2018 Mazda CX-5 AFS Malfunction - B15D4 Left Headlight Leveling

Question

I'm getting a flashing AFS warning on my dashboard and my driver-side LED headlight is aimed significantly lower than the passenger side. I tried cycling the ignition and cleaning the ride height sensors, but the light refuses to level during the startup sequence. The car hasn't been in any front-end collisions so I'm not sure why the motor stopped.

shoptech_carlos · Accepted Answer

The issue was a seized leveling actuator motor inside the headlight housing itself. Unfortunately, Mazda does not sell the internal motor separately, so the entire LED headlight assembly (Part No: KB8M-51-041L) had to be replaced. I sourced a recycled unit for $450, installed it, and performed the 'Headlight Auto Leveling Sensor Initial Learning' procedure using a scan tool to clear the B15D4 code and level the beam.

Marcus Bell · Answer

I've seen this happen when the internal plastic gear for the leveling screw strips out. These LED units are 'sealed,' but you can sometimes hear the motor humming without movement if the gear is gone.

road_rambler · Answer

You need to determine if it is the actuator or the Front Body Control Module (FBCM). Use a bi-directional scanner to command the headlight up and down. If the passenger side moves but the driver side doesn't, you likely have a dead internal motor in the housing.

Pete Sanders · Answer

Check the connector pins at the back of the headlight assembly for green crusties. These Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 models are known for moisture getting into the multi-pin connector which can short out the leveling signal.

2018 Mazda CX-5 AFS Malfunction - B15D4 Left Headlight Leveling

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