2008 Volkswagen GTI Head Lights

Tiny
DON GTI
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
I have a VW GTI 2008. The service message came on month ago and read Left dip beam not working. Found out that means low beam headlight was not working, so I started the car and checked. The driver side head light was flickering after a 5-10 seconds it would stay on for the most part, but a few flickers. Yesterday morning no headlights would go on at all, had to drive with fog lights only. I checked the fuse it was fine. If you turn the switch off and on there is a quick flash of light on the passenger side Low beam but it doesn't go on. High beam do not work either. Weird that both went out at the same time. All other electrical items work fine. What is causing the problem?
Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 10:14 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
The OEM bi xenon headlight have problems, and that's what you have. It is common to get a code indicating dipped low beam which results in the lights not working, burnout, flickering or other issues, The problem is determining the cause. My first guess is the igniter is bad, which isn't a cheap component. However, I need you to pull the bulb and check the socket for damage. Also, the igniter, which is known to burn up internally, should be checked.

If these items don't appear to be a concern and you're sure the bulbs are good, the next item is a bad headlight ballast. Again, it's not a cheap component. What I would suggest is this. If there is no obvious concerns with the igniter, bulbs, or bulb sockets, you should take it to a shop for inspection. The reason I recommend this is because both components are expensive and they can be really tricky to troubleshoot. The Ballast is well over a hundred dollars, and the last I checked, the igniter was over 200.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
DON GTI
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I will pull the bumper off this weekend and Let up know what I see or send you a picture so that you can give me your thoughts if it is not obvious. YEAH the parts are expensive. I hear you can get used and tested parts off eBay at a 1/3 the price from a forum. Thanks for your time.
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Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I'm sorry I had to give you the bad news. Let me know what you find.
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Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 5:40 PM
Tiny
DON GTI
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  • 4 POSTS
The bulb has a cloudy spot on it, but the piece outside the glass is intact. Is the bulb still good? It would be hard to believe that both low beams and both high beams all went out at the same time.
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Friday, October 2nd, 2015 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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The only way to be sure if the bulb is bad is to check it for continuity. Do you know how to check that?
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Sunday, October 4th, 2015 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
DON GTI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have a multi meter, but Not sure how to do it. Isn't the igniter in the way? Any help you be great. I checked the connection piece and one contact read 12 volts, and the city lights work. I can check it, just tell me how. Thanks
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Sunday, October 4th, 2015 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hay, if you have 12V to the socket, chances are the bulb is bad. To check continuity, you have to remove the bulb, set your multi-meter to continuity, and just see if power flows through the bulb.
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Thursday, October 8th, 2015 AT 7:58 PM

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