Your Audi’s tail lights play a central role in keeping your vehicle safe for the road, so if these components start to malfunction, you should try to fix the problem as soon as possible. Fortunately, tail light issues are some of the easiest car problems for novice mechanics to fix. If you’re in a tight spot and need to repair your Audi’s light bulb quickly, follow these simple steps to get the job done right.

Diagnose the Problem

As with any car issue, the first step to take when fixing a malfunctioning tail light is diagnosing the problem. Several factors may cause your vehicle’s tail lights to malfunction, and each of these factors typically presents a unique set of symptoms. For example, one of the most common causes of tail light failure is a malfunctioning bulb. If this problem occurs with your vehicle, then the brake light will still function correctly, but the tail light won’t. Therefore, if you notice that every part of your vehicle is working properly except for the tail light itself, then the problem is likely a burnt or blown out bulb.

In contrast, electrical system problems tend to damage more than just the tail light itself. More specifically, if the wiring near your Audi’s tail light is corroded, then other electrical components near the tail light may also fail. Additionally, tail light wiring issues may lead to a blown fuse or shorts elsewhere in the vehicle. Overall, if your vehicle is experiencing other electrical issues in addition to tail light failure, it’s possible that the problem may be too complex for you to repair on your own.

Finally, another potential cause of tail light failure is issues with the light socket. If your Audi’s light socket is broken, the tail light may flicker or only work occasionally, and the brake light will also fail. If your vehicle’s tail light is behaving erratically but hasn’t completely failed yet, then the light socket may be the source of the problem.

Replace the Tail Light Bulb

If you’ve determined that the problem lies with the bulb itself instead of the wiring or the socket, then the next step to resolving the issue is replacing the bulb. In order to do this, you will need a new bulb, a phillips head screwdriver, and a socket wrench. Anti-static gloves may also be useful, as you will be working with electrical components.

Once you’ve acquired these materials, remove the panel that lies under the broken tail light, then use the screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the bulb’s housing in place. Next, pull the housing out of the vehicle and use the socket wrench to remove the old bulb from its socket. When the new bulb is securely in its socket, insert the bulb housing back into your vehicle and replace the screws and tail light panel. Finally, ask a friend to help you test the lights.

Clean the Socket

If replacing the bulb does not solve your Audi’s tail light problem, then another potential solution to try is cleaning the tail light socket. To do this, first separate the socket from its circuit and examine the component to determine how dirty it is. If it is warped, cracked, or extremely corroded, then it will likely need to be replaced by a mechanic. However, if it is simply dirty, then you will be able to clean it with an electrical spray contact cleaner, a small wire brush, and compressed air.

If you decide to clean your Audi’s tail light socket, be sure to take proper precautions at all times. More specifically, always ensure that the socket is not actively conducting electricity, and wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or scrapes. Most importantly, if the project ever feels too complicated for you to handle, contact a professional mechanic right away, as they will be able to fix the problem safely and efficiently.

Take Your Vehicle to Our Professionals

Whether your Audi’s tail light bulb is burnt out or its light socket is completely corroded, Das European Autohaus is here to help. Our talented technicians know how to fix tail light problems both big and small, and we’re proud to provide exemplary service to customers in Spring and Houston, TX. We know that your vehicle is important to you, so if you need any help at all with keeping it in excellent shape, give us a call today to find out what we can do for you.