'88 80Q center console switches

[Huw Powell]

> Are the center console switches in my 80Q 
> removable/replaceable/repairable? I'm referring to the push-in switches 
> for rear window defrost, front fog, rear fog...

Yes.  They are the electrical weak link in the type 89 - trust Audi to 
use "something new".  They had figured out how to make window switches 
that are waterproof, AMP connectors likewise, etc., etc., then they put 
a row of some newly designed switch on the dash and they all get crappy.

> My defrost switch has decided it is stuck -- no pushing in or out. Also 
> no engagement of rear defrost since that happened.
> 
> I'm wondering if this switch is like the diff lock near the ebrake, where I 
> could just pull it out and detach from a connector behind it. (and maybe 
> replace, Audi parts gods willing.)

They can be pulled out towards you - be careful, they are mounted in a 
lightweight piece of plastic which is mostly holes for the switches. 
Once you pull them a couple of inches, you can disconnect them from 
their harness.  With one out, the others are easier because you can push 
them from behind with a "tool" of some sort.

Ed K says:

> The face pops off with a little
> persuasion and then you have more to hold onto to pull the switch out.

Yes, that's it, I remember now.  Then you can grab the casing with a 
small needlnose or similar tool.

My defrost switch has always held up well, perhaps due to regular use, 
or perhaps due to simplicity.  But my foglight switches are at best 
50/50, no matter how carefully cleaned, etc.

As I recall, the switch bodies and connectors are all color keyed, so if 
you take several out, you can reinsert them properly.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/