I just had a 2001 A6 2.7t returned from some body work... and the bright lights won't work. When I flip the lever on the steering module, the bright light on the dash console briefly flashes, but the lights stay on dim. When I hold the lever back manually, then the bright lights work. Anyone know what causes this and how to fix it?

 

You have a bad switch.

 

The headlight switch in the dash is the problem, its not the stalk that activates the high beams.
Push the switch in, turn it to the right, and pull backwards and the switch will come out of the dash.