The Volkswagen Mk7 GTI is a popular car among car enthusiasts. However, like any car, it’s not immune to issues. One of the most common issues that Mk7 GTI owners face is with their headlights. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at Mk7 GTI headlight issues and what you can expect.
Flickering Headlights
One of the most common issues that Mk7 GTI owners report is with their headlights flickering on and off. This can be distracting and dangerous, especially when driving at night. The cause of flickering headlights can vary. Sometimes it’s related to an issue with the car’s electrical system. However, sometimes it’s just a headlight bulb going bad. This is especially common on the bi-xenon headlights. The best way to deal with this is to swap the bulbs between headlights and see if the problem migrates. If it doesn’t, you could be dealing with a bad ballast.
Moisture Buildup
Another common issue that Mk7 GTI owners face with their headlights is moisture buildup. This can cause fogging and reduce visibility, which can be a safety concern. Moisture buildup can be caused by a variety of factors, including cracks or damage to the headlight housing or a faulty seal. If you notice moisture buildup in your headlights, it’s important to have the issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Bulb Failure
Some Mk7 GTI owners report that their headlight bulbs burn out frequently. Depending on the type of headlight your GTI has, replacing the bulb can be easy or difficult. Bulb failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor-quality bulbs, electrical issues, or problems with the headlight housing. A blown headlight bulb now and then is no big deal. However, if you’re frequently dealing with blown headlight bulbs, there could be a more serious issue causing premature bulb failure.
Poor Lighting Output
Some Mk7 GTI owners report that their headlights do not provide enough illumination. This can make it difficult to see while driving at night, which can be a safety concern. Poor lighting output can be caused by a variety of factors, including dirty or damaged headlights, a faulty electrical system, or poor-quality bulbs. In this case, it is a good idea to start the troubleshooting process by swapping the bulbs first. This usually solves the poor lighting output problem.
Adaptive Headlight Failure
Mk7 GTI models equipped with adaptive headlights may experience issues with the adaptive function failing. This can lead to reduced visibility and safety concerns. The cause of adaptive headlight failure can vary, but it is often related to an issue with the car’s electrical system.
In some cases, the suspension sensor that feeds the data for the headlight leveling can fail. In that case, you will get the C1036 range code and an AFS error. That said, a fused cornering bulb is also known to cause the adaptive headlight system to throw an AFS error on your MID. If you’re experiencing issues with your adaptive headlights, you’ll need to closely inspect the bulbs, wiring, and the headlight itself.
Do New Mk7 GTI Headlights Need to Be Programmed Upon Installation?
When a new headlight is installed, the adaptive headlights need to be recalibrated to match the car’s computer.If you’re planning to replace your Mk7 GTI headlights, do a quick search on the type of headlight your car uses. This will tell you what kind of programming and calibrating is necessary. To calibrate the headlights, you can go to your nearest VW dealership. Alternatively, you could use OBDeleven to recalibrate the headlights yourself.
Get Replacement Mk7 GTI Headlights at eEuroparts.com
Although many of the problems above can be easily solved by replacing the bulb or by troubleshooting the wiring. However, sometimes you might have to replace the entire headlight assembly. Here at eEuroparts.com, we offer a wide range of Mk7 GTI headlight assemblies and other parts. Go to our store, select your Mk7 GTI, and find parts from reputable brands!
Comments