An Audi S3 with a persistent lighting fault has been successfully returned to factory specification by Herefordshire-based LAB Autos using Hella Gutmann’s macsRemote service, demonstrating how independent workshops can resolve complex coding issues without sending vehicles to a franchised dealer.
The vehicle arrived at the workshop following replacement of its front headlamp assemblies, but a previous diagnostic attempt had left the lighting control module incorrectly coded resulting in an MOT failure. The front amber indicator remained permanently illuminated whenever the headlights were switched on, leaving the workshop with a fault that could not be resolved through conventional diagnostic procedures.
LAB Autos connected Hella Gutmann’s macsRemote vehicle communication interface (VCI) to the vehicle’s standard OBD port and raised a remote diagnostic ticket.
Hella Gutmann’s technical specialists were then able to access the vehicle’s onboard systems and investigate the configuration of the central electrics and lighting control module.
The incorrect configuration mapping was identified and corrected remotely, fixing the permanent indicator illumination and restoring the Audi’s original daytime running light (DRL) and direction-indicator functionality.
The intervention also avoided the additional costs and delays that would have resulted from transporting the vehicle to a franchised dealer or replacing components unnecessarily, while keeping the vehicle within the workshop rather than extending its vehicle-off-road time.
“Modern vehicle lighting systems and body control architectures frequently require manufacturer-compliant coding sequences that generic diagnostic tools cannot execute,” said Julian Goulding, Head of Sales at Hella Gutmann UK. “macsRemote serves gives independent garages on-demand access to our technical specialists to complete complex coding and adaptation tasks without turning work away.”
This latest case reflects a growing challenge for independent workshops, as component replacement on modern vehicles can increasingly be followed by configuration, coding or adaptation requirements that cannot be completed using generic diagnostic equipment alone.
macsRemote enables workshops to connect directly with Hella Gutmann’s technical specialists through a VCI, providing remote support for complex programming and coding tasks. It helps independents keep more work within their own workshop, rather than having to refer vehicles elsewhere.
For further information on Hella Gutmann diagnostic solutions and macsRemote, visit: https://www.hella.com/techworld/uk/workshop-equipment/service-solutions/macsremote-services/.
