[s-cars] Problem with OEM Xenons

[Young, Steve]

Sean...

Based upon what you have described, I would look at the relays.  Before
you change anything, can you test the circuit with a voltmeter while the
problem is manifesting itself?  Sounds like your constant 12V source to
the control boxes may be leaking through the relay contacts somehow?
Can you get to the relay contacts to check the contacts for closure when
they are supposed to be open? 


Regards,

				TRANE
Steven Young
Local Operations Manager
Albany Office




-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Sean Douglas
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2007 1:52 PM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: [s-cars] Problem with OEM Xenons

I have the OEM e-code xenons in my S6 and am having a problem. I
installed them myself over a year ago with no issues.

 

Last week, while the car was parked and locked, the left low beams came
on by itself. I played with the switch and it wouldn't turn off, so I
pulled the fuse which interrupts the constant 12V to the relays and it
turned off.

 

The relays are mounted inside a sealed control box that I assume houses
the ballast and igniter as well. There is constant 12V running to it,
which I have fused as well as switched power from the headlight switch.

 

I thought the problem might be either a bad headlight switch or even an
ignition switch.

 

When I got home, I put the fuses back in. The next day, I was driving in
traffic and one of the low beams came on by itself again (I could see
the reflection), so I cycled the headlight switch and after a few tries
it went off, but they would not come on again - but finally did only
after several tries.

 

So later, I experimented and pulled both headlight fuses in the fuse box
by the driver's door. I figured if they still came on with these fuses
pulled then I have eliminated the headlight switch (switched 12V) in the
circuit and it must be the control boxes.

 

This morning I went out to my car and the *right* headlight was on, so
now I'm thinking both left and right control boxes are bad. Somehow 12V
is getting to the headlight and I'm suspecting it's the relay inside the
control boxes.

 

I know OEM xenons are rare and few listers have them, but has anyone
tried to take apart the control boxes? The downside is that the control
box and bulb are hardwired to each other and sold as one piece which is
very expensive. Last time I checked they were around $400 euros each!

 

Some people have suggested it might be the ignition switch, but I fail
to see how it is leaking 12V to the headlights. I guess I'll try
replacing the ignition switch as it's cheap to see if it fixes the
problem.

 

Any electrical gurus out there that can offer advice?

 

Thanks,

 

Sean Douglas

1997 S6

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