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2019 Audi A5 Coupe Quattro US to EU Rear Turn Signal Conversion: Amber Indicators, Coding, Wiring

User question

2019 Audi A5 Coupe Quattro US to European turn signal conversion

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • Brief, precise answer:
    • On a 2019 Audi A5 Coupe (B9 pre-facelift), converting from US (NAR) to European (ECE) rear turn signals requires EU‑spec rear lamp assemblies with amber indicators, an adapter harness with at least one added wire to separate stop and turn circuits, and control‑module coding/parameterization (VCDS/OBDeleven for adaptations; VCP/ODIS Engineering if a light‑configuration dataset is needed). Front turn signals generally need only coding (to disable US side‑marker function) if you are not changing headlamps.
  • Key points:
    • Hardware: replace US rear lamps; do not mix Coupe vs Sportback or B9 vs B9.5 parts.
    • Wiring: add a dedicated LIN/low‑side output line for the amber turn channel; some kits include a “flying lead” to the BCM.
    • Software: remap “Leuchte” channels so brake = red only, turn = amber only; if dynamic sweep timing is wrong, flash the correct ECE dataset.
    • Legal: EU requires amber rear indicators and rear fog(s); US DOT approval is different. Ensure you comply with the jurisdiction where the car will be registered.

Detailed problem analysis

  • Development of main aspects:
    • Functional differences (rear):
    • US spec: combined stop/turn on the same red LED segment; no dedicated amber section; rear fog often absent or disabled.
    • EU spec: separate amber LED turn indicator (often dynamic/sweeping on “high‑line” lamps); red brake dedicated; at least one rear fog lamp active.
    • Control topology:
    • The B9 platform drives each light function through “Leuchte” channels configured in the Central Electrics domain (address 09) with plausibility/diagnostics. Dynamic sweep and segmentation patterns are defined by a parameter set (dataset). Some cars accept pure adaptation changes; others require parameterization with a ZDC/ODX dataset via VCP or ODIS Engineering to get correct sequencing and brightness tables.
    • Why hardware swap is mandatory at the rear:
    • US lamp internals physically lack amber emitters. Coding alone cannot create amber output. You must install EU‑spec lamps that contain the amber segments (and often different internal PCBs/optics).
  • Theoretical foundations:
    • Separation of functions is required by ECE R6/R48: stop must not modulate with direction indicator; direction indicator must be amber with defined on/off cadence and luminous intensity; rear fog(s) must be independent.
    • The vehicle’s light controller monitors load via current sense and PWM feedback. If a channel is reassigned or left unconnected, the “Lampendefekt” (bulb-out) bit can set a DTC unless the new mapping and load class are configured.
  • Practical applications:
    • “Leuchte” channel mapping strategy (conceptual; actual channel names vary by SW):
    • Original US mapping example (rear left):
      • Leuchte27: Function A = Brake + Turn Left (red), Load type = LED.
    • Target EU mapping (rear left):
      • Leuchte27: Function A = Brake only (red).
      • Leuchte26 (new output): Function A = Turn Left (amber), Load type = LED, with dynamic stage if supported.
    • Mirror for right side (Leuchte28/Leuchte25 or similar, depending on build).
    • When a dataset is needed:
    • If, after adaptations, the amber strip blinks only partially, sweeps incorrectly, or brightness/diagnostics are wrong, the “light configuration” dataset does not match the newly installed lamps. Flash the correct ECE dataset for A5 (F5) Coupe high‑line LED tails.

Current information and trends

  • Latest data from online answers:
    • Real‑world retrofits commonly use OEM EU LED taillight packages paired with harness adapters and coding; reputable vendors bundle plug‑and‑play adapters and provide coding help or dongles. Community reports note that VCDS/OBDeleven can complete simple NAR→ECE changes, but VCP/ODIS may be required to parameterize dynamic sweep. Kits for B9.5 (2020.5+) are not compatible with B9 pre‑facelift (your 2019), and Coupe vs Sportback lamps differ.
  • Current industry trends:
    • Dynamic amber indicators are widely adopted in EU models; retrofit kits focus on maintaining OEM diagnostics and sweep timing to avoid DTCs.
  • Potential future development directions:
    • Unified dataset delivery and VIN‑aware parameterization to reduce the need for manual ZDC selection and to minimize coding errors.

Supporting explanations and details

  • Hardware details and selection:
    • Choose EU‑spec taillights for the B9 A5 Coupe, pre‑facelift (model code F5; MY2017–2019). Ensure you get the inner (trunk‑lid) and outer (quarter panel) lamps as a complete set. Sportback (5‑door) and Cabrio parts do not fit. Avoid B9.5 facelift parts (MY2020.5+) unless you plan a full facelift retrofit with body harness changes.
    • High‑line vs. standard LED: high‑line rear lamps provide dynamic sweep; standard LED may blink static. Verify your target behavior and order accordingly.
  • Wiring changes:
    • The US rear harness typically lacks a discrete amber turn feed. Adapter looms provide:
    • Re‑pinned connectors to match EU lamp pinouts.
    • A flying lead that must be routed to an unused light‑output pin at the BCM (or spliced to the appropriate harness branch) to deliver the turn signal channel. This line is then assigned to the “Leuchte” channel you configure as Turn Left/Right.
    • BCM location and pins:
    • The rear‑body control connections are in the left rear quarter/trunk area. Exact connector designations (e.g., T32/T46) and pin numbers vary by revision—use ELSA wiring for your VIN to avoid mis‑pinning.
  • Coding/parameterization detail:
    • Tools: OBDeleven or VCDS for adaptations; VCP or ODIS Engineering if dataset flashing is required.
    • Typical adaptations (examples; names differ by label file/software):
    • In 09‑Central Electrics → Adaptations:
      • Set the existing brake/turn channel to Brake only (remove Blinken links in A/B/C).
      • Assign the new output to Turn Left/Right (Blinken links) with correct Dimmwert (brightness) and Lasttyp (load type = LED).
      • Set “Diagnose” to active for the new channel; set cold/warm monitoring as appropriate to avoid false bulb warnings.
      • Adjust “Market/Region” lighting behavior from NAR to RoW/ECE if available, and enable rear fog(s) if equipped.
    • Dataset flashing:
    • Select the precise ECE dataset for A5 F5 Coupe with the exact lamp style (dynamic or static). A wrong dataset yields partial sweeps, wrong intensities, or faults. Keep a backup of the original NAR dataset before flashing so you can roll back.
  • Front lighting considerations:
    • Front turn indicators on US cars are already amber. For EU conformity, disable the US front amber side‑marker running light via coding. Beam pattern (SAE vs. ECE) and E‑marking are a headlamp/homologation topic separate from turn signals; if the car will be registered in the EU, plan for E‑marked headlamps and enabling rear fog(s).
  • Diagnostics and testing:
    • Before: full autoscan and adaptation map export (save as baseline).
    • After hardware install: continuity test for new leads; visual check of connector seals and gaskets.
    • After coding: test left/right indicators, hazards, brake+turn simultaneity (brake must not override amber flash), rear fog(s), and DTCs. Confirm sweep cadence ~90 flashes/min and symmetric left/right timing.

Ethical and legal aspects

  • Regulatory compliance:
    • EU (ECE R6/R48) requires amber rear indicators and defined behavior; rear fog(s) must be present and separately controlled.
    • US FMVSS 108 permits red rear indicators and mandates DOT‑approved lamps; EU E‑marked lamps may not be DOT‑approved. Operating ECE lamps on US roads can be illegal; conversely, importing to the EU with US lamps will fail inspection.
  • Safety and liability:
    • Improper coding or mis‑wiring can disable safety‑critical lamps. Keep a documented revert plan and validate all functions. Avoid defeating lamp diagnostics.

Practical guidelines

  • Implementation methods (recommended path): 1) Source OEM EU taillamps matched to your VIN/body (B9 Coupe, pre‑facelift, dynamic if desired). 2) Use a reputable adapter harness designed for NAR→ECE conversion (includes flying lead[s] and rear fog support). 3) Route the added turn lead(s) to the BCM connector per ELSA wiring; crimp proper terminals—do not “t-tap.” 4) Perform adaptations in 09‑Central Electrics to separate brake and turn functions and enable rear fog(s). 5) If the sweep/brightness is wrong or DTCs persist, parameterize with the correct ECE dataset (VCP/ODIS Eng). 6) Functionally test and water‑test (light mist) to check for seal integrity.
  • Best practices:
    • Photograph each connector/pin before changes; label adapters L/R Inner/Outer.
    • Export adaptation channels before and after; record dataset part numbers.
    • Maintain battery support (12 V power supply) during flashing/coding.
  • Potential challenges and how to overcome them:
    • Bulb-out errors: verify load type and diagnostic monitoring flags; ensure the new channel is assigned and physically wired.
    • Partial/incorrect sweep: wrong dataset—reflash with the exact ECE file for F5 Coupe high‑line LEDs.
    • Water ingress: always seat rear‑lamp gaskets cleanly; torque to spec and re‑check panel gaps.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

  • Part numbers vary by trim, color (smoked vs. red), PR‑codes, and MY. Do not rely on generic numbers—query ETKA/parts catalog by VIN.
  • Some vehicles accept adaptation‑only solutions; others require parameterization due to software baselines. Plan time and tooling accordingly.
  • B9.5 (facelift) lamps are not plug‑compatible with B9 without an extensive retrofit.

Suggestions for further research

  • Obtain your car’s wiring diagrams (ELSA) and the “Leuchte” channel map for your exact software version.
  • Read an SSP (Self‑Study Program) for MLB Evo lighting architecture to understand channel logic and diagnostics.
  • Review reputable retrofit kit documentation (OEM EU lamp kits with adapter looms and coding instructions).
  • If you need per‑channel coding, share your VIN and an adaptation map or autoscan so precise channel names and values can be provided.

Brief summary

  • To convert a 2019 A5 Coupe Quattro to EU turn signals, swap to EU‑spec rear lamp assemblies, run the adapter/flying lead(s) to the BCM to create separate amber turn channels, and recode the lighting controller; parameterize with the correct ECE dataset if needed for dynamic sweep. Verify rear fog functionality and disable US side markers for EU compliance. Use OEM parts, VIN‑matched wiring, and proper tools (VCDS/OBDeleven; VCP/ODIS Eng) to avoid DTCs and ensure safe, legal operation.

If you want, I can tailor the exact wiring pins and adaptation values. Please provide:

  • VIN (or PR‑codes), a photo of each rear lamp label, and a VCDS/OBDeleven autoscan plus the 09‑Central Electrics adaptation channel list.

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Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.