[V8] Elegant mechanisms [WAS RE: Heater Vent Bulb Change Write Up?]

[urq]

... after some careful investigation I rediscovered what I had some hazy
recollection of ... Audi *DID* intend for the bulbs that light the dash vent
air controls to be replaced without much difficulty ... 

First pull out the "vent insert" closest to the open/close control on the
dash vent.  Looking carefully at the edge of the vent opening closest to the
open/close control you will see a plastic tab protruding in the lower corner
of the opening.  Grab this tab with your thumb and forefinger and move it
horizontally toward the center of the vent opening to release the latch and
pull the tab out of the vent.  The tab is attached to the bulb holder!
Replace the bulb and reinstall the holder in the vent ... so simple.  I was
trying to extricate the socket from the side or back.  :-(

I don't know which bulb is spec'ed for this use ... I found two mini wedge
bulbs at the FLAPS ... one type 37 and one type 74.  The type 37 is supposed
to put out 6 lumens and the type 74 is 9 lumens.  Comparing to the working
vent I'd say the type 37 is what Audi uses ... GE rates the 37 for 2500
hours and the 74 for only 1000 ... I think I'll be going with the 74 bulb
anyway ... 

HTH!
Steve B
San Jose, CA (USA)

BTW, anyone got a center vent for a V8 they're willing to part with?  :-)

-----Original Message-----

... so, I find that two of the 3 dash vents are not illuminated ... pull the
middle one ... seems I have to disassemble some parts which were not
intended to be disassembled to get to the bulb.  I thought I saw a write up
on how to change the bulbs ... didn't see it in the KB.  Does anyone
remember where this procedure can be found?