Audi A3 Sportback LED Rear Tail Lamp Retrofit Upgrade

How to install 2008-2012 Facelift Sportback LED Rear Tail Lamps on Pre Facelift Audi 2004-2008 Sportback!
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[@michaelwachira3323]

This was very helpful. Many thanks. The left rear light was spot on. I had a bit of trouble in connecting the rear right light based on the connection in the diagram you provided. Here is the connection I made and worked based on many trial and error stints. 1. Black and Green - indicator light went straight to black and green wire on new unit. This was on middle right three pin row per your diagram. 2. Brown - earth - went to brown wire on new unit. This was on the top right three pin row per your diagram. 3. Grey/Red - LED - went to the bottom left three pin row per your diagram. 4. Blank pin was middle left three pin row per your diagram. 5. White - for two two bulbs spliced - went to top left three pin row as well as bottom right three pin row per your diagram. Of course the advice to keep checking whether the lights are on or off was helpful as I was able to isolate the problem after repeated checks on this video! Thumbs up, as I said before this was of much help.

[@nickshabir4785]

Wachira Kamau Thanks Wachira. I followed the wiring on the video and it didn’t work. I tried swapping the lights around as I thought the rear tail light was faulty until I read your post. It’s because of your reply I was able to wire the right hand light up. Thanks a million.

[@max_white_cars_hip-hop_2000]

Hi, many thanks from France 🇫🇷 Helped me a lot through the installation, the part with the licence plate light was a bit tricky but I made it 👍

[@vwjd77]

So ive just completed the same install on my 2005 a3. I paid for the plug and play adapters because of the ease of installation. Codes work perfectly and the transformation and refreshing look, is well worth the effort. Many thanks for taking the time to share your experiences 👍👍

[@mg.2537]

Hi did you have to wire the inner boot lights to the number plate lights even with the adapters or you didn’t ?

[@mitsakosred1243]

@@mg.2537 the wire that is inner light that I just put it ?? Help

[@mitsakosred1243]

And the coding it's same for all 8pa?? I have A3 2006

[@p8nty]

Do you have a link for the adaptors 👍🏼

[@v1be_jar985]

Where did you buy the tail lights

[@tof3275]

I have just watched this video again, here is a little tip that you might want to take on board Once you have stripped back the insulation and wound the copper wire around the existing feed I would strong suggest soldering that joint and covering it heat shrink, over time insulation tape degrades and comes loose. With a soldered joint you have a firm copper to copper contact, plus being located in the boot area it is away from the wind so it makes soldering that much easier

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Up to you guys, soldering I did after I left my work once I got to a garage with a power source! Depends how good you are!

[@rcryan7shmee]

TW Randomz I want side marker lights off on tail lights how do I do this ?

[@DanialA11]

I done this to my car today however I had Ebay adapters. But my wiring for the inner lights was different even compared to the diagram you had had to mess about with them got them all working in the end

[@cashbath]

Right I’ve done my and coded it. Worked well and now the inner ones have fused along with my number plate light. Any ideas ?

[@robinbanks.]

Wish there was more like you. Vey helpful and in the comments. Subbed and liked. My next want on my 2009 s line. Thanks!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Appreciate the comment Simone! Stay tuned for more!

[@cytherians]

Good video. Can you point to where you found the VCDS coding instructions? They're hard to follow in this vid. Thanks!

[@marcinsiedlarczyk9808]

Hi I have a problem with my light switch. When I connect vcds I can test all the lights individually and they are working fine including fog lights front and back. But the fog lights don't work when I try switch them on on the switch. Vcds is showing position "1.0" when I switch to parking, position 8.0 when I turn low beam but doesn't show anything when I switch to fogs. I had tried 3 new switches and no joy. Please help Ps I have them tail lights installed with a decoder box

[@dennismokakabye7725]

Thanx mate. im actually trying to do this. this makes everything clear. thanx for the diagram. Now all i am missing is that coding software.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

No worries Dennis, glad the video was helpful. TW

[@marcosm7905]

Thank you. Amazing. I need help. My car as stolen and cut 6 pin conector. I have 6pin light and 6 pin wires but dont have diagram to make a conector. Can you help me?

[@scottmcdonagh6843]

Hello I am having a issue with the brake lights .. When you put the 2 wires together the indicator bulb comes on ...

[@cezarpo]

Man, Great Great mood.. i have an a3 sportback 1.6 manual 2008 but you change the entire light 😭 haha i though you gona modify the original light, here in argentina is almost imposible buy another light.. regards!! Great job!! Im sorry for my bad level of english mate

[@stephenpoole9142]

What year lights are these please so want upgrade and do you know if the fronts can be changed too

[@jayfox3412]

Wired mine all up, having some issues...what are the unused pins on the left and rear lights?

[@paulbrown2080]

So am i going to need to get them coded before they work if i do it the same as your video ?

[@elusive7078]

Top video. Great commentary and instructions. Thanks 👍

[@andraeluke4774]

Quick question should all the lights work b4 coding because my reverse is not working also the outer led is not working My side lights are the where the brke lights are??

[@Glurbschnurb]

Great video. Cheers man! Hoping to get this done today, but I've only got a few hours of daylight. The kufatec harness I bought should make things easier.

[@augustuslanden5456]

I guess Im pretty off topic but does anybody know a good place to stream new movies online ?

[@Jnandrews23]

Hi do u have a link for the harness

[@PIA-BUILD]

Great video buddy I managed to install watching your KZbin video easily. I used the retrofit wire harness purchased at eBay £34. THANKS

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+mpapa ak.g no problem, glad to help

[@JavierGonzaleziii]

thats great man, how did the retrofit work? Is it just plug and play or do you need to do any coding? thanks a lot!

[@PIA-BUILD]

Javier Gonzalez Yes buddy you will require Vagcom for quick and easy programing.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Javier Gonzalez little bit of coding which is show in the video 👍🏾

[@jackgib]

Well explained and really helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

No worries Jack, thanks for watching mate! Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! TW

[@ChrisiPrence]

Nice work mate! I have a question regarding byte 12, because my rear lid lights glowing more than the outer brake lights, can i change it more than 48, for example to make it 90 or 100 ? Thank you

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Believe it is possible mate, never tried though... Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! TW

[@mitsakosred1243]

Bro the coding is standard for all 8pa?? I have 8pa '06

[@Jnandrews23]

Only the outer left has worked for me can anyone tell me why this is?

[@frodomva]

Hey, TW Randomz, I'll be doing this on my 2008. What kind of resistor did you use and how many or where did you had to use them? Also, does it cause any issues with the number plate leds? I currently have leds on my number plate with a resistor, so I'm unsure of what's gonna happen there. Great video!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Didn't use a resistor in the end mate, worked without it..nothing happened with the number plate lights tbh all working as should! Thanks

[@Benko_DieseL]

Are those facelift taillights oem or aftermarket?

[@chrisdefreitas6349]

Does anyone have a video to replace/remove this ENTIRE fixture from the trunk door itself??? This video is just for the bulbs in the fixture. I need to take the whole fixture off the trunk/hatch door!

[@jayfox3412]

What resistor do I use? You mention a resistor then never show anything on it

[@markgroenendijk7919]

Hey i have a question what for diffuser do you added to your a3 sportback it looks good want it also on my a3 ;)

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi mark, its the s line black edition version... I removed my old bumper and replaced with this one...the replacement video is on my channel! Thanks for watching! Please like and subscribe! TW

[@Mrnabilovich]

Great job ... So how much cost if i want to change them either i want to change the front ones to zenun thanks mate u do a great job

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Glad to help mate! Not sure... but id say contact VAG CAR CODING ... Thanks for watching! Please like and subscribe! TW

[@ivanjost4147]

Where icane finde vcds ?

[@jayfox3412]

Tim, you mentioned resistors in the wiring process... did they pop an indicator light on the dash?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Mine didn’t at the end mate...weirdly every forum said it would

[@omnyt]

Hi Tim. I’ve an A3 8P Sportback from 2006. I’ve bought the new headlights and the loom adapters. I also used your information in the video to turn on the led in the inners. Everything is working ok for me now. However the 2 bulbs in the outers are on with the LED, and just get stronger when I stop. Is that normal? Is that why you do the coding? Thank you in advance. Best regards

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi mate, I've read that has happened before to someone but I can't recall what they had done to repair it unfortunately. You need to check these settings in your coding: Byte 9 to Dec = 0 (turns off bulb as light) Byte 10 to Dec = 0 (turns off bulb as light) Byte 12 to Dec = 48 (brightest setting for bulbs; 36 being a slightly dimmer alternative) Byte 19 to De-active (turns off the bulb-check function of the LED tube, thus stopping the flickering when ignition switched on) if this fails then check out this forum page mate... good luck! www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/a3-rear-light-face-lift-install-summary-of-information.208169/ Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! God bless TW

[@omnyt]

Tim Williams Hi again. In that case why do you do the coding in a first time? What is “wrong” that you need to code it? Regards

[@TimWilliamsHD]

My car didn’t need that coding as I didn’t use the adapters.

[@javup5372]

Hi, just a quick question about the lights. I found one on eBay with plugs and wiring ready and the seller mentioned that it would just be plug and play for both the inner and outer lights without any wiring. Would this be the case? Also he mentioned that no coding would be required after installation, so I wanted to know if I have to code them after installation and if it’s absolutely necessary? Thank you!

[@paulbrown2080]

Did u have to code them after installation?

[@mohammedibrar6334]

How much would it cost to get done?

[@sokratischarisis3238]

Nice job mate! What valance/rear diffuser do you have?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi Socrates, I don't have the car anymore but it was the black edition bumper... bought off eBay from someone who was breaking his car as he crashed the front... Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! God bless TW

[@LevisAlimuci]

Hello! I have bough an a3 2005 with 2011 sline look. The back lights are like the ones you put in your car. The only thing is that in mine appart of the led which constantly stays on, its always on even the inside part(which should be the previous positionig light of the old type of lights). Can i just do sth like removing the lamps inside so i get only the led constantly on and clear the error somehow by computer? Thanks.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Looks to me like wrong coding mate... You’ll need to take it to someone with VCDS...

[@akrammula8906]

Hi there mate. Thanks for the video. Do you know how i can get auto lights? Ide like them to turn on when i unlock the car. Thanks

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi mate for something like this, you'll need to buy a rain and light sensor I believe. Also you will need a need headlight switch with auto function. Try companies like Audi-retrofits and vag car coding...they're great at retrofitting parts

[@akrammula8906]

TW Randomz thank you once again! Would it just be a plug and play for me or would coding be required? I have an a3 2010 facelift with drls but not xenons

[@TK-rgb]

Got a question. I installed these last night, outer ones works perfectly, but the inner light on the hatch do not. I spliced the license plate wire, and the license plate lights still work. But I am getting nothing from my hatch lights and am pulling an error when the car cannot detect them? is it a faulty harness? (kufatech) or do you think I spliced the wires wrong. Thanks!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

most likely a wire wrong... use a multimeter to check which wires are live when sidelights are switch on... should be 12 volts..

[@gk1985y]

Hi,did you took standard bulbs out ? And you have to split the tail light to put led in ? Sorry about silly questions but what you've done is great

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hey mate, all bulbs are standard the LED strip comes as standard on the newer tail lights.. Subscribe and like please! Also hit the notification button too! TW

[@gk1985y]

Oh ok :/ I want to install led strip just don't know how to disable bulb error via vcds

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Ah I don’t have VCDS or that car anymore so can’t be of much help, try vagcarcoding on Instagram..I learnt most things from him! Good luck big man!

[@darren05]

i have done this and spliced & soldered onto the origional wiring maintaining the old connectors, however one side i am getting very low power on the light (bulb faded), but the other side is fine, i swapped the dim side over to the other and i am getting the same, and the other side is fine, so i know the cabeling is fine, would you know the reason behind this? would it be a faulty bulb holder?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

What do you mean by Dim Side? Is it the bulb or the whole unit that is dim? If it's a bulb try moving it around...

[@darren05]

at the moment, passenger side facelift light is working fine, and drivers side facelift light is like it is getting half power (very dim, also LED tube not lighting up).. when i swap this dodgy drivers side over to the passenger side it also is dim and seeing the same issues, so that has me thinking is it the drivers side bulb holder that is faulty, my original light is working on the drivers side (plus testing the other working passenger light works fine so i know its not the cabling) you mentioned a resister, would this be needed in my circumstances? i still havnt done the bootlid lights, i will do this the weekend, i also noticed that the bulb holder on the passenger side is white, and drivers is black (part #8P4945257D) i have no part number for the white but it looks far superior quality and cannot seem to find a white holder for the drivers side, doubt this is the issue as its the correct part and number for what i am doing

[@0121b]

Darren05 did you manage to find a solution?

[@rcryan7shmee]

Hey @twrandomz mate I would like for the side lights to be off how would I do that ?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

hi mate... needs to be done on VCDS... don't have that car anymore so cant really show...

[@vakaasahmed716]

Hi, I'll be attempting the exact same install, have the wiring harness from the newer lights too that id like to fit on my 8p 2005 sport back you mentioned for the indicator that you put a transistor in, would you mind telling me which one and how many ohms this was. If you could be so kind to actually tell me a dummy's guide of what colours go where. Any help is much appreciated. Great video!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Bought a resistor but didn't even need it!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Send us an email and I'll send you some screen shots

[@vakaasahmed716]

Thanks! This is my first German car, had Japanese before, is it as easy as matching the colours? Don't want to blow something up

[@vakaasahmed716]

Thanks, what's your email address please?

[@vakaasahmed716]

[e-mail]

[@S41F786]

Will coding part be same to any a3 8p model that has old original tail lights to change into led ones ?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Yep! Please like and subscribe!Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos!TW

[@S41F786]

I have tried joining the inner lights into the number plate grey wires but when i turn on the lights the inner lights still doesnt come on but thats have anything to do with coding and stuff ?

[@S41F786]

Plus I have also got kufatec adapters on

[@liaqaitali3434]

HI excuse my ignorance, at 3.12 of the video, there was something about a resistor being fitted, but not sure which ohm resistor i will need. any help would be appreciated thanks.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hey bro, I bought the resistor and was going to use it but the lights worked fine without it so I didn't use it in the end..hope this helps, god bless! Subscribe and like please! Also hit the notification button too! TW

[@liaqaitali3434]

Many thanks, yes i fitted without the resistor and got no warnings from the dashboard so all good. thanks for the share.Thumbs up.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

No worries! Glad it’s all sorted! Subscribe and like please! Also hit the notification button too! TW

[@bmbgn1337]

Did you use adapters, and where you get + for inside tails?

[@eugeneschomburg8330]

Do you have to splice wires or is there a kit available?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

There’s a kit available from kufatec I think... Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! TW

[@raahishhariharan322]

Can this be done on 3 doors Audi A3 as well?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi Raahish, 3 door Audi A3 has 2 types of lights, halogen and led. the led ones are a direct fit so no computer coding or cables needed... Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! God bless TW

[@harisimamovic1485]

Hello! Is it possible to do this coding with obdeleven?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi Haris, Not sure as I have never used it.. Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! TW

[@umrmoh]

Hello mate, can you get mine installed please. I live in london but you will have to put my old style once to the new 2008 and the 2008 audi into my vehicle.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Could happen but would need the loom mate from kufatec .. Message me if interested.. Can give you a quote and price of parts

[@umrmoh]

Can you tell me the quote and price so i can order and then you can install it for me please

[@firefire786]

@@TimWilliamsHD I'm interested can u quote me

[@mehavfigetwehmineed]

Can you just buy an adapter and plug these straight in ?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

You can do but when I checked it was about 60 pounds and from Germany.. I did this for about 15 pound and in one afternoon lol Please like and subscribe! Hit the notification button so you don’t miss out on the new videos! TW

[@0121b]

Are the diagrams for if you don't have a lume? I've spoken to someone and have been informed that it's just simply plug and play, is that the case?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

yes diagrams if you are doing the long job like I did because I didn't want to pay for the loom, loom is plug and play yes! Subscribe and like please! Also hit the notification button too! TW

[@0121b]

Cheers buddy, only thing I'm worried about now is connecting the wire to the number plate lights! Liked and subscribed

[@0121b]

Tim Williams hi there, I've set it all up and booked in for my coding on Saturday, however the left tube light doesn't seem to be on but the right one is, just wondering if this something that could be sorted with coding or if it's damaged or anything, thanks.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Ah that’s all easy! Many thanks! TW

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Don’t think it’s coding, it’s more to do with harness unless it’s something to do with the lights itself?

[@jaydibenedetto5814]

How can you l Tell if number plate will work , if it's led Or any power from that line is good enough??

[@jaydibenedetto5814]

I have 2006 2.0t

[@jaydibenedetto5814]

Iv got 4 wires on my lights and the new lights have 6 can this Sill work

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Not sure mate, check with who you got it from

[@ScotsBeats]

I've just done this tonight on my car, I bought harnesses and connected them all up, Inner lights I connected to the licence plate and then coded them.. but I'm getting no lights from the rear at all? No leds, brake lights or indicators... nothing! Checked for faults and it's saying every bulb it blown. Any ideas?

[@TK-rgb]

ive got the same issue. are your outer ones working? cuz i have nothing from the inner lights and car is yelling at me that theyre out

[@TimWilliamsHD]

most likely a wire wrong... use a multimeter to check which wires are live when sidelights are switch on... should be 12 volts..

[@TimWilliamsHD]

most likely a wire wrong... use a multimeter to check which wires are live when sidelights are switch on... should be 12 volts..

[@TK-rgb]

TW Randomz Turns out I'm a dumbass, had the adapters on the wrong lights, flipped em and all is good! Thanks!

[@JarHeadP3]

Im having the same issue, are the adaptors for the inner boot lid lights made for each specific side then?

[@aniquerizwan]

Only Left Outer works... Anytging else isnt working following the wiring here... Help please.

[@Jnandrews23]

Did u get this sorted? I have had the same issue

[@aniquerizwan]

@@Jnandrews23 ..yeah..had to try diff combos mate. I dont exactly remember how i did that. Sorry for that.

[@andraeluke4774]

Hiw much would u charge to code this pls

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Sorry Andrae, don't have this car anymore or the software ... Good luck mate! TW

[@aniquerizwan]

Can this thing be done without coding part?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

No mate, needs coding :) please like and sub!

[@aniquerizwan]

@@TimWilliamsHD yeah...i got a vcds hex v2 and got em working ! Had to plug n play with wiring though... 🤪

[@rolandxx9867]

thanks very much !!!!!

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Sweet mate! Glad to have helped!

[@kevinmathews7656]

Hey mate i did exactly whats there but nothing but the reverse light works What did i do wrong ?

[@fhbprod.6811]

I have the same issue, any help would be appreciated!

[@joehew1641]

Was going to do this until I saw the software part. I guess I have to keep the old lights 😭😭😭

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi Joe, There is a module you can buy which does it all just be plugging in the dongle into the obd port. Alternatively, look on audisport.com and find a vcds user in your area who will do it for some beer tokens! Good luck mate! Please subscribe and like! TW

[@casiodan]

Hi. When you took the trim off to do the inside lights, whats the electrical unit next to the wiper motor? Looks a bit like a hard-drive.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

Hi Danny, Unfortunately, I've had 2 cars since then so I can't recall as this was over 3 years ago lol... Thanks for watching, please like subscribe! TW

[@casiodan]

Tim Williams no worries mate. I had another look this morning and it’s for the heated rear window 👍

[@mehavfigetwehmineed]

You have a lot of patience

[@TimWilliamsHD]

haha yeh if I had to do it again, I would just buy the adapter to be honest lol! Subscribe and like please! Also hit the notification button too! TW

[@mehavfigetwehmineed]

Can you just buy the facelift rear lights and buy an adapter plug them in and go?

[@asadsardar7266]

Could you do this on my car?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Asad Sardar i'm in london mate if interested, send a message!

[@asadsardar7266]

+TW Randomz Hi, I'm in New Malden, if that is near you then we can arrange a time.

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Asad Sardar what parts do you have?

[@asadsardar7266]

+TW Randomz I will be buying the whole kit comes with the adapters and everything needed

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Asad Sardar perfect! Send me an inbox message and I'll sort something out

[@mudymalik1992]

could you do that on my car?

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Mudy Malik where are you based

[@mudymalik1992]

Birmingham

[@TimWilliamsHD]

+Mudy Malik ouch sorry mate, I'm in London :(