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Thread: TAIL LIGHT FAILURE Fix!!! Finally! =)

  1. #1
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    TAIL LIGHT FAILURE Fix!!! Finally! =)

    Hey all!

    With the help of Jay Linton, I have FINALLY figured out a way to bypass my Check Control Module (CCM) so that I won't get that annoying "TAIL LIGHT FAILURE" anymore when I turn my parking lights on. This, I believe, is mainly for those that have aftermarket taillights or those that have messed up OBCs. Not sure why I got this error as it took about 3-4 months AFTER I got my aftermarket taillights for this to appear.

    He emailed me this document (right-click, save as):

    Taillight Error Fix

    At any rate, here is my version of that with more pictures and using my method (I also did NOT fix the "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" since I didn't have it).

    Tools needed:

    Screwdriver - flathead ("+" sign), #2
    Scissors (or wire stripper)
    Butt connectors x 2 (or solder)
    Male connectors x 2 (or solder)
    Female connectors x 2 (or solder)
    Extra wire, ~1 ft. (optional)

    Quick overview of procedure:

    Remove driver underpanel
    Remove CCM and plugs
    Cut four wires on BLACK plug and splice each pair together
    Cut two wires on WHITE plug and plug each into pair from BLACK plug
    Put CCM, plugs, and underpanel back


    Step 1:

    Remove driver's underpanel. It's attached by three screws. Two on each side of the steering wheel and one beneath. The panel is semi-attached on the left side by the door. Slowly pull that piece OUTWARD AWAY from the steering wheel. See the three pictures below of each screw.

    To the left and right of the steering wheel, respectively:




    Underneath the dash, by the accelerator pedal:



    Step 2:

    Slowly pull the left side of this piece outward while pulling the entire unit toward the seat partially. Unplug the footwell light (if equipped) and the two other plugs (not sure what they're for - sensors, maybe?). Then pull the entire unit completely out and set it aside.

    Step 3:

    You'll now see the CCM in the upper left side of the lower dash. You'll only be able to see it if you crawl under there. The WHITE plug is the incoming signal while the BLACK plug is the outgoing signal. This is what you'll see (picture courtesy of JJL Customs):



    Step 4:

    At this point you have two choices:

    A: Locate and cut the wires (listed below) for each respective plug. (Easier overall but it may be hard to find the wires.)

    B: Remove the CCM by unscrewing the plastic screw BY HAND on the left side (when facing the CCM) and slowly lowering the left side of the module. Then pull the CCM towards the left once the CCM is past the screw. After doing this, pull each plug closer to you to gain access to the wires and then cut the appropriate wires listed below. It may be easier to unplug each plug by sliding the tops of the plugs away from each other. (More foolproof way but slightly more difficult - this is the method I used.)
    Last edited by clumpymold; 01-02-2005 at 08:17 AM.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  2. #2
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    This is the side of my CCM:



    These are the wires to cut & splice together:

    WHITE Plug -----> BLACK Plug

    (Grey/Violet) -----> (Grey/Violet/Yellow & Grey/Green/Yellow) [DRIVER'S SIDE]

    (Grey/Yellow) -----> (Grey/White/Yellow & Grey/Blue/Yellow) [PASSENGER'S SIDE]

    The first color represents the main color of the wire while the second is the vertical stripe. If a third color is present, these are the spots on the wire. On the WHITE plug, you'll notice TWO similar Grey/Yellow wires but one is YELLOW/grey while the other is GREY/yellow. BE CAREFUL!!! I had already snipped the YELLOW/grey one for my "LOW BEAM FAILURE" fix so it wasn't an issue for me.

    These are the pictures of the wires I cut on the BLACK plug:



    Step 5:

    I basically cut the wires and spliced each pair up to a longer, extension wire (for easier access) using butt connectors. Here's a picture:



    Step 6:

    I then cut each of the appropriate wires on the WHITE plug and crimped ONE MALE connector and ONE FEMALE connector on each of the wires. I then did the same, but OPPOSITE on the extension wires (to avoid plugging the wrong wires together). This is a close up as well as the entire wiring scheme:




    Step 7:

    If you removed the entire plug, plug each plug back in temporarily (you don't have to completely slide the plug back on) to check to see if the error still occurs. If you did NOT remove the plug, then simply turn the car to the "2" position and then turn the parking lights on. If you have NO error, you're good to go.

    Step 8:

    That's it. Installation is reverse of removal. You can now enjoy your OBC without that damn message now.

    Any questions? Post here or email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

    - Curtis
    Last edited by clumpymold; 01-02-2005 at 08:23 AM.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  3. #3
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    Which message were you getting. About once a month I'll get the Brakelight Circuit error message, I'm guessing this isn't the same thing.

  4. #4
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    600cc of pure fury
    Tail Light Failure

  5. #5
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    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  6. #6
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    So you want to do this for me, seems uber complex

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by lucky579
    So you want to do this for me, seems uber complex
    Complex? Splice a few wires together.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by clumpymold
    Complex? Splice a few wires together.
    right...maybe I should just buy the correct taillights

    What if there really is a taillight failure? will it let you know?

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    whatever is there
    ::::clearing Throat::::::



    \\\hack///

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by lucky579
    right...maybe I should just buy the correct taillights

    What if there really is a taillight failure? will it let you know?
    Then you'll have either brake light failure, or taillight fail1 or taillight fail2 or something like that. If your blinkers are out, they'll blink faster.

    Oh, not sure about buying the correct taillights. I've heard some OEM ones give you the error as well. Not really sure mine even gave me the error as it took about 3-4 months after installing them. I think it may have been caused by some short while installing my HID highs.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by CarbonBlkE36
    ::::clearing Throat::::::



    \\\hack///
    Not sure what that means.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  12. #12
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    Wow, I'm surprised no one's interested in this. A few weeks ago it seemed as if people were begging me for a fix.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  13. #13
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    will this work for a 95?

  14. #14
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    I'm interested in a permanent fix for the "brake light circuit" error


    Quote Originally Posted by ClintonM3 View Post
    the Audi A4 is a tweaked, cosmetically enhanced, cross platform, put-together overnight VW.
    Quote Originally Posted by joeuser528e View Post
    Staggard setups are for cars that you park at show meets. They go well with 5 screens and 3 12"s.

  15. #15
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    Good job Clumpy! This is a work around, but if it makes the light go out, then... mission accomplished. I don't have the error, but am always wary of it w/my crystal tails.

  16. #16
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    Great post! I've been getting intermittent light failure messages with both US orange oem lights and clear euro oem lights.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by CarbonBlkE36
    ::::clearing Throat::::::



    \\\hack///
    You got a better solution?

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Black95///M3
    will this work for a 95?
    I don't see why it wouldn't. Just look under your dash and find your CCM. If it looks the same and the wires are there, it should work. BUT, if you're not getting the "TAIL LIGHT FAILURE" error, then don't do it.

    Quote Originally Posted by Daved
    I'm interested in a permanent fix for the "brake light circuit" error
    Well, there's a fix for the "BRAKE LIGHT FAIL" or something like that in the link to that document. Is that what you're looking for?

    Quote Originally Posted by Keda
    Good job Clumpy! This is a work around, but if it makes the light go out, then... mission accomplished. I don't have the error, but am always wary of it w/my crystal tails.
    Thanks! Yep, I also have crystal tails and it was fine for about 3-4 months or so. Then, all of a sudden, it popped up. So I'm not even sure if it was my tails. I was working with my HIDs at that time and shorted some stuff out.

    Which reminds me, my damn trunk light is out. I was plugging it back in and something shorted. Changed bulbs but it still doesn't work. I measured the power and there's power going to the unit, I believe. A complete circuit is made when I touch the chassis. Just need to find the power. Sucks.

    Quote Originally Posted by 96cosmosM3
    Great post! I've been getting intermittent light failure messages with both US orange oem lights and clear euro oem lights.
    Yay! Yep, I've heard this problem happening even on OEM lights. So the excuse of getting OEM lights is not the answer.

    Quote Originally Posted by 96cosmosM3
    You got a better solution?
    Haha, ok. I think I know what he means now. And yeah, you have a better solution (besides buying OEM clears - see above post)?

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  19. #19
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    I just did this to my 95 today. Thanks for the pics and such. I am now light free, if you don't count the airbag light behind the tape that I can't see.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by clumpymold
    Well, there's a fix for the "BRAKE LIGHT FAIL" or something like that in the link to that document. Is that what you're looking for?
    Nop I'm looking for a fix for the "brake light circuit" error, the one that comes up on your OBC when the brake light switch (on the brake pedal) is bad (but replacing it with a new one on my car didn't fix it completely).


    Quote Originally Posted by ClintonM3 View Post
    the Audi A4 is a tweaked, cosmetically enhanced, cross platform, put-together overnight VW.
    Quote Originally Posted by joeuser528e View Post
    Staggard setups are for cars that you park at show meets. They go well with 5 screens and 3 12"s.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by Daved
    Nop I'm looking for a fix for the "brake light circuit" error, the one that comes up on your OBC when the brake light switch (on the brake pedal) is bad (but replacing it with a new one on my car didn't fix it completely).
    Oh, yeah. I've heard of that. I'm sure there's a fix somewhere. Not sure if it's to bypass the CCM though.

    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
    07/97 BMW (Sold 08/09) - 03/01 Audi A4 1.8TMCX (Sold 06/03)

    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  22. #22
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    2005 Audi (Purchased 07/09) - 2005 Yamaha R6 (Raven) (Purchased 5/06)
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    Please do NOT PM me! Email me: clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

  23. #23
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    I have OEM Euro lights and have gotten this error since the second I installed them over a year ago. HOORAY!!
    93' 325iS

    2JZ-GTE Powered BMW is complete.

    2JZ Powered E36 / 3" Garret Front Mount Intercooler / 3" Exhaust / HKS EVC Boost Controller / Twin Plate OS Giken Clutch / Carbon Fiber Hood / M3 Bumpers and Skirts / M3 LED Mirrors / Euro Taillights / Clear Corners / Euro Ellipsoids / 18" Hamann Replica Wheels / 4-way Adjustable Coilovers / Momo Shift Knob / Momo Milennium Steering Wheel / Alpine Head Unit / Alpine Type X Components in custom Kick Panels / Alpine Amplifiers / Alpine Type R Subs

  24. #24
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    tried but gave up after a couple minutes and paid someone to do it

    im so lazy

  25. #25
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    Sweet! I definately need to do this. This should be added to the diy section or stickied!!!!!

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