[s-cars] Brighter Instrument Panel and Gauge Bulbs

[Daniel Hussey]

Thanks for the write up, and I've done this a few times.  First of all, if
you have an S4 and haven't upgraded to the two watt bulbs, the first time
one burns out, DO IT.  It almost seems to me this is how it should have been
from the factory.

The biggest advice I can give (and I've done this, and helped friends do it
a few times)... is to wrap your entire inner dash cosole (where the
instrument cluster goes in) and inner edge of the dash in good (I use 3M)
duct tape!   Getting the cluster out is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle and you
have to invert it and rest it againt the upper part to get some of those
damn clips undone, and you'll cry if you damage your perfect dashboard.
It's good insurance and only takes a few extra minutes to protect everything
against scratching it on removal and install.  I think this procedure should
be added to any instructions.

I did this, and when it's all done and instrument cluster is back in place,
just undo all the duct tape.  Perfect job every time.

Later,
Dan
'95 S6 Avant (Europa/ecru)
'87 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 (aka "ski bitch")
Seattle, WA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean Douglas" <quattro20v at telus.net>
To: <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2003 3:55 PM
Subject: [s-cars] Brighter Instrument Panel and Gauge Bulbs


> I just finished replacing all the gauge bulbs with the brighter 2.0 watt
> ones versus the stock 1.1 watt bulbs. The 2.0w bulbs are brighter and
> looks better at night, IMHO.
>
> Its not too hard, took about an hour, taking my time. In case anyone is
> interested here's the procedure.
>
> Get yourself 10 osram 2.0w bulbs with the green base, p/n 893 919 040A,
> about $2.00 ea, these are available from the dealer or aftermarket.
>
> 1. Remove 2 phillips screws that hold the trim plate in.
> 2. Remove trim plate by pulling from left side, then pull out to the
> left, there's a pin on the right hand side.
> 3. Remove 3 phillips screws holding instrument panel in place.
> 4. Lower your steering wheel and pull out all the way, put cloth on
> steering column to protect from scratching.
> 5. Remove panel and rotate so its pointing up.
> 6. Its possible to do the bulb re/re without removing the panel, but it
> not that hard to remove the elec connectors.
> 7. Some elec connectors require you to pull a locking clip out first -
> use a small flat screwdriver for this. All connectors are colour coded,
> so don't worry about messing up when you replace.
> 8. If you decide to leave it in place, you will need a long 6 mm nut
> driver or a 6 mm socket with a long extention and be prepared to work
> upside down.
> 7. Remove each bulb, they are held in bayonet style, it's the orange
> base ones you are after. There are one for each of the small gauges and
> 2 for each of the tach and speedo. Nine are very easy to get to, but one
> (for the speedo)requires you to remove the yellow connector that is held
> in with 2 very small phillips screws (it took me a while to find this
> one). Use a jeweller's screwdriver for this.
> 8. Installation is the reverse of removal.
> 9. Check to make sure everything is working before you button the panel
> back up.
> 10. Enjoy your brighter instrument lights!
>
> Sean
>
> Sean Douglas
> 1997 Audi S6
> 1990 Audi 90Q20V
> Surrey, BC
> Canada
>
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