Hi guys,

One of the DRL's on the A3 has gone really dim and yellow'y.

Is there a way to disable the DRL's?

Also, whats my options regarding a fix, is it new headlight time?

Can is an A3, 2017, 8V facelift. 

Please help.

Thanks.

Edited January 8Jan 8 by Mr G

I think the DRLs are a legal requirement so might fail an MOT if not working. Not sure if you can replace the drl.  If you have to replace the headlight your best bet is sourcing a second hand one from eBay. 

3 hours ago, Mr G said:

Hi guys,

One of the DRL's on the A3 has gone really dim and yellow'y.

Is there a way to disable the DRL's?

Also, whats my options regarding a fix, is it new headlight time?

Can is an A3, 2017, 8V facelift. 

Please help.

Thanks.

Hi the DRL is a single cob led on a circuit board that shines down a refractive tube, you can replace the led but its a long and complex process, better to get a second hand unit or aftermarket, there is a place that will refurbish your unit its called Skippys headlight service from memory its about a weeks turnaround.

Steve.

Yes you can code the MMI which give you the option to have DRL disabled. At MOT time you can reactivate through the MMI. You'll need something like VCDS or OBD11 to do it.

4 minutes ago, The Verb said:

 At MOT time you can reactivate through the MMI. 

What's the point if the lights are not working when reactivated for the MOT? One might as well fix the lights and leave then operable.

7 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

What's the point if the lights are not working when reactivated for the MOT? One might as well fix the lights and leave then operable.

 Gerry's asked 2 questions:

1. Is there a way to disable the DRL's - my answer yes.

2. What is the options regarding a fix which Steve has offered a solution.

If you look at many Audi's on the road now which are around 16/17 plate, the LEDs are beginning to yellow. I've put the option to turn them off in my MMI to hopefully give them more life. Leave the light switch on Auto and they come on when the car is in low light.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like replacing is the best option.

I too have done some investigation after posting this thread and I might try this DIY fix first, as I checked the price of a second hand headlight unit and I had to quickly sit back down.

Agree that disabling probably isn't suitable, I don't have the VCDS or OBD11 and then I would have to reactivate again at MOT time and it still wouldn't be working.

9 hours ago, The Verb said:

Yes you can code the MMI which give you the option to have DRL disabled. At MOT time you can reactivate through the MMI. You'll need something like VCDS or OBD11 to do it.

Assume these tool's aint too expensive? Are they like the Carly dongle?

12 hours ago, Steve Q said:

I think the DRLs are a legal requirement so might fail an MOT if not working. Not sure if you can replace the drl.  If you have to replace the headlight your best bet is sourcing a second hand one from eBay. 

Assuming that if your car has DRL, then they SHOULD be working for MOT?

What about those cars that don't have DRL's? Assume therefore if not fitted from factory they are not requried for MOT?

15 minutes ago, Mr G said:

Assuming that if your car has DRL, then they SHOULD be working for MOT?

What about those cars that don't have DRL's? Assume therefore if not fitted from factory they are not requried for MOT?

Yes. And if they haven't got them fitted as standard then it wouldn't fail an MOT. 

1 minute ago, Steve Q said:

Yes. And if they haven't got them fitted as standard then it wouldn't fail an MOT. 

Really poor design on the Audi, you can't even access the circuit board without removing the headlight.
Deffo will try a DIY fix first before looking down the replacement route.

Would the circuit board be interchangeable or are they coded to the car?

I believe they're coded

8 hours ago, Mr G said:

Really poor design on the Audi, you can't even access the circuit board without removing the headlight.
Deffo will try a DIY fix first before looking down the replacement route.

Would the circuit board be interchangeable or are they coded to the car?

Hi the new LED is just a case of solder the new unit in, if you are lucky some are plug in depending who made the light, therefore no coding required, as for disabling them you can only drive around for so long before you are noticed and as for having them come on when the headlights are on they automatically dim anyway, its law as from 2009 any vehicle fitted with DRLs the units must work, you could always go the other route and fit a retrofit kit which you would need a auto electrician for but other than that its either a refurb or another unit.

Steve.

9 hours ago, Mr G said:

Assume these tool's aint too expensive? Are they like the Carly dongle?

I guess it depends on what you use it for. VCDS cost me over £200 but I do all my own servicing and have a few VAG group cars so it’s been worth it. Good info on the DIY fix BTW. Appreciate the legalities of DRL’s and I’ve been driving for a year with them off and not had my collar felt. This is what it looks like on my car after I activated it on the menu. Easy to switch them back on.  

On 1/9/2026 at 5:48 PM, The Verb said:

I guess it depends on what you use it for. VCDS cost me over £200 but I do all my own servicing and have a few VAG group cars so it’s been worth it. Good info on the DIY fix BTW. Appreciate the legalities of DRL’s and I’ve been driving for a year with them off and not had my collar felt. This is what it looks like on my car after I activated it on the menu. Easy to switch them back on.  

I dont have that option on mine.

Hi - You need something like VCDS or OBD Eleven to activate it in the MMI adaptations to get it to appear on the MMI screen.