Re: 88 80: Dash switch disassembly

[Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>]

Hairy green toads from Mars made Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv say:

> I recently read some postings about taking dashboard switches apart. This
> reminded me of something: is the rear screen heater switch (on the dash) of
> my 1988 80 supposed to be lit when the heater's on? This switch is of the
> 'flush push in-push out' type, it's in a row of several under the vents in
> the centre of the dash. The rear fog light switch next to it *is* lit, but
> the heater switch hasn't been lit since I got the car a year ago.
> If it's *supposed* to be lit, which I think it is, what would be the
> procedure for taking it out, taking it apart and replacing the bulb, if
> such a thing is possible? Does taking a switch apart mean that extremely
> small parts will be catapulting around my head, ending up in the least
> accessible place (BTDT with my old Jetta, took me three hours to find the
> parts and reassemble the @#$% switch)? I've tried some things, but I cannot
> even figure out how to remove this switch from the dash without reverting
> to violence. And we all know that violence and Audi problems do not
> mix...:-)
> 
> If anyone on the list has ever tried to dismantle these things (I believe
> they're not common to other Audi types except the 90) please give me some
> pointers. I'd like to get it functioning to remind me to switch it off!

A small, controlled amount of violence is the correct solution.

I've had several of these switches out (including the rear defogger)
from my 100Q and my 90Q20V. The faceplates slide out fairly easily.
The switches themselves come out with some prying and pulling. They
do come out, though. Try getting a small (2mm) screwdriver blade in
to pry with; it helps.

Once you get the switch out, it disassembles by (sorry, working from
memory here), prying the sides of the switch box out from the bottom
mounting plate of the switch (where the contacts are). The top can
then slides out. There are *no* spring-loaded parts to fall out.

There are two lights: one is on all the time with the dashboard lights,
one is connected to the defogger power and is on when the switch is on.
You can replace the bulbs pretty easily.

-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she's too heavy to care.