The Volkswagen Passat B8 3G is a mid-size car introduced by Volkswagen in 2014. It represents the eighth generation of the Passat lineup and offers a refined combination of luxury, advanced technology, and performance. With its sleek design and modern features, the Passat B8 has gained popularity among drivers worldwide for its practicality and style.
One of the advanced features of the Passat B8 3G is the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), which comes equipped with LED headlamps. This system replaces the older technology used in models like the VW Golf, which relied on D3S xenon headlamps.
In this blog, we’ll explore the AFS system, explain what the error cornering light warning means, and discuss why this feature might fail.
Understanding the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)
The Adaptive Front-Lighting System, or AFS, is also known as an adaptive headlight system. It is a significant technological upgrade compared to traditional fixed headlights. With AFS, the headlamps are designed to move in the direction of the car’s steering wheel. This ensures better illumination, especially around corners or bends in the road, providing enhanced visibility and safety during nighttime or low-light driving conditions.
How Does AFS Work?
Unlike conventional headlights, which stay in a fixed position, adaptive headlights rely on electronic sensors to track the car's steering angle. When the driver turns the steering wheel, these sensors signal the headlights to pivot in the same direction. This dynamic movement ensures that the headlights illuminate the road ahead more effectively, especially around turns.
The AFS system not only enhances visibility but also minimizes blind spots and improves overall driving safety. It’s particularly helpful in rural areas, poorly lit streets, or during adverse weather conditions.
How to Identify Faulty Parts or Symptoms of AFS Failure
If your VW Passat B8 displays the cornering light AFS warning message, it's important to understand what’s causing it. Faulty parts in the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) can trigger both warning messages and specific symptoms. Here’s how to identify the issue:
1. Warning Messages
When the AFS system detects a problem, it typically displays an error message on the dashboard. The most common warning message is:
- Error: cornering light (AFS)
This message indicates that the adaptive headlights are no longer functioning as they should and need immediate attention.
2. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
For a more precise diagnosis, you’ll need a diagnostic scan. Using an OBD-II scanner, you can retrieve the following trouble codes (DTCs), which directly point to issues in the AFS system:
- 55 Headlamp Range Control
- C108313 Left Stationary AFS - Open Circuit
- C108413 Right stationary AFS - Open circuit
- C108231 - Right headlamp power output stage No signal
- C1082F0 - Right headlamp power output stage
- C108131 - Left headlamp power output stage No signal
- C1081F0 - Left headlamp power output stage
Each code provides specific information about the affected component, whether it's the left or right headlamp or the AFS module itself.
3. Non-Moving Headlights
A key symptom of AFS failure is that the headlights stop moving when you turn the steering wheel. The adaptive function, designed to swivel the lights to align with your driving direction, no longer works.
4. Reduced Nighttime Visibility
Without the adaptive feature, your headlights will only illuminate the road directly in front of the car, leaving corners and bends poorly lit. This can make nighttime or low-light driving more hazardous.
Identifying these symptoms and messages can help you pinpoint the issue and take the necessary steps to fix it.
How to Fix a Faulty AFS System
Once you’ve identified that the AFS system is faulty, the next step is to resolve the issue. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to fix the problem:
1. Replace the Faulty AFS Module
The most straightforward solution is to replace the AFS Leistungsmodul module. This component is crucial for the adaptive headlights to function properly. Over time, the module may fail due to wear and tear or exposure to external elements. You can purchase the replacement AFS module from Xenons4U.
Replacing the module is typically enough to restore the functionality of the AFS system.
2. Additional Diagnostics and Calibration
In some cases, after replacing the module, the car’s system may require recalibration. This step ensures that the new module integrates correctly with the vehicle’s onboard systems and that the headlights swivel accurately based on the steering wheel’s position.
For this, a certified technician can perform diagnostics and reset the system to ensure everything is working as intended.
Verify the Correct Part Number
Before purchasing a replacement, it's important that you ensure that the part number matches your existing module. Using an incompatible part can cause further issues.
Valeo Part Number:
- 90051650
VW Audi Seat part numbers:
- 3G0 941 329
- 3G0941329
Compatible LED Headlamps
The AFS module is compatible with the following LED headlamps for VW Passat B8:
- Valeo 90064974 3G2941113A
- Valeo 90136116 3G2941081G
Compatible Vehicles
This AFS module works with the following VW Volkswagen models:
- VW Passat B8 3G with LED headlights
- Alltrack Variant Saloon Sedan Estate Wagon
- 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
- GT GTE 4MOTION Petrol Gasoline Diesel
