Hi All -

I am a first time Audi owner, and I must say, I'm hooked. I'm having an issue, though, and I'm hoping someone might have an idea what I should do to fix it.

The info console has been registering an error with the right brake light. I actually searched this forum, found how to replace the bulb, did so, and it still doesn't work. So - in my mind this suggests the problem could be:

[ul][*]fuse related;[*]computer/sensor related;[*]wiring related[/ul]The fuse in question controls both right and left, correct? If that's true, because the left side works fine, it's probably not a fuse issue. If it's the computer or a bad sensor, I'll have to take it to thge delearship I'm sure. If it's wiring, maybe I could do something. So gurus - how should I attack the problem? My hunch is that it may be wiring; that collection of wires looked pretty beaten up leading to the light assembly. Is there a particular place or way to arrange the wires so they don't get crimped when the lighting assembly is back in place?

Thanks so much for your help!
Tim

 

May be a dumb question - but are you sure you replaced the correct bulb?

 

Yeah - I actually tested the lights once I replaced the bulb. The rear light that comes on when the headlights are on worked as expected, as did the blinker. The rear fog light is at the very top of the array (though it hadn't been there previously) - so that left only one possibility, there in the middle. I validated that the bulb was good - the filament is clean and no connections are broken. It should be - it's a brand new bulb!

 

Rear light (Saloon) - exploded view of components



1-
Bulb for tail light



q
12 V, 5 W



2-
Bulb for brake light / tail light



q
12 V, 21/5 W



3-
Clip nut



q
2x



4-
Electrical connector



5-
Retainer



q
Renew if seal is damaged



6-
Nut, 12 Nm



7-
O-ring



q
Renew if damaged



8-
Bolt, 6 Nm



9-
Turn signal bulb



q
12 V, 21 W



q
Orange



10-
Bulb for reversing light



q
12 V, 21 W



11-
Bulb carrier



12-
Bulb for rear fog light



q
12 V, 21 W



13-
Housing

[IMG]local://upfiles/12092/1FC82CCB72834A6C917BAB8F5941CA01.jpg[/IMG]

 

its a twin filament bulb and has 2 lead connectors on the end

 

#

[IMG]local://upfiles/12092/FAD1302030944FE397AA5D62D6F512FE.jpg[/IMG]

 

Dave - Thanks for the diagram, but that's not at all what mine looks like. I have a total of 4 light sockets, all in line. The top is the rear fog light, then the turn signal light, then the brake light, then the rear taillight. The brake light in question is a single lead bulb - only the rear taillight is twin lead. I have a 2003 1.8T Avant.

 

A new problem has arisen here. Tne rear light now doesn't work - on the same side that the brake light isn't working. I am 100% positive that these are related issues. Can any of you technicians out there give me a couple clues as to where I should start to troubleshoot this before taking it to the dealer?

Thanks for your help, guys. I hope everyone out there is having a wonderful holiday season, and that 2008 is a great year.