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2022 Tiguan S - Rear Taillight LED Flickering and Error Message

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:21 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Hi everyone, I'm having a problem with the rear left taillight on my 2022 VW Tiguan S. The LED strip for the running light has started flickering intermittently, especially when I first start the car. Sometimes it goes away, but other times it stays on and I get a "Check Left Rear Light" error message on my dash.

The brake light and turn signal seem to be working fine, it's just the running light portion that's acting up. It's really noticeable and makes me worried about visibility, especially at night. I haven't hit anything or had any work done on the car recently that would affect the lights.

Could this be a loose connection, a bad LED module, or something else entirely? Has anyone else with a newer Tiguan experienced this? Any advice would be great!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:21 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A flickering LED taillight and associated error message on your 2022 Tiguan S indicates an issue within the lighting circuit, which is common with modern LED systems due to their sensitivity to voltage and current. Here's what's likely happening:

Potential Causes:

  1. Faulty LED Module/Assembly: The most common cause for flickering. LEDs are typically integrated into a sealed unit. If one or more LEDs or their internal driver circuit fails, it can cause flickering or complete failure, triggering an error.
  2. Loose or Corroded Connection: A poor electrical connection at the taillight assembly connector or within the wiring harness can lead to intermittent power, causing the light to flicker. This is often exacerbated by vibrations or moisture.
  3. Wiring Harness Damage: Less common, but physical damage to the wiring leading to the taillight can cause intermittent power issues.
  4. Body Control Module (BCM) Issue: The BCM (also known as the Central Electronics Control Unit or J519) monitors and controls vehicle lighting. A rare internal fault in the BCM could send incorrect signals, but this usually affects multiple lights or functions.
  5. Voltage Fluctuations: While less likely to be specific to one light, general vehicle voltage instability could contribute, though typically other electrical components would also show symptoms.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the exterior of the taillight assembly for any signs of physical damage, cracks, or moisture intrusion. Check the wiring harness leading to the taillight for any visible fraying, pinching, or corrosion.
  2. Check the Connector: Disconnect and re-connect the electrical connector to the taillight assembly (usually accessible from inside the trunk/hatch area). Ensure it's clean, dry, and securely seated. Look for any bent pins or corrosion.
  3. Swap with Other Side (if possible): If your Tiguan's taillight assemblies are interchangeable (which they often are for testing purposes), swap the problematic left rear with the right rear. If the problem moves to the right side, the taillight assembly itself is faulty. If it stays on the left, the issue is with the vehicle's wiring or control module.
  4. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): A scan tool capable of reading codes from the Central Electronics (Module 09) or Body Control Module will likely show specific fault codes related to the left rear light. Examples include:
    • B102611 - Left rear light - Short to ground
    • B102615 - Left rear light - Open circuit/short to B+
    • B102604 - Left rear light - Internal fault

When to See a Shop:

  • Promptly: Since this affects vehicle safety and visibility, it's best to address it quickly, especially if the flickering is consistent or the light goes out entirely.
  • If the visual inspection and connector check don't resolve the issue.
  • If swapping the taillight assembly confirms an internal fault with the light itself, as these LED units are typically replaced as a whole.
  • If diagnostic codes point to wiring issues or a fault within the BCM, as these require specialized tools and expertise for proper diagnosis and repair.
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