Re: Re: Switch Lighting

[Peter_C_Schulz@ccmail.ed.ray.com]

Thanks for the responses on my switch/light bulb questions.

Phil Payne responded to my original thread on changing switch bulbs with the 
attached instructions.  They seem to apply to "rocker" switches.  My 1990 coupe 
Quattro has "push on/push off" switches.

Eliot Lim <eliot@u.washington.edu> later responded with instructions which seem 
to apply to the "newer" switch.

I'll give it a try this weekend.  

BTW - any further news on upgrading to European lights?

Peter Schulz
1990 Coupe Quattro

no cats
...no dogs
   ...just five? (one's pregnant) tropical fish

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From: Phil@sievers.com (Phil Payne)
Date: Wed, 28 Dec 1994 15:55:31 GMT

Subject: Switch lighting


>On both my Audis, the switches *can* simply be pulled out.  However, there's a 
>small risk of breaking the plastic frame that holds them within the binnacle.

>In most cars, the binnacle cover is held on by two screws inserted upwards into 
>the cover at the very front - when sitting in the normal driving position, you 
>can feel these screwheads vertically below the columns of switches.  Take them 
>out and ease the binnacle cover upwards and towards the steering wheel - it's 
>located by some spigots under the windshield.

>This exposes the switches, and makes their removal somewhat easier.  No - you 
>can't change the bulb with the switch in situ.  You bought an Audi - 
>remember?  Pulling the connector off the back of the switch before you start 
>makes the whole process more controllable. Most switches can be disassembled 
>with a bit of care - just pry the snaps back over the retaining catches.  
>Beware that most use loose ball bearings and some loose springs - do your 
>initial disassembly over a baking tray or large bowl. The bulbs Audi use are 
>referred to in UK dealerships as "grain of wheat" bulbs. Switch reassembly  
>requires a steady hand, because of the ball bearing.

>With grain of wheatbulbs lasting two or three years, and new switches at GBP25 
>(US$40) I do this fairly often. 

>Phil Payne
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>i haven't been following this discussion, but if it is in reference to
>the newer cars, this is not true, because yesterday i saw my mechanic
>do it with my own eyes.  took a little screwdriver, pried out the
>front faceplate of the defroster switch and replaced the bulb.(which
>cost $1 at the dealer).  the switch remained in its installed position
>>throughout.  the ABS defeat switch bulb was also replaced in the
same manner.  took less than 5 minutes. (they didn't charge me for labor either)

>eliot
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