Headlight and Wiper Question

6740 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by boxbrownie, Mar 29, 2015

firstaudi

Discussion Starter · Mar 25, 2015

When I have the lights on automatic there is no indication if the headlights are on or off that I know of, correct?

Why do my wipers jerk a bit after I turn the Q3 off?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

RKM

· #2 · Mar 25, 2015

I thought the circular dial where the headlight knob is lights up when the headlights are on.

On the wipers jerking, I have the same situation. I thought it was maybe because I always keep them in the rain sensing position and not in the off position.

Otto

· #3 · Mar 25, 2015

Maybe you could post a video of this windshield wiper thing to give people a better idea about what you guys are talking about.

Quatto

· #4 · Mar 25, 2015

quite possible it's due to some fault with the sensor.
calling up your local audi dealer and talking to them about it might help to provide some better insight.

rnlabas

· #5 · Mar 25, 2015

RKM is correct - the ring around the switch illuminates when the lights are automagically on - and the green icon too...

As for the wipers, when they're in the rain sensing position, they are "poised" a little bit above the "off" position, but I don't observe a "jerk a bit." Remember that if you turn off the car while swiping (or about to) they will continue their cycle to set in the next ready position, even if that continuation is a second or two AFTER you switch off the ignition ...

MPBQ3

· #6 · Mar 25, 2015

rnlabas said:
RKM is correct - the ring around the switch illuminates when the lights are automagically on - and the green icon too...

As for the wipers, when they're in the rain sensing position, they are "poised" a little bit above the "off" position, but I don't observe a "jerk a bit." Remember that if you turn off the car while swiping (or about to) they will continue their cycle to set in the next ready position, even if that continuation is a second or two AFTER you switch off the ignition ...

Look artRoger. He's like Mr. Audi with all these answers.

Reactions: 3

rnlabas

· #7 · Mar 26, 2015

MPBQ3 said:
Look artRoger. He's like Mr. Audi with all these answers.

0

RKM

· #8 · Mar 26, 2015

Thanks for the input, Roger. For me, the wiper jerking happens about once every 15 engine shutdowns or so, so it is hard to videotape or record. I need to find the operational sequence that making this happen. I don't have the wipers running when this happens. Still a mystery.

Aniederf

· #9 · Mar 26, 2015

I believe I read somewhere that this is by design so that the wiper blades and edges do not take a "set", especially if the wipers aren't used that often. This slight movement causes the rubber blade to "flip" every time you start the car. Or at least that seems to be how it works for me.

dipaola

· #10 · Mar 26, 2015

I am not seeing this behavior in my Q3, or at least not yet. Although I have a newer one so maybe they fixed this (if it was indeed not by design)

JohnJ

· #11 · Mar 26, 2015

In the few days I've had mine, I have not noticed this wiper thing either but will be on the look-out for it.

Also, when the lights come on automatically, the tack & speedometer light up, although this may not be noticeable in daylight. I'll have to look for the green icon and ring around the switch. Never noticed those on the '06 A4.

RKM

· #12 · Mar 26, 2015

Aniederf said:
I believe I read somewhere that this is by design so that the wiper blades and edges do not take a "set", especially if the wipers aren't used that often. This slight movement causes the rubber blade to "flip" every time you start the car. Or at least that seems to be how it works for me.

Interesting

rnlabas

· #13 · Mar 26, 2015

Aniederf said:
I believe I read somewhere that this is by design so that the wiper blades and edges do not take a "set", especially if the wipers aren't used that often. This slight movement causes the rubber blade to "flip" every time you start the car. Or at least that seems to be how it works for me.

This is an interesting take that I have NOT read nor observed - but could possibly make sense - If anyone finds documentation for it, please share !!

firstaudi

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 26, 2015

RKM said:
I thought the circular dial where the headlight knob is lights up when the headlights are on.

On the wipers jerking, I have the same situation. I thought it was maybe because I always keep them in the rain sensing position and not in the off position.

RKM is right about this. I turned my lights to auto in full sunlight and the circular dial was not lite, just the word "Auto". When I entered my relatively dark garage the headlights came on and the dial lite up. Thanks, RKM!

I have my wipers in the full off position when I shut off the Q and they jerk. I think you guys maybe on to something. Maybe the blades jerk such that the blades are not always bent/folded in the same position/direction after long periods of not being used.

JohnJ

· #15 · Mar 27, 2015

firstaudi said:
RKM is right about this. I turned my lights to auto in full sunlight and the circular dial was not lite, just the word "Auto". When I entered my relatively dark garage the headlights came on and the dial lite up. Thanks, RKM!

I have my wipers in the full off position when I shut off the Q and they jerk. I think you guys maybe on to something. Maybe the blades jerk such that the blades are not always bent/folded in the same position/direction after long periods of not being used.

I always turned my wipers off before shutting down the engine until having the auto feature on my '06 A4. Did not notice a jerk on that and not in the few days with my Q3.

In the opinion from a guy from the era of points, it's best to shut down vehicle components (lights/wipers/radio/heat/ac before the ignition. Auto lights and wipers may however throw a monkey wrench to that line of thinking.

Reactions: 2

boxbrownie

· #16 · Mar 29, 2015

The wipers "kick" on every 5th key off, its to stop the rubber sticking to the glass if they are not used for a while.

I think the 5th kick is in the manual somewhere.......or it could have been on the interweb thingy!

And yes with the lights the indication they are on is all the symbols around the light switch illuminate, also of course if you have Nav on the screen goes to "night mode" if its activated in settings.

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