and some ware and it don't work. Seems to be simple after you find it. Well done Ivan.
q5 2017 ,,, gracias por la información,,, saludos desde sonora México 👍👍👍👍
Nice safety boots Ivan 👌
Worked for my audi q5 ! Thank you!
Remember..if you are losing your mind,you're ready for an Audi.😎
Thanks, man....Keep up with your good work.
But what did you change now or you delete only fail messages in the diagnostic system?
Everything must be perfect. I had a mini van side power door problems with paddle and other type switches. Similar adjustments etc to get to work, that also had a ground problem.
Ivan i now have the engine replaced in my Q7. Had it running to for a bit until it cut off....i have door handle touch sensors issue. I saw how to clear that issue have not checked to see if all the other codes which were present with old engine in vehicle are all still there or not ? Just letting you know i finally got engine and installed it. Its definitely been one hell of a journey with this darn vehicle....couple things still need to check verify and resolve ....
There is a TSB for this very issue, simple fix I had the very same issue on my 2013 Q7
What did the TSB say?
Just started the video and reading through the comments
Yes there is TSB - fixed my first
Since have done 3
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics TSB says to install spacers under the paddle switches with dimensions of no less than 5.5mm I.D., no greater than 13mm O.D., and no thicker than 5.6mm. so a pair of 1/4" washers on each side should work. The OE spacers are 4L0863191A which are the same parts they use on the interior trim panel for the rear quarter trim under the screws.
What kind scanner is that?
See description
Very enlightening!
Hey my friend. I see you really like that thinkpad pro.. How does it seem to work with domestic vehicles. Another great no parts required. Now that we got rid of Wolfies mandates. Maybe I can get up there and we can enjoy afew adult beverages.
Does the break light on top was working before fixing ? My case are working except taillights
You’re the man 🏍🏍
How do you access the door touch sensor in handle to unplug the connector.
I loved this video so good great job on the tail lights
Do you know the part name to the latch part that the rear gate closes I broke a little wing down inside there so my brake lights won’t work now
great job on this Ivan!
Can you do a video on the thinktool? I"m currently using a Bosch ADS 625 and like it but am looking towards my next tablet scan tool. I'd love to know your thoughts and have a "real life" tour!
Bosch 625 is clunky and overpriced... Get the ThinkTool, it's a powerhouse!
So what did you do to fix it? I'm lost?
I have this problem on Q5 2013, and even after swapping the sensor I still get "light system" warning on dashboard with a loud beep. Any idea what else I can check?
What to do if there is no wiring or paddle switches in that area.. Where else could the switches be ? I have a 2017 Q3 Same exact issue. I'm thinking in the door itself, But i'd like an idea before tearing into the door.. Thanks,.
The more German cars I dealt with the more I'm glad I only buy Honda or Toyota with my own money 🤪.
We have a 2018 Q7 both main rear lights turned off with the ! and light out - any suggestions?
Why in earth would you program hatch tail lights to shut off under any circumstances?
Great question! xD
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnosticsbecause they don't need to be on when the hatch is open, as they aren't visible from the back anyway...? Not to mention that the auxiliary lights turn on instead, so I don't see any problem here.
Sooo.... after you adjust the brack AND reset it, the tail lights worked again?
Hi, I have a 2013 Audi Q7. The right tail light on the lift gate partially work. The middle light work but not the one around it. Any help appreciated. Warning signal reads “ right turn signal” and “ right brake light”
Thanks
Hola cual fue la solucion?
MOST EXCELLENT IVAN.
Coming from a solus ultra, Im interested in that thinkware. How have you been liking it so far?
It's the bees knees for cars full of modules!
Thanks sorted my Audi Q3 fault.
Same brake light system on my '09 Volvo V70. I should imagine all cars with their brake lights in the tail gate have similar systems too.
I was waiting for the bonus footage...... but it was just a commercial :(
So was the problem that the trim panel wasn’t in correctly? You didn’t have to adjust anything?
I wasn't clear about the fix either.
Ivan said the trim peace yes was not clipped in right so the door wasn’t hitting the switches. Ivan did say the owner replaced the switches so he didn’t put it back together 100%
Yes that was the root cause of the problem :)
So what you had to do was realign rear hatch and reset codes to fix?
Great video by the way
That's awesome, great job....
what could be a code (sporadic 009-Open or short to ground) help will be appreciated , thanks
I had that same issue just replaced the kick plate but lights on the tailgate won’t work at all.
Have you tried resetting the codes?
What?? No bonus footage? 🧐
🙄
Yes ,we need brake lights in the bumper also, because we regularly drive with the hatch open.this is good engineering..?not.
It allows the boot to have a bigger opening. Also, the purpose is not to drive with the boot open, but rather when you're stopped at the side of the road.
nice work
Havin problems with 08 Audi q7 tailights done took to mechanic 3 times tail lights won’t stay on done replace twilight switch n all kinda of stuff one will work den sometimes neither one works hate to take to dealership for something simple but really hate can’t drive truck @ night
#EuroProblems
What was problem then ?
Audi 😅
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics did you replace anything to tix this?
Great job
A lot of vehicle manufacturers are over engineering systems that really don't need that level of complexity
He brought it to the right shop to fix it
He said the 5 hour round trip was well worth it 😁👍
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Yah anyone else would have thrown part's at it or forget to check the basics
How much do you hate yourself when an Audi comes into the shop? Haha just kidding, they are great vehicles
I’d like to see Scotty killers commentary on this car and it’s problems...🤣
you are pretty sharp...
U skipped how they suddenly started working again. owning a Q7 I can add that part LOL. when you cleared all the codes the car finally accepted the fact that you fixed the switches and decided to allow the use of the tail lights lol. Audi's are a really PITA to work on. a lot of things are like that. It will see an intermittent issue and shut off the device. it wont attempt to use it again until u clear the code. not everything but I've seen it enough to know clearing the codes needs to be done lol.
Even though it was fixed, the old codes prevented the lights from working. That's odd.
Yeah, I was surprised by that too. But not too surprised...hard to understand German logic haha
No, both contact switch were not changing until Ivan refitted the panel holding them correctly. After that the lights still didn’t work until he cleared faults. Then once the comfort modules saw the tailgate position working again it sent power to both lamps. No bother to Ivan 👏
Cool video
Overly complicated German design that is not practical with dirt and wear. Had a '12 GTI that used single filament tail lamp bulbs and a PWM to control tail/brake lamp brightness. Went though bulbs as the lamps would get black and burn up.
Audi considers their cars “technician friendly”… right
Hey ivan. Weird thing. Audi has funny way of fixing itself. Sometimes. Lmao
I think he wants a new tyre on the spare wheel, in the boot, it look like a racing slick to me, UK
I didn't saw it in the video.
Did it look like this?
If yes, it's a different type used in some cars
junkmailimages.blob.core.windows.net/large/a9c51c4e98da4574bd0c622e1a9ae240.jpg
Худшего места для установки микропереключателей трудно найти...
👍👍👍
Two comfort modules for a comfortable car lol