How to Fix Dim Audi RS3/S3/A3 DRL

We show you a couple of ways to fix your dim DRL on your Audi A3

[@dadlifediydoityourselflike2293]

First off....EXCELLENT video. Thanks. This helped me repair my 2018 A3 DRLs. I found that if the LEDs are not burned out but only yellowed due to melting of the tube you can clean off the yellow with rubbing alcohol or similar solvent cleaning product. If you get them clean it restores the white color and no replacement is needed.

[@JaysonSRM]

You're a legend for taking the time to do this video. Dealer trying to sting me with $1000 for each side for an entire new unit

[@karmfree]

Bro I got robbed by $3000 and they didn’t fix the problem 🤦🏻

[@kayto9311]

Same

[@borderlineiq]

They are charging some folks $4500 to replace entire units instead of replacing just the broken component. Shame on Audi for making a $4500 headlight. That's not luxury. It's pisspoor design and engineering. Shame!

[@dontsugarcoat2729]

I'll just from $2500 on a new headlight. This seems difficult

[@sirdaddybigboss]

@@dontsugarcoat2729 so you want your other headlight to be new and the old one stays which is bound to fail in the future. looks like ur gonna be spending 5k in total

[@nixmoore2008]

On my 2018 Q7 they want $4000 to fix this DRL issue (the new headlight is $3600). This video is absolutely the best. Both my DRL’s failed but only 1 came in under warranty period. Unbelievable they would engineer such a ridiculous contraption in a headlight that is a safety item. Audi needs to get a grip. I refuse to use the dealership for anything out of warranty. Really appreciate your time in making this video.

[@thaidong09]

Omg, I love your explaining the way how the daytime running light works, I actually understand and know what the problem is now without buying a new light I'm gonna try and do what you done thank you buddy you are the best I'm subscribing for sure

[@SuperHahahaha123]

Thank you so much for making this! Most videos are just replacing the whole DRL strip this is so much easier.

[@luthergrefalda]

My 18 Q7 just started having the dim DRL issue. This is the greatest video ever in life! Saving viewers thousands! Thank you for taking the time! Liked & Subscribed.

[@jonathangipaya]

Did you have any luck with this method?

[@alexanderpace3401]

I just wanna say thank you for saving me 1500$ plus labour. I had this problem my strip light is good as new. Legend 😊

[@NoRevving]

Heck yeah!

[@wacky1337]

You maybe just saved me 2200 euro's, my S3 is exactly like that since last week and the dealer obviously wanted to replace the whole unit. Thanks for making this vid!

[@azizok4238]

How did you clean that area?

[@mcld4214]

Idk why ppl kept saying get a new headlight thank you for his valuable info

[@christopherhernandez5349]

You just saved me lots of money ! Thank you

[@peterolsovsky]

Fantastic video, will be doing it this weekend. Same problem. thank you, thank you for your guidance!

[@NoRevving]

Best of luck!

[@davidjackson7455]

Did it work? How does the repaired side look compared to the good side? Thank you.

[@1Chilean]

Great video! Thank you. Will try this on my C7 A6

[@mrdark969]

great video I'm gonna take mine apart now to find out what it is but again thanks for the video amd your time.

[@JCe92m3]

I always wondered how this “light piping” worked vs the Christmas lights look, thank you for explaining the tube🫡

[@bananajoe6643]

brought my S3 with exact same problem to Audi. they explained me the same.. LED burned they replaced it for 300€ but that did not help obviously. so they want another 2.2k to replace a headlight... thank u sir for that video

[@fahdkamil6863]

This is such a helpful video. Thank you so much

[@NoRevving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nader7959]

Hey man, what was the process of taking out the frame of the headlight itself like? I went to a few shops and they all said it’s a risky job, especially with the silicone sealant and all. I was wondering if it’s actually more complicated than it seems in this video?

[@DLee.3]

Have a b8.5 S5 with the same problem this video came in clutch, it’s been bugging me for over a year now🙏🏾

[@NoRevving]

Heck yeah!

[@kayto9311]

Solid tutorial!

[@liamwatson925]

Brilliant video, thanks so much 👍

[@keithmoks]

Thanks for sharing the great tips. May I know how you polish the tube and refill the polished part? Thanks!

[@NoRevving]

Just use a very fine sandpaper and polish it with some plastics or buffing compound.

[@luispedrocarvalho7342]

Do you know the size of the damaged LED SMDs ? Perhaps the board is still good and soldering new ones on would fix it.

[@robbiejoekar8986]

Hi, great video. Do you have the link on where you bought the chip unit for the light? I have an Audi Q7,2017 has the same problem Thanks

[@trinikmandee5445]

Hey. I have the same issue with my Q7/2017 4M.I reply need help as I am all the way in the Caribbean

[@clivethompson2359]

I really like your video..I have the same car..but my driver side headlight is not working..just the high beam and lowe beam..how can I fix it..thanks if you can help

[@Nickwsouza]

Thank you for this man!

[@dempicy6091]

Is there a site to buy a lense, new tube, and the led Sensor from? For a 2014 audi S5. I hit a deer and just the lense is crack. And tube has a little crack in 2 spots

[@davidjackson7455]

This is awesome! Thank you. I will be doing this tomorrow to my daughter's 2017 A3 (Driver's side DRL). Question - do you believe the LED diodes need to be up against the end of the silicon tube? My plan is to use a fine grit Dremel bit to just sand off the burnt end of the tube. Also purchased a new LED chip from EBay ($40) as you suggested. I'm paying our Audi mechanic to remove the headlamp lens; I will handle the sanding with my Dremel, then he will re-install. Before we re-install of course will test it. My intent is not to add any foreign material (liquid silicon or acrylic); rather, just sand off the burnt end of the tube - thus my question of whether or not the LED diode must rest against the tube, or can their be a slight gap (after sanding) between the tube and the LED diodes? I will try to video the job and share (if that's possible). Thanks again - you're amazing.

[@davidjackson7455]

Completed the DRL repair today just as NR shows in his video. The original OEM LED Chip was fine. Did have some burn residue on the diodes which whiped off with rubbing alcohol. The end of the plastic/silicon tube inside the head lamp (the DRL tube) was burnt just like shown in the NR video. I used a fine "arrow" shaped Dremel tip (came with the Dremel kit - hard green, fine grit bit) to sand the burnt section of the tube down. The final product was a pretty clear end to the DRL tube; the tube is a very hard plastic and when I zoom in on the picture of the "after" effect, it shows some sign of cracking inside the center of the tube (similar to glass cracking). Is the final product (DRL look) as good as a new headlight assembly (lowest quote for new assembly was $1,800)? Not quite, however it is 95% + better, whiter, and brighter than it was before. I paid our Audi mechanic $110 to remove the front bumper and headlight assembly and replace all after I completed the repair to the tube myself. Worth every penny. Total savings nearly $1,700.

[@NoRevving]

Legit. Well done, fam

[@francescosiddi1082]

Hi, great video. I did not understand if he replaced the polyglas led bar that he removed from the old lighthouse or if he polished the burnt one. I would like to know how to disassemble the bar to be able to polish it. Thank you

[@NoRevving]

Just polished the end of it. To remove the tube you have to bake open the headlight and dissemble. Much easier to just polish the end.

[@johnwalshaw]

Very impressive! That screw, which is buried and requires an extension, is a real pain to get to.

[@SDChillRide]

what about the rear light? do they have chips as well?

[@kelvinw6678]

great video! besides the burnt end and weaken led, do you think the yellowing drl will be caused by the tube itself? I mean like the whole tube is getting yellowish.

[@NoRevving]

🤷‍♂️ perhaps lol. This is just how we fixed ours.

[@raydemi4488]

hi, can you please show how you removed the headlights from the car and how to bake and open + seal it ?

[@bh251cc]

this is an excellent resource.

[@johnstewart481]

Thanks for the video, great info! I am having this issue with the lower portion of the DRL..Is there a way you know of to repair in thia way without opening up the headlight? Thanks in advance!

[@NoRevving]

No matter what the issue is you’ll need to either open up the headlight or buy a whole new one (or find one in the junkyard).

[@dadlifediydoityourselflike2293]

I also found that it may not be necessary to bake out and remove the LED tube. if you can clean off the yellow from the end of the tube without removing it - even if the end of the tube is not perfectly smooth - it restores the brightness....as long as you also make sure the LEDs are cleaned up (see my other comment) in order to get back to a white color

[@Earth_By_Board]

I’ve owned my Audi for 2 days. I’ve got this problem and a pre-sense issue already. I have never regretted buying a car so much in my life

[@NoRevving]

Hopefully, these are your only issues.

[@Jonathan-pg4fj]

Same

[@ssampathfdo]

Amazing explanation, thanks! I have 2015 AUDI A3 (Australia) and it's left side (curbside) DRL is not working. Do you know the part number for this?

[@NoRevving]

We do not, sorry.

[@miguelenriquez7123]

Great video, thank you so much! I just have one doubt. If only my DRL is out, is replacing the tube necessary or as long as I do the chip I will be fine?

[@NoRevving]

You probably won’t know until you get in there. But if your DRL is out completely, it’s probably just the chip.

[@MacaulayBurtonBmx]

Is there any way to remove the guide tube without opening up the headlight? You can buy the guide tubes

[@azizok4238]

hello can you tell me how you cleaned that yellow part

[@derrickgarcia303]

Thanks for sharing!

[@absolute1020]

I would like to search for the chips in eBay but I don’t know the terms , any hints would be appreciated , thanks !

[@seany.9103]

Great video! Thank you so much. Recommend magnetic tools as those buried screws are a b&^#$ to put back in. Also that clip holding in the headlight was tough! In my case, the LED tube was very small (maybe only 5mm diameter), concave and brittle, so couldn't really clean out / polish out the burnt end very well so had to just scratch out as best I good. Not perfect, but slightly better than before.

[@NoRevving]

Awesome!

[@etiennemallia564]

Hey thanks for this video. What about the bottom tube? Is it the same one as only the bottom one is off in my case

[@NoRevving]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHavpGCKjp52r5Isi=HbWsxi-WnkBpz80U

[@craigwilliams1167]

Whats the best this to clean it with

[@christerberg5861]

Hi.Great video! Does this only affect 2017 models or is it the 17,18,19 facelift models? Thanks for reply in advance!

[@NoRevving]

We only pulled apart this model.

[@nicolasrk]

Super useful and concrete information man. Just one question: Is needed to disconnect the battery when u removed the headlight? I mean in order to avoid some check engine error/message later

[@NoRevving]

I didn’t disconnect my battery and I didn’t have any error messages.

[@hitechhero3851]

THANK YOU for making this video! Dealer replaced the entire headlight assembly on my daughters 2019 A3 through Audi CPO warranty. It started dimming so they replaced the whole thing. Problem now is the passenger side doesn’t match…new DRL is a bright white and the passenger side is an amber/yellow color. Do I just need to replace the DRL control unit? I don’t understand what you guys mean by “bake”. Sorry I’m not the most handy so I appreciate any guidance here. Thanks so much!

[@NoRevving]

It really depends on the the issue. the DCU could be the culprit, or the end of the fiber optic could be the issue. As for baking: Bake, like a cake, put the headlight in an oven to soften the glue that holds the clear lends to the head light housing.

[@Phynomeagle]

@@NoRevving I need to replace both lenses...they are all jacked up. Sooo, I am thinking of baking, but what I don't want to happen is my lights to get damaged, because I did not seal them correctly. Any tips on how I might go about this...I imagine I can just about search any headlight repair not related to Audi.

[@zoltanboross7394]

Could you make a video tutorial on how to take apart the lamp?

[@malte9172]

What a phenomenal video! Thank you! Whats the Part-Number for the Chips? I Need the left one

[@NoRevving]

We don’t have numbers because we ordered headlights from a wrecked car.

[@m3ntas]

Wow mate, you are awesome! I have the same problem and my lights are matrix led so the light apparently is more expensive. Which is the OEM reference number for that part? You safe me, thank you so much, I am going to do the same!! 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😘😘

[@NoRevving]

Don't recall. We just went looking on ebay and google.

[@smartDevin]

matrix LED headlight drl module is 8V0998473B 8V0998474B, I got form antparts and fixed my headlight.

[@michellocoffie427]

Thnks you men God bless u. Hope u did the left one before it burns it to

[@DaseggMQB]

Do 2018 a3’s s3’s and rs3’s all have compatible headlights?

[@mzeb8537]

Helo sir I did this the colour is now good but brightnes i a little bit less then the good one how is that

[@terranceward5872]

Thanks for the vid.. isn’t it possible to just replace the drl tube? Would they be on the market? Also can you assess the tube without taking apart the headlight?

[@SayHelloToTheRobots]

aliexpress has replacement tubes, just search for the needed

[@NoRevving]

You could definitely replace the tube. I doubt they are sold individually. You would probably have to buy a cheap damaged light on eBay. But it’s way easier and cheaper to just clean off the end of the tube.

[@Jasonoh9898]

Hey I also have the bottom part of the DRL dim. Would you be able to maybe locate the module for the lower part or make a video on what the bottom tube looks like and where it connects? TIA!

[@NoRevving]

Honestly, it was forums, google, and ebay that led us to making this video. If the lower part goes out... then maaaaybe another video will come about this. But its assumed you need an answer soon than that. lol

[@NoRevving]

@Rubixxx Probably will make another vid soon, lower DRL just has started to have issues.

[@Jasonoh9898]

I ended up buying a set of headlights off aliexpress

[@Jasonoh9898]

Just tried fitting and theyre faulty so still looking for a solution

[@NoRevving]

@@Jasonoh9898 you should open your old ones

[@joeyhernandez5980]

im trying to find it on ebay for my 2013 a4 but i dont know what to search for i tried drl module drl bulb.. what do i type in please? thanks in advance

[@huggystate5737]

Would this work for a 2016 s3?

[@Daniel88santos]

Hello, and what about if it is the other part (bottom & side) of the DRL that is dimmed? The first part of the DRL( the one that is dimmed in your video) it's ok but. Thank you. Best regards.

[@NoRevving]

Honestly, not sure. This is our first attempt at doing this and only looked into resolving this specific issue.

[@NoRevving]

We just posted a video about the lower DRL

[@Daniel88santos]

@@NoRevving thanks a lot, I will check it now.

[@Hypantaleo]

8:16 what is the actual process for “baking” and removing the cover? how do i do this?? thank you sm btw

[@robertquaintance838]

Bravo sir. I hope this works for the 2016 A7 prestige DRL

[@NoRevving]

Let’s us know

[@tttropicano6720]

Hey. The only video online that actually explains what to do. I have a question though. DO you reckon this would be the same process for a VW ARTEON? I just have my passenger DRL go dim and my suspicion is because of the LED Module burning out. Stealership advised me a new headlight which cost $2400 AUD + $360 install fee.

[@NoRevving]

It would probably be similar.

[@my2monstas]

Thank you for this video! I’m hoping I can find someone to do this for me. I got quoted $10,800+ to get this done by the Audi dealership service dept 😵‍💫

[@NoRevving]

Yikes! Maybe you can find so old headlights on eBay. Probably the easiest move.

[@song725]

Hello sir. But my Drl just completely gone. So is that a tube issue or Drl module

[@prakashsoni4185]

Hi i have a Audi q7 2016 model n it has the same issue of drl which is very lite n yellowish glows up . Suggest me what can I do to it. Is it possible for me to remove the small chip connector n grind the pipe n fix it ?

[@NoRevving]

We haven’t worked on one of those. The logic is probably the same tho.

[@xRGxVision]

Great info bud! Do you know a fix if it’s the bottom section of the DRL that’s out?

[@jasonvandam1]

Likewise

[@NoRevving]

The information in this video is only homework done (lots of google lol) to resolve this issue. There's a strong chance its a similar issue... unless there is a bulb in there.

[@darrenreyes8994]

I have the same issue, if you get an answer or solution, please let me know !!!

[@gabinocb9957]

I have the same problem, one is up and the other one was down. The bottom one I didn’t see anything outside so I open the whole unit and find out that the module (led) was inside. Did the same process, clean, polish and works great. My actual problem is that both sides only works fine 1 week and it burns again. Know I am buying the acrylics and replaced them.

[@NoRevving]

Just posted a vid about the lower DRL

[@gonzaloarenas3077]

Hello where can I get the chip module is there a link

[@benjaminslayer]

Where did you get that front spoiler? Looks real crisp

[@NoRevving]

It came with the car. Someone had already did RS3 upgrades

[@0M1995]

I have an Audi Q5 and one of the DRL won't work so I switched modules to test it but same issue, what do you think I should do ?

[@NoRevving]

Honestly, not sure. This was our first attempt of resolving this specific issue.

[@iModZz]

I have this issue, took the light out and it had three little burn marks on the tube. So if I use a dremmel so sand it back to clean it should work out all ok?

[@NoRevving]

That what we did. Sand of the burn part so the light isn't obscured.

[@etiennemallia564]

@@NoRevving is the tube easy to pull out and clean? Since it was so difficult on the donor?

[@iModZz]

@@etiennemallia564 I used the dremel.. not quite as bright but a lot better! I think it involves baking the headlight and opening to remove the tube. The strip is spring loaded

[@NoRevving]

@@etiennemallia564 You have to bake the headlight to open it up. It's just easier to just remove the LED chip and clean off the end.

[@High_VoltageTech]

You can use a small dremmel tool to get rid of the burnt plastic and fill in the gap with clear heat resistant glue and smooth it over

[@johnlombardo678]

Excellent video and explanations. I also have 17 S3 and my driver side drl is not working but my turn signal is

[@haynryen8193]

Thank you

[@tontgaca7031]

What did you fill this with when you sanded out the burnt piece? Thnx

[@NoRevving]

Nothing. We just sanded the burnt end.

[@karlocapetillo]

Its a Matrix Led ? O full led ?

[@mickhargadon6236]

Hi, is this the same issue as with uk model Audi A3 as they have yellowing issue ? Thanks

[@NoRevving]

That would be the assumption if they are the same year models.

[@mickhargadon6236]

@@NoRevving Thank you, they are the same design apart from amber reflector on the wing side.

[@ramonhernandez5653]

I have an a4 b9 and only the bottom half of the drl is not on. Would this be the same thing? Thx

[@NoRevving]

Yes, unfortunately.

[@briangray9118]

That makes me curious… my top half of the strip works but the bottom “C” shape portion isn’t. Was hoping it was just the module but I’m afraid mine will be new headlight

[@istefanihoerzer1089]

I think there is an internal LED module for the bottom DRL. The light needs to be ‘opened up’ to get access. No idea what’s involved unfortunately.

[@briangray9118]

@@istefanihoerzer1089 yeaaaaaaah i found this out since. I’ll buy new headlights before opening them lol

[@ScottyPeabody]

2018 A3 Premium the bolt up under the fender, the one he says you need a T30, the bolt for 2018 on mine is T27. Took me 5 hours to get it out, no extension will work, just 1-2 clicks at a time if your hands are nimble. I've taken off a lot of different parts before, that's the hardest bolt I've ever seen to get to. 3x I walked away. But I thought it was a T30, then a T25. It's T27.

[@NoRevving]

Thanks for the update. The worst bolt known to man

[@TheRealSulz]

I’ve recently had the same issue with my Audi s3 but the lower part of the DRLs I don’t want to change the whole unit :(

[@NoRevving]

Just posted a video about it.

[@emilyflacco1631]

My 2016 q3 is having a dim/yellow DRL. Would this work to fix it?

[@NoRevving]

Could. This is just what we did to resolve our issue and thought we would share.

[@jozsefmato6141]

Hi! Is your car with dynamic turning lights?😊

[@NoRevving]

yes

[@mikispogi]

does the bottom part of the DRL use the same LED as the top?

[@NoRevving]

No. It uses an LED control unit that is inside the headlight. The only way to access it is by removing the headlight, baking it open, and disassembling some of the internals of the headlight. If the back side of tube is melted you will still have to do all that to access the back of the tube and the LED control unit.

[@desingandre]

Thanks!!!

[@shamasmahmood7836]

I took it all out but there’s no light coming from the module, any suggestions?

[@NoRevving]

Looks like you need a new module… or a whole new headlight.

[@user-dp9nj3ft4g]

How to polish led tube ???

[@samnikolajsen6102]

Hej 😪 i got same problem. Where do you Bay a New chips.

[@NoRevving]

eBay

[@tylerdibernardo3094]

If the DRL isn't completely out, does that mean it's burnt like yours in the video?

[@NoRevving]

Most likely

[@thetruth6992]

Hi any chance if you could sort drl on my Audi a3??

[@NoRevving]

We only work on our own cars. This is what we found and hoped it would help people

[@noah.creative]

The led L shaped light that’s underneath the main light does not work for me how do I fix that one ? Cos the light works for the main tube on top but the other one won’t turn on and Audi said it would cost $4700 to fix and I was like that’s bull so surely there’s something I can do not sure if I’m making sense

[@NoRevving]

Checkout our most recent video. It explains the bottom bottom DRL.

[@noah.creative]

@@NoRevving thanks for making the video bro your amazing

[@Persiana.Paradise]

Hello.. My car drl is smaller tube is not working is yellow is dim ? Any idea

[@NoRevving]

Do you mean the lower DRL? If so, just posted a video about it.

[@jrms_rs3]

can you send a link for those drl chips?

[@NoRevving]

We found them on eBay.

[@ferdieotadoy]

Will this work on the audi Q3?

[@NoRevving]

You’re gonna have to crack it open and see. If it’s fiber optic like the a3 then you’re golden.

[@devonforsure260]

From start to finish how long did it take roughly?

[@NoRevving]

Probably about 2hrs

[@devonforsure260]

@@NoRevving awesome thank you 🙏

[@Freeninenine]

Mines fully out but my turn signal still works. What can it be?

[@NoRevving]

The chip might be out.

[@Denzelo26]

Does this work for a 2014 audi s5

[@NoRevving]

We only pulled apart the A3.

[@SimonCarson_Racing]

Do you have a link to the chip?

[@NoRevving]

We searched for them on eBay

[@AndroidDevG]

Is lower drl repairable?

[@NoRevving]

Perhaps, but a dealer will push you to buy a new headlight. This is just the method we used to repair it.

[@NoRevving]

Just posted a video about the lower DRL

[@MsBeastgamers]

Hi you sava me 895 euro tnx ❤️❤️❤️

[@luisfernandotrujillo984]

Hi, mine is failing but in the lower LED. Is that part also able to reach? Thanks!

[@NoRevving]

Not really sure. We only did the part of the LED in the video.

[@j0hnpark]

I've searched forums and read that you would have to replace the whole unit. I too have this problem and only found out recently when I had seen my DRL on someone's rear bumper....Really irritating as I had purchased the S3 last month...

[@NoRevving]

@@j0hnpark Thanks for jumping in.

[@rdawg3630]

@@j0hnpark dealing with same issue and just purchase my S3 as well 🥲