Buy Audi SQ5 Headlight Assembly

Quick Summary

Audi SQ5 headlights-also called headlamps, front-light assemblies, or driving lights-evolved from xenon units in early 2014-2017 models to full LED and optional Matrix LED systems in 2018-present versions. Xenon models use D3S HID bulbs, while later LEDs rely on solid-state modules with adaptive high-beam assist. Headlight electronics tie into dedicated fuses, require precise aiming, and are rated Good or Acceptable by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Modern Digital Matrix LEDs can steer light around traffic and project lane guides. U.S. law demands DOT/FMVSS-108 compliance, and Audi publishes service bulletins clarifying that light condensation is usually normal. Routine care-clean lenses, check seals, replace bulbs in pairs-maximizes lifespan and safety.

Part Basics

• Function: Provides low-beam, high-beam, daytime running light (DRL), turn-signal, and position-light tasks in one sealed housing.
• Bulb/Module types:
  • 2014-2017 SQ5: D3S xenon HID with LED DRL strips (Edmunds)
  • 2018-2025 SQ5: full LED projectors; high-beam assist on Prestige trim (MotorTrend)
• Safety rating: The 2024 Q5/SQ5 family earns up-to-"Good" headlight marks when equipped with LED projectors (IIHS Crash Testing)
• Fuse locations: Fuse panel C-positions C3 (left) & C9 (right) control headlight electronics; C10 powers the washer pump (Fuse Box)

Fitment & Years

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(SQ5 shares the same physical housing as the Q5 of the same generation, but bumper shapes differ-verify part number before ordering.)

Light Technology

Audi's Matrix LED divides the high-beam into many diodes that switch 5,000 times per second, blanking out only the area that would dazzle other drivers (Audi MediaCenter, Audi MediaCenter). The latest Digital Matrix version packs 1.3 million micro-mirrors per lamp and can project lane guides on highways (Audi MediaCenter).

Common Issues

1. Moisture haze: Normal condensation clears after ~30 min of headlight use and does not hurt performance (NHTSA, NHTSA).
2. Water pooling: Large droplets or puddles point to cracked seals-repair or replace housing.
3. Adaptive error message: Often triggered by blown 10 A fuse C3/C9 or mis-calibrated level sensor (Fuse Box).
4. Xenon color shift: A pink/purple hue signals end-of-life D3S bulbs.

Real-world owners confirm quick DIY fixes-small vent holes and resealing stopped recurring fog on earlier lamps (Reddit).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check fuses first (panel C).
2. Scan for faults with an OBD tool-look for code 01520 (adaptive light).
3. Visual test: Yellowing or spider-cracks mean UV-aged polycarbonate.
4. Measure cutoff: Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall; aim should drop ~2 in (0.7 %) on U.S. spec lamps (Audi MediaCenter).

Replacement Guide

Tools: T30 Torx, 10 mm socket, trim-clip pliers, and gentle plastic pry.

1. Remove bumper screws along wheel-arch.
2. Unplug headlight connector; lift locking tab.
3. Slide assembly forward and out.
4. Transfer modules (ballast, LED driver) if re-using.
5. Re-install, torque to 4 N·m, and run basic setting with a scan tool.

(See Audi service portal or the owner's manual for torque charts.)

Care Tips

• Wash clear lenses with pH-neutral soap; avoid abrasive pads.
• Apply UV-protective sealant twice a year.
• Replace bulbs or LED modules in pairs to keep color uniform (Philips USA).
• Keep fuse cover sealed to prevent water intrusion.

Regulations

Headlights must meet DOT/FMVSS-108 rules for brightness and beam pattern (Carlightvision). Non-compliant aftermarket LEDs risk tickets and glare complaints. Check any upgrade against the NHTSA recall & safety database.

Upgrades

• LED retrofits: Many owners update pre-2018 xenon units to OEM LED; coding with VCDS is needed for proper DRL function.
• Digital Matrix swap: Physical fit possible on 2021-up bumpers, but requires gateway parameters and windshield camera calibration-best left to specialists.
• Laser spot on other Audis: Audi's laser high-beam doubles range on certain A8/Q8 models and illustrates future tech that may reach the SQ5 line (Audi MediaCenter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb does a 2015 SQ5 use?
A: A D3S 35 W xenon HID capsule for both low and high beams (Edmunds).

Q: Do 2018-present SQ5 headlights use replaceable bulbs?
A: No. They use sealed LED modules; if a diode fails, replace the module or entire lamp (MotorTrend).

Q: Why do my lights fog up after rain?
A: Small temperature swings draw moist air through the lamp vents; light heat usually clears it within half an hour (NHTSA).

Q: Is condensation covered under warranty?
A: Audi's bulletin notes light mist is normal and not a defect; water pooling is serviceable (NHTSA).

Q: How do I align the beam at home?
A: Park 25 ft from a wall on level ground; set the top cutoff 2 in below headlamp center and keep it level side-to-side (Audi MediaCenter).

Q: Are Matrix LEDs legal in the U.S.?
A: Yes-Audi's Matrix high-beam assist was approved by NHTSA in early 2022, provided it meets FMVSS-108 glare limits (Carlightvision).

Q: Can I switch to aftermarket LED bulbs in my 2016 xenon lamp?
A: Only if the kit is DOT-compliant and keeps the projector cutoff; otherwise it may violate glare rules and inspection .

Q: What fuse controls headlight washers?
A: On FY-chassis (2018-2022) it's fuse C10 (black panel) rated at 30 A (Fuse Box).

Q: My headlight leans when braking-normal?
A: Yes; xenon and LED lamps include auto-level motors that react to pitch changes for a constant cutoff (Edmunds).

Q: Do headlights affect crash-test scores?
A: IIHS grades headlights separately; better lamps can upgrade the overall "Plus" award rating (IIHS Crash Testing).

Q: How bright can low beams be?
A: DOT sets a 2,000-2,500-lumen ceiling for low beams to avoid glare (Carlightvision).

Q: What does "dynamic turn signal" mean?
A: LEDs light in a sweeping pattern across the strip to show direction more clearly (MotorTrend).

Q: Are replacement lenses available?
A: Yes, aftermarket polycarbonate lenses can be resealed to fix hazing, but they must retain DOT markings to stay legal.

Q: Will I need coding after installing a new lamp?
A: If you replace the control unit or upgrade technology, adaptation and basic setting with a scan tool are required.

Q: How long do LED modules last?
A: Audi rates them for 15,000 hours-roughly the life of the vehicle under normal use (Audi MediaCenter).

Q: Can I add laser lights?
A: Not directly; current U.S. SQ5 housings lack space and approvals for Audi laser spot technology .

Q: Why did my xenon lamp turn pink?
A: The arc salts are depleting; replace both bulbs to restore the white 4300-K color temp (Edmunds).

Q: Does the SQ5 have headlight washers?
A: Yes-standard on xenon models and optional on LED trims; they pop out under high pressure to keep lenses clear (Fuse Box).

Helpful Resources

• Audi Lighting Technology
• IIHS Headlight Ratings
• NHTSA Recall Lookup
• DOT Headlight Rules
• MotorTrend Q5 Overview

These links deepen understanding without steering you to a retailer.