Octavia II Xenon Headlights

**VRStu** · 02-09-2006, 22:07

Following the recent threads regarding some concerns with the Xenon setup on the MKII Octavia I was a little concerned/intrigued to see what mine would be like.

Picked the car up yesterday so got my first opportunity to try the lights last night. It was immediately evident that the concerns shared by some owners were replicated on my car. It seemed almost as though the headlights were bouncing, constantly trying to find a level.

Having taken the advice of our resident expert, all round good egg and proud new dad I set about sorting them out this evening.

It's a simple case of following the standard instructions given on the Ross Tech website except you don't physically adjust the headlight.

Bingo!!

Not that I doubted him for one moment but the big fella was exactly right. It seems to be a case of them not being set at the factory and then not being setup by the dealers during PDI. Takes 2 minutes with VAG-COM.

Lummox · 02-09-2006, 22:09

They arent set at the factory as the cars have suspension chocks in them.

It is part of the PDi to set the headlights.

dan123 · 02-09-2006, 22:13

I don't have Xenons but this is a fascinating topic.

Why is something that is such a straight forward part of the PDI (according to Lummox) causing such problems to some dealers?

**VRStu** · 02-09-2006, 22:16

Time??

Time = Money

Complacency??

dan123 · 02-09-2006, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

Time??

Time = Money

Complacency??

Maybe, but surely an unhappy customer means spending more time with them!

When I'm happy with my car I don't spend any time at the dealers.

Dan

stumpy1 · 02-09-2006, 22:22

What concerns me more is that SUK seem oblivious to the problem too. They thought my car was within spec.

**VRStu** · 02-09-2006, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by stumpy1

What concerns me more is that SUK seem oblivious to the problem too. They thought my car was within spec.

I would attribute that to you being let down by your dealer more than SUK, they can only use whatever information is passed to them.

To all intents and purposes, the headlights are 'in spec', they were probably pointing at the right level. You have to 'teach' the controller to know what the base position of the headlight unit is.

CHRIS ELLIS · 02-09-2006, 22:47

Looks like you might have a job on your hands tommorow stu bring the vag com mate

.Have i told you the new one when the steering is on full lock seems the tyre is hitting the wheel arch

.Will show you what i mean tommorow.

stumpy1 · 02-09-2006, 22:49

I had tried 3 different dealers and spoken on numerous occasions to SUK. The last dealer, Allams, had the Area Tech bod on site. But they all thought my car was fine. It's gone now, but I feel quite sour about Skoda now. I don't understand how the dealers seem to get high scores on JD power etc. For me, 3 dealers have been pathetic. Maybe your average Skoda buyer isn't too fussy? I don't know what it is really, but I expected more having spent 24k on a car. SUK are poaching customers from prestige manufacturers now (I for one) but they gotta do more to keep them.

Hope you enjoy the Vrs.

Traff2003 · 02-09-2006, 22:49

Got to say after reading the previous topic re xenons I was concerned regarding the fact I had ordered my VRS
Picked the car up yesterday from Horners Manchester and tried the lights out

stumpy1 · 02-09-2006, 22:51

And on the subject of PDIs, what else do they miss??? We know several people here have had tyres pumped up like balloons!

Traff2003 · 02-09-2006, 22:51

.............. ooops
No problems at all turn on ign turn on lights and after the initial calibration they are as steady as any of the "job" cars that I drive
I can only say I am happy so far .... (note to self do not jinx things)

stumpy1 · 02-09-2006, 22:52

How are they Traff?

stumpy1 · 02-09-2006, 22:52

What about dropping a wheel into a drain etc - any wobble or shudder?

**VRStu** · 02-09-2006, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHRIS ELLIS

Looks like you might have a job on your hands tommorow stu bring the vag com mate.

Already packed. if we get to cheively on time i'll do it then so you can test them en route to Silverstone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHRIS ELLIS

Have i told you the new one when the steering is on full lock seems the tyre is hitting the wheel arch.

Doesn't sound too promising mate.

Traff2003 · 02-09-2006, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by stumpy1

How are they Traff?

So far so good time will tell .... as i said earlier the other vehs I have driven vauxhalls/volvos etc the xenons are a lot lot worse than the Octavias .... but that could be down to the jobs maintenabnce technicians!!

Lady Elanore · 03-09-2006, 01:31

I feel a little bit sorry for the lads in the garages who do all our fettling. When they do warranty work, they often get quoted ridiculous times to complete jobs (the manufactures must only ever figure out these benchmark times on brand new, well oiled cars with all the appropriate tolls and a spare F1 crew in the wings) and I guess it’s the same with a PDI. They will be given a minimum time to do the job and that will put the guys under a lot of pressure to complete every single little job (not including our own fabulous Lummox I’m sure). Also the warranty work pays terrible money to the dealer, real bottom dollar rates.

Do I get put on to your Christmas card list now Lummox?

Chris.G · 03-09-2006, 08:34

Last car I bought (ex demo) had a litre of oil missing from the engine and an air bag warning light on

Top job they done on that PDI

FatOldGit · 15-11-2006, 13:10

Hi - after reading on Xenon problems, just picked up my Octy rs 2.0 TDI from Bamptons in Gloucester. On asking they admitted they had not looked at the Xenons - it certainly hasn't got a row on the PDI form (generic, not even specific to Octy!). They seem a tad high - frequent flashing from oncoming traffic. On the absolute level they seem fine - no wobbling experienced at all. Seem perfect - not intruding above parcel shelf of car in front, but any slight incline or bump and they are obviously not appreciated by oncomers - anyone else experiencing this? Suppose I can wait to 1st service - 10k. Otherwise they are just awesome lights.

agent006 · 15-11-2006, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatOldGit

Bamptons in Gloucester

You'll be needing the number for Fish Brothers in Swindon before long if my experience with Bamfords is anything to go by.

Chris GB · 15-11-2006, 20:03

Hi

It strikes me reading this that if the servos are hunting to level the lights, are they likely to fail early as they will be overworked?

Chris

Shifty · 15-11-2006, 20:21

Mine are ok. On start up and putting the lights on they move up and down, then they are fine. On bumpy roads, they maintain thier level, whick makes them move up and down, but nothing seems untoward.

Chris - re wheels rubbing on full lock..... mine did that too, but only on the Continentals.

Loz · 15-11-2006, 20:25

Have yours started leveling again dave? I thought they stopped doing it when you turned them on...you manage to get it sorted?

Lady Elanore · 15-11-2006, 23:57

Mine seems to do the up and down trick on switch-on. Impresses passengers though

Shifty · 16-11-2006, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loz

Have yours started leveling again dave? I thought they stopped doing it when you turned them on...you manage to get it sorted?

Yes, all fixed now

02-09-2006, 22:07	#1
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Octavia II Xenon Headlights Following the recent threads regarding some concerns with the Xenon setup on the MKII Octavia I was a little concerned/intrigued to see what mine would be like. Picked the car up yesterday so got my first opportunity to try the lights last night. It was immediately evident that the concerns shared by some owners were replicated on my car. It seemed almost as though the headlights were bouncing, constantly trying to find a level. Having taken the advice of our resident expert, all round good egg and proud new dad I set about sorting them out this evening. It's a simple case of following the standard instructions given on the Ross Tech website except you don't physically adjust the headlight. Bingo!! Not that I doubted him for one moment but the big fella was exactly right. It seems to be a case of them not being set at the factory and then not being setup by the dealers during PDI. Takes 2 minutes with VAG-COM. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio Last edited by VRStu; 02-09-2006 at 22:11.

02-09-2006, 22:09	#2
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,458 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 753 Times in 633 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights They arent set at the factory as the cars have suspension chocks in them. It is part of the PDi to set the headlights. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

02-09-2006, 22:13	#3
dan123 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 448 Members Car: Audi A3 Thanks: 9 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights I don't have Xenons but this is a fascinating topic. Why is something that is such a straight forward part of the PDI (according to Lummox) causing such problems to some dealers?

02-09-2006, 22:16	#4
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Time?? Time = Money Complacency?? __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

02-09-2006, 22:22	#6
stumpy1 To be Confirmed Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 323 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights What concerns me more is that SUK seem oblivious to the problem too. They thought my car was within spec.

02-09-2006, 22:47	#8
CHRIS ELLIS Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 842 Members Car: Octavia Vrs MK11 Thanks: 10 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Looks like you might have a job on your hands tommorow stu bring the vag com mate .Have i told you the new one when the steering is on full lock seems the tyre is hitting the wheel arch .Will show you what i mean tommorow. __________________ Megan Fox Yummy Zenons,Maxidot,Park assist,Heated seats,Mfd3,Stus cruise control,Bluetooth handsfree,And as bright as the sun.

02-09-2006, 22:49	#9
stumpy1 To be Confirmed Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 323 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights I had tried 3 different dealers and spoken on numerous occasions to SUK. The last dealer, Allams, had the Area Tech bod on site. But they all thought my car was fine. It's gone now, but I feel quite sour about Skoda now. I don't understand how the dealers seem to get high scores on JD power etc. For me, 3 dealers have been pathetic. Maybe your average Skoda buyer isn't too fussy? I don't know what it is really, but I expected more having spent 24k on a car. SUK are poaching customers from prestige manufacturers now (I for one) but they gotta do more to keep them. Hope you enjoy the Vrs.

02-09-2006, 22:49	#10
Traff2003 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Manchester Posts: 202 Members Car: Octavia VRS 2006 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Got to say after reading the previous topic re xenons I was concerned regarding the fact I had ordered my VRS Picked the car up yesterday from Horners Manchester and tried the lights out __________________ Race Blue Octavia VRS, dual zone climate jumbo airbox, maxidot display, auto dipping rear view mirror/rain sensor, Light Assist, Reversing Sensors, Sat Nav, fatory fit Bluetooth mobile phone kit (Thanks Stu)

02-09-2006, 22:51	#11
stumpy1 To be Confirmed Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 323 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights And on the subject of PDIs, what else do they miss??? We know several people here have had tyres pumped up like balloons!

02-09-2006, 22:51	#12
Traff2003 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Manchester Posts: 202 Members Car: Octavia VRS 2006 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights .............. ooops No problems at all turn on ign turn on lights and after the initial calibration they are as steady as any of the "job" cars that I drive I can only say I am happy so far .... (note to self do not jinx things) __________________ Race Blue Octavia VRS, dual zone climate jumbo airbox, maxidot display, auto dipping rear view mirror/rain sensor, Light Assist, Reversing Sensors, Sat Nav, fatory fit Bluetooth mobile phone kit (Thanks Stu)

02-09-2006, 22:52	#13
stumpy1 To be Confirmed Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 323 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights How are they Traff?

03-09-2006, 01:31	#17
Lady Elanore Geordie Lass Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: in the ceiling watching you..... Posts: 11,082 Members Car: BMW 1 series Thanks: 221 Thanked 230 Times in 139 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights I feel a little bit sorry for the lads in the garages who do all our fettling. When they do warranty work, they often get quoted ridiculous times to complete jobs (the manufactures must only ever figure out these benchmark times on brand new, well oiled cars with all the appropriate tolls and a spare F1 crew in the wings) and I guess it’s the same with a PDI. They will be given a minimum time to do the job and that will put the guys under a lot of pressure to complete every single little job (not including our own fabulous Lummox I’m sure). Also the warranty work pays terrible money to the dealer, real bottom dollar rates. Do I get put on to your Christmas card list now Lummox? __________________ . Amanda - All's fair in Love and Car

03-09-2006, 08:34	#18
Chris.G Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: London Posts: 1,209 Members Car: Renault sport clio 197 Thanks: 36 Thanked 28 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Last car I bought (ex demo) had a litre of oil missing from the engine and an air bag warning light on Top job they done on that PDI

15-11-2006, 13:10	#19
FatOldGit Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 9 Members Car: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Hi - after reading on Xenon problems, just picked up my Octy rs 2.0 TDI from Bamptons in Gloucester. On asking they admitted they had not looked at the Xenons - it certainly hasn't got a row on the PDI form (generic, not even specific to Octy!). They seem a tad high - frequent flashing from oncoming traffic. On the absolute level they seem fine - no wobbling experienced at all. Seem perfect - not intruding above parcel shelf of car in front, but any slight incline or bump and they are obviously not appreciated by oncomers - anyone else experiencing this? Suppose I can wait to 1st service - 10k. Otherwise they are just awesome lights.

15-11-2006, 20:03	#21
Chris GB Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: East UK Posts: 2,588 Members Car: Mini Cooper D Thanks: 18 Thanked 43 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Hi It strikes me reading this that if the servos are hunting to level the lights, are they likely to fail early as they will be overworked? Chris __________________ Red Fabia vRS. Gone but not forgotten. Chilli Red / white Mini Cooper Diesel with dual controls. Silver 53 MR2. Mods: PPE 4>1 manifold \| PPE Mangnaflow high flow cat \| Blueflame catback exhaust \| Pikey inlet mod \| 3.0 Racing Chassis stiffening brace kit \| BC Racing fully adjustable coilovers \| TF loud. Details here My MR2 Page

15-11-2006, 20:25	#23
Loz Bad Loz!! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: here..................... sometimes there........ Posts: 7,057 Members Car: LTD Edition Fabia VRS Thanks: 41 Thanked 221 Times in 73 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Have yours started leveling again dave? I thought they stopped doing it when you turned them on...you manage to get it sorted? __________________ Lorraine- AKA Loz, Lozkins, Lozza, Lozzy, Lozlet, Lozzette, Lozzle, Lozley, Lozraine, Lozalot, Lozatron, Lozatronic, Lozatroonathoone, Lozlatina, Loztalot, Lozingtonrain, Lozinator, Lozenge, Lozenger, Lozmanaught, Lozzy Loo, Lozzybear, Lozzy-wozzy-dooh-dah-day, () CouLoz of the rainbow, Lozano, Lozvaldo, Lorraineo, Lorrainickle, Lorrainus, Lez, Lezkins, Randomer & Mizz LB Can't change the way I am, sexy, naughty, bitchy!

15-11-2006, 20:21	#22
Shifty www.oscarli.com Join Date: May 2005 Location: The home of witty banter™ Posts: 6,464 Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS Images: 1 Thanks: 91 Thanked 156 Times in 93 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Mine are ok. On start up and putting the lights on they move up and down, then they are fine. On bumpy roads, they maintain thier level, whick makes them move up and down, but nothing seems untoward. Chris - re wheels rubbing on full lock..... mine did that too, but only on the Continentals. __________________ Official 0 to 60 mph - 5.85 seconds. Standing 1/4 mile - 14.3 seconds. 251.5 BHP and 400 lbs/ft of torque. Oh - and 55 mpg on a run My car is for SALE!! www.fyldeperformancecars.com

15-11-2006, 23:57	#24
Lady Elanore Geordie Lass Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: in the ceiling watching you..... Posts: 11,082 Members Car: BMW 1 series Thanks: 221 Thanked 230 Times in 139 Posts	Re: Octavia II Xenon Headlights Mine seems to do the up and down trick on switch-on. Impresses passengers though __________________ . Amanda - All's fair in Love and Car

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