##B6 Front Headlight & Tail light REPLACEMENT Guide! ## UPDATED> GUIDE NOW UPLOADED

[RickT]

Right.... as so many of you have been asking "how do i change the headlight bulbs and rear tails lights... i thought i would throw a quick guide together..

Also... the guide for the tail lights is for the avant... however from that im sure you will figure out how to do the saloon... (just open the lugs covered in carpet instead of the plastic opens..

Open and save/print the PDF to help you!


Enjoy!

Cheers

Rickt


IF YOU DONT HAVE ADOBE READER YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FROM HERE
Adobe - Reader download thank you (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_servefile.html?option=full&order=1&type=&language=English&platform=WinXPSP2&esdcanbeused=1&esdcanhandle=0&hasjavascript=1)

[Sam]

And if you don't want bloated Adobe software may I recommend Foxit Reader.

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php

I have now removed Adobe from all of my office and home machines, saving up to 70MB space on each <smug>

[RickT]

The guide has now been uploaded..

RicKT

[dub love]

i have changed my headlight bulbs for the Hid ultra blue, or sumfin like that. it was easy:biglaugh: . the standard bulbs i found to be toffee, living in the country side, it was difficult driving home late at night especially when there's a cheb end driving a pulsar trying to keep up behind you. so i just replaced them with them blue vision bulbs there definately brighter, dont no about 40 percent though.

:beerchug:

(Shuffle Records)

[Yosemite Sam]

Thanks for the pointers - the photo's make this a cake walk. lamp cost a quid, and no need to drive out to AUDI garage - took 30 seconds to fit. nice one!

[RickT]

Thanks for the pointers - the photo's make this a cake walk. lamp cost a quid, and no need to drive out to AUDI garage - took 30 seconds to fit. nice one!

#


good stuff!

RickT

[mikebyrne]

will this guide help me at all with a 2000(W) Saloon??

[cheekeemonkey]

Thanks for the guide - v helpful - easy when you know how


Thanks again

:beerchug:

CM

[RickT]

Thanks for the guide - v helpful - easy when you know how


Thanks again

:beerchug:

CM


no problem..

over the last few days i have had a few emails from members asking for the guide..

We would welcome your feedback.

RickT

[Friday]

You are a star .. Thanks for providing such clear info.. Thats before I have attempted to change the bulb mind..!

[RickT]

Hi people..

Over recent weeks i have recieved over 30 emails asking for the guide to be sent to them..

As i dont have a problem sending this, i would just like to confirm if you all are able to download this correctly??

All looks ok from y end, but just wanted to check incase i miss an email from you.

RickT

[skgwho]

Hi people..

Over recent weeks i have recieved over 30 emails asking for the guide to be sent to them..

As i dont have a problem sending this, i would just like to confirm if you all are able to download this correctly??

All looks ok from y end, but just wanted to check incase i miss an email from you.

RickT

I can't download it for some reason. It says I don't have enough priviledges. I am a new member of the forum but does it mean I can't access it?

[Dram300]

I'm a newbie, can't download it either

[RickT]

if i remember correctly you need to have at least 10 posts counts to download things from the site.

2 options,

Have a bit of a chat in the Chat section to lift your post count or drop us a email and i will send it to you tomorrow.

RickT

[skgwho]

thanks a lot. unfortunately don't have internet in new house yet but shall chat soon. appreciate the reply.

[RickT]

thanks a lot. unfortunately don't have internet in new house yet but shall chat soon. appreciate the reply.


Cheers

Rick

[Cincinnati_Wit]

So do you have any wiring tips for getting both rear fogs to activate? I'm in the process of putting all the same brand/type of lights in the front (can't stand how the high beams and fogs are yellow with the bright white headlamps) and want to rewire the back so people stop telling me my brake lights are broken.

[RickT]

thanks a lot. unfortunately don't have internet in new house yet but shall chat soon. appreciate the reply.


just to let you know.. all new members will now be able to download content..

Rick

[RickT]

So do you have any wiring tips for getting both rear fogs to activate? I'm in the process of putting all the same brand/type of lights in the front (can't stand how the high beams and fogs are yellow with the bright white headlamps) and want to rewire the back so people stop telling me my brake lights are broken.


no wiring diagrams..

however.. i think the wiring is already there.. just not connected... take part the left cluster... have a look and compare to the right cluster..

however.. on these clusters its best to only have one rear fog light on the right.. otherwise it looks like your braking...

Rick

[RickT]

Link on page one updated.

Rick

[Cincinnati_Wit]

Well, yea, you're right about it looking like the brakes are on. I had a rewired '03 A6 that had the rear fogs mounted away from the cluster and quite honestly, I thought it looked awesome. When the brakes were activated, all five were blinding and while on the highway at night, it kept people from tailgating.

The S4 on the otherhand, has them mounted inside the cluster and the very first day I had it (with rear fogs on through force of habit) I had two people warn me that my brake lights were out. I'll fiddle with the wiring when I get home this week.

[Dwarner]

Thanks to the guide I got my brake lights changed. Both were out at the time and only the spoiler one was working in my avant.

Accidentally dropped the bolt inside the car when taking it off and had to screw the metal list at the back of the boot out to get the bolt back.

All in all took me 35mins at the first time. Second time should take less than 15mins since now I know how to do it.

Thanks again for awesome guide.

[Mac Kerr]

just to let you know.. all new members will now be able to download content..

RickAs of Oct 30 2007 that is not yet true. I am newly registered, and logged in, and am unable to download your pdf file. I'd hate to have to run on at the mouth for 10 posts just to be able to dl from this site., although the minimum number of posts to post a classified is brilliant. I am the lead moderator at a pro sound site and that is a big issue, flyby Chinese cell phone sales companies.

Thanks for this site.

Mac

[Portugazzer]

Hi I have an 03 2.5Tdi A4 Avant Quattro, I have removed the headlamps (lhd) to replace them with rhd ones. No problem with switching all the bulbs over but I am having a problem removing the rectangular wired unit (which sits in front of the bulbs) in the main beam/side light compartment from the octagonal headlamp height adjuster (I think this is what it is!). It has a small terminal block with 3 wires attached. Can you give any advice on removing it as I afraid of breaking it!

I have also noticed that the dipped beam light units on the lhd headlamps are located 180 degrees different from the rhd ones, it would appear that if you loosen off the 3 retaining nuts you can you can lift and spin the light unit thru 180 degrees and convert the lights from lhd to rhd and vice versa however there is a spring clip which locates it and I haven't figured out how to free it off yet. Can you help on this as well.

Thanks in advance

[frank ward]

I have just looked this post up again - An Audi Service Manager talked me through the front lamp change routine in a Motorway Services Car Park the day before Easter after he had recovered from the laughing fit when I tried to book it in to the Audi Dealer to have it done. I have done the rear one before - with a laptop in the boot at the bottom of the garden - and thought I could remember this time - I couldn't so thanks for the most understandable advice ever.

Frank Ward - Harrogate

RicKT[/quote]

[RickT]

As of Oct 30 2007 that is not yet true. I am newly registered, and logged in, and am unable to download your pdf file. I'd hate to have to run on at the mouth for 10 posts just to be able to dl from this site., although the minimum number of posts to post a classified is brilliant. I am the lead moderator at a pro sound site and that is a big issue, flyby Chinese cell phone sales companies.

Thanks for this site.

Mac


if you can let me know what the error is in the form of dropping a message to me i will look into this further.

Thanks

Rick

[fz0rb4]

:beerchug: Execellent & Thanks - just changed the front near side headlight.
Just saved £60 - its a con how much Audi charge when I challenged them they said it was a fixed price for the labour. They also reckon its a half hour job.

[bayside blue]

Yep cheers, i just sorted mine this morning, had to swap a headlight as the last one had algae in because the last person to do it mislocated the covers with the seals. Bet it was an Audi ***********! for the reason above... how much the new part costs plus the labour!

Next i've got to sort what the last owner plum did to the headunit so i can get my rear speakers working again.

[Robinho]

Hello. The headlamps guide is useful. I knew hot to change the rear lamps on my A4 1.8T Avant (end 2002), but I wonder if you would have a complete DIY Guide for this model? Mainly I looking for the guide to help me to check up all
basic things that i could do myself (fluids, filsters, and perhaps spark plugs, etc.) and more.

[palmapen]

Just finished replacing a head light and stop light bulbs. Thank you for your great information. This is my first time with this forum and a big help. I have a 1970 Mustang and use Vintage Mustang Forum with all my repairs and mods. :biglaugh:The internet is great.

Jim Gall
palmapen@comcast.net

[jfatsipga]

Rick
I have a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T, after reading your thread, I found only 3 screws to remove for passenger side access to head lamp. 2 on top, (1 on bottom on fender side of headlamp). All threads lead me to beleive there were 4. Succesful change but am worried about missing screw.

[Robinho]

Hello friends. I am looking for a General Maintanance Guide, online free, on how I can do check ups, etc on my own. Any links you can suggest. Thank you

[RickT]

Rick
I have a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T, after reading your thread, I found only 3 screws to remove for passenger side access to head lamp. 2 on top, (1 on bottom on fender side of headlamp). All threads lead me to beleive there were 4. Succesful change but am worried about missing screw.


Hi,

If its a A4 - B6, there should be 4 screws.. 2 on the front,, 2 hidden behind..

When the head light is remove you will see the 2 clips for securing the 2 rear screws.

Rick

[Cmack]

Hi,

Thank you for the guide, i have a 2006 A4 2.0T S-Line with automatic leveling bi-xenon headlights and the guide is the first i have found after hours and hours of searching online.

But i want to ask if anyone has used it for replacing the xenon bulbs in the newer B7 A4's? I found online that my car uses the DS1 bulb and found a seller on Ebay that sells them for 100 a pair which is allot cheaper than the 200 Audi wants to replace just one, so 400 total.

So has anyone had any luck using this guide for my type of car? I just want to be sure because the Audi service department made it sound like they are the ONLY people who can change the bulbs.

[samuelvella]

thanks for your pdf. when i opened the hood, i thought i can take everything apart blindly, or i can look for a forum. your instructions were perfect. thanks again.

[weeleigh]

Hi, thanks for the instructions. Managed to change the brake light bulb on my 03 Avant today, the instructions were spot on.

One point I would make - the screw holding the unit is about 2 inches long. When I was undoing it I wasn't sure of its length and kept turning it slowly until I realised it was out as far as it would go. I then used a pair of long nosed pliers to carefully withdraw it without dropping it inside the bodywork.

Everything else was as mentioned, although I had a job removing the assembly holding the bulbs from the light cluster (black in my case not white) as it was very tight. Once partly freed however the rest comes away easily. It didn't help that it was freezing today in Aberdeenshire and my hands were slowly becoming numb!

Thanks for the info, saved me a fortune from going to the ***********!

Weeleigh.:biglaugh:

[retailandtrade]

Wow, Got my new Philips + bulbs from our friends at Autobulbsdirect and gonna fit them in the morning.

Not being very technically minded, studied your Pics and instructions and read all the thread and any other info on other threads and seem alright. Reckon even i can do it.

BUT.....Just one question, keep seeing these screws in the picture which has stars on them....is that a special tool needed to be purchased before i start this job or is the good ol faithful Philips gonna fit in it!!

sorry to ask such a dim question just dont wanna fiddle about with it before i got all the tools ready, a reply tonight would be a great help.

Quite looking forward to getting it sorted in the morning cos fed up of driving around with my main beam on cos the normal audi bulbs are so dim....bit like my technical mind!!

Many thanks

[weeleigh]

I don't know anything about the headlights as I have only changed the brake light bulb on my car, but for the rear all you need is a philips screwdriver and a flat blade screwdriver for accessing the light bulb unit. That and a bit of care. It's quite an easy job, but don't rush it.

Maybe some of the other folks who have done the headlights could help.

Best of luck!

[retailandtrade]

Ok thanks for your help anyway, i think i will just end up ramming the philips in it and see what happens, cant believe that everyone on the forum has a special tool to do the job and no-one mentions anything about a special tool.

Gonna go for it tomorrow, cant wait to go out for a drive in the dark!! hahahaha

[RickT]

Wow, Got my new Philips + bulbs from our friends at Autobulbsdirect and gonna fit them in the morning.

Not being very technically minded, studied your Pics and instructions and read all the thread and any other info on other threads and seem alright. Reckon even i can do it.

BUT.....Just one question, keep seeing these screws in the picture which has stars on them....is that a special tool needed to be purchased before i start this job or is the good ol faithful Philips gonna fit in it!!

sorry to ask such a dim question just dont wanna fiddle about with it before i got all the tools ready, a reply tonight would be a great help.

Quite looking forward to getting it sorted in the morning cos fed up of driving around with my main beam on cos the normal audi bulbs are so dim....bit like my technical mind!!

Many thanks

The socket you require is just a simple star / torx bit for a screw driver..

TIP..

Go to a local hardware shop... or a Wilkinsons, they sell the bits for around &#163;2.00 for a pack of all sizes..

Yes.. these are CHEAP tools.. BUT these do the job for a home DIY chaps... just be gentle..

Inregards to using a phlips or flat blade screw driver.. DONT.. Due to the dampness in the bonnet these screw tend to need a little pressure to free them.. if you knacker the head you are knacked.... time to get the drill out..

Below is a photo of a bit that i mean to go into a screwdriver... (i have a nice Snap On one) but you can pick them up very cheap ..

THE BIT / socket BELOW is one i just had on my desk here... Please note.. the bit you need has a STAR shape instead of the philips.. lol..

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s13/RickT_album/RIMG0002-2.jpg

Rick

[RickT]

ps..

i am going to rewrite the guide some time soon showing all required tools etc.. plus with better pictures..

Rick

[retailandtrade]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

Even a dim wit like me done it, what great guide, got me through no problems at all.

Prob just best with a little WD40 as well.

The tools no problems either, nothing as fancy a snap on bits like you RickT, just one little tool set from Argos for about 30quid i think!! had a little socket set in it with all the Star bits you need for the job.

Although a little advice for anyone who is nearly as dim as me.....Keep hold of the extention bars cos if that little sucker falls off, you got yourself a problem!! cos there is no way down past the engine for hands to pick the little blighter up!!

Just cant wait til dark now to go out and make daylight for everyone!!

Many thanks for the guide, many thanks for all the bits from Autobulbsdirect, lets hope they are bright as everyone else says they are or its off to Autobulbsdirect again to buy the Xenon upgrade kit!!

You're all fab, thanks!!

[RickT]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!

Even a dim wit like me done it, what great guide, got me through no problems at all.

Prob just best with a little WD40 as well.

The tools no problems either, nothing as fancy a snap on bits like you RickT, just one little tool set from Argos for about 30quid i think!! had a little socket set in it with all the Star bits you need for the job.

Although a little advice for anyone who is nearly as dim as me.....Keep hold of the extention bars cos if that little sucker falls off, you got yourself a problem!! cos there is no way down past the engine for hands to pick the little blighter up!!

Just cant wait til dark now to go out and make daylight for everyone!!

Many thanks for the guide, many thanks for all the bits from Autobulbsdirect, lets hope they are bright as everyone else says they are or its off to Autobulbsdirect again to buy the Xenon upgrade kit!!

You're all fab, thanks!!


Thanks for the kind words!

Rick

[Scary666]

Hi Rick and thanks for a great guide :-).
I used it to replace my rear lights.
Unfortunately I have to change one of the headlights. I went to Audi to buy a new lamp but they didnt know what kind i should get... Strange huh :-) They probably want me to let them do the work... So is there an easy way to check what kind of bulb I need?
Sorry for being such a noobie

A4 avant 2004

[mikebyrne]

If you just go into Halfords and give them your reg number they should be able to tell you.

[Alex M]

Well, it happens over here as well. Just got back from the dealership with my bulb for the left rear tail light when the signal went on saying the right front turn signal was out!
Rick's pics look like the job should be do-able, tho'. Thanks for the useful forum - can't keep taking the car in to the dealership - its 50 km away...!

[RickT]

Hi Rick and thanks for a great guide :-).
I used it to replace my rear lights.
Unfortunately I have to change one of the headlights. I went to Audi to buy a new lamp but they didnt know what kind i should get... Strange huh :-) They probably want me to let them do the work... So is there an easy way to check what kind of bulb I need?
Sorry for being such a noobie

A4 avant 2004


Front Headlight bulbs for H7.

Rick

[gregk81]

Okay, so I nearly managed to change the dipped bulb on my headlight unit...

I managed to get all screws off/loose and the unit was ready to come out except for the wiring connector (photo attached)

I tried prising every piece of plastic I could for 20 mins with no luck! I remember having similar difficulties with the rear light, but got there in the end (was much more accessible). Any tips tricks for getting the blighter off?

[RickT]

Hi people..

Over recent weeks i have been asked via email to send the guide..

Moving forward, if you require the guide, please can you sign upto the forum and download of there as i may miss your email with all the other messages i get on a daily basis..

Please rembmer you need 5 posts on the forum to be able to download..

A great place to get them 5 posts is in our CHAT section..

Rick

[bez101]

i cant download your guide does it show how to remove headlights without removeing front bumper ?

[bez101]

cheers for the mail sorted :beerchug:

[Luke A4]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for this DIY guide. Just changed the bulbs in my dipped beam, indicators and side lights - all in all took me about 20minutes. Fantastic work. :D

[zico_75]

Great document. Made it all the easier by showing screws 3&4 for replacing front indicator bulb.

[tahirj89]

Thanks for the guide matey, changed the front one a month ago now the rear brake bulb is gone. If it wasnt for the guide i would've been over £50 outta pocket!!!!

[tahirj89]

Okay, so I nearly managed to change the dipped bulb on my headlight unit...

I managed to get all screws off/loose and the unit was ready to come out except for the wiring connector (photo attached)

I tried prising every piece of plastic I could for 20 mins with no luck! I remember having similar difficulties with the rear light, but got there in the end (was much more accessible). Any tips tricks for getting the blighter off?


I had problems with that exact same thing, in the end i just left it on and changed the bulb... made the job 10x harder :aargh4:

[richardjb]

RickT,
Do you have any idea how I can replace a front fog lamp on my Audi A4 please (passenger side)?
Many thanks

[bez101]

you have to go under the car to get to it im pretty sure theres 2 bolts to remove it either that or i have bolts missing

[richardjb]

Bez,
Many thanks for your hasty response. I have a plastic cover that is over the engine that stops me from getting at the underside!!

[bez101]

yeah the crap cover remove it pain in the *** unless u have it up on ramps

[richardjb]

Guess what-I don't have a ramp and am not 4 foot tall!!!
Is it easy to identify the screws holding this cover on before I start crawling underneath?

[bez101]

yeah u cant miss them theres some at fromt an back mines goin on the 4 poster later so if i have time ill take a few picks and post them

[richardjb]

Pics would be great thanks

[bez101]

theres around 9 screws bolts 10mm

[Kash8200]

hey Rick, thanx 4 da upload. it was dreadful and fantastic experience for me. i happend 2hav incurred problems as i went to change my indicator light

firstly ddn hv a torx wrench so i ended up eatin the thread of the screws!!! secondly ma screwdriver fell through, thirdly ma wrench wasnt the ryt size. having overcome all these problems i removed the hedlight on the 3rd attempt!!! But one of the screws that you are suppose 2 loosen fell through!!! but the hedlight had secured wivout that screw, because it did not tighten dwn 2 nefink. if u think thats the end of it.. u wish!!! then 2 remove the lightbulb holder.. ma mate applied 2much pressure n it snapped!! had 2 go audi dealer n pik up the part for £5.72. thought it wud be worse and need 2 replace the whole unit, but i kept twistin n twistin till it fell in place and indicator strted flashing!!

so at the end of the day i was well chuffed, being a idiot who cuda spent £10 to replace the bulb at local garage n save all da hassle lol!!! but a local shop sells the bulb for a £1 and brake lights for 50p!! Now that iv learnt, it will save me £10 everytm a bulb goes n ma bulbs tend2 go every cupl months or so!!

Thanx agen Rick... hats off 2 u!!

I do apologise for the inconvenience of my grammar cos im 20 n txt a lot!!!

[Hash]

Thanks a lot for this file. It was very useful when I had a faulty indicator light. Sorted it in no time. Who needs mechanics when we can have info like this available.

[kiptaylor]

Right.... as so many of you have been asking "how do i change the headlight bulbs and rear tails lights... i thought i would throw a quick guide together..

Also... the guide for the tail lights is for the avant... however from that im sure you will figure out how to do the saloon... (just open the lugs covered in carpet instead of the plastic opens..

Open and save/print the PDF to help you!


Enjoy!

Cheers

Rickt


IF YOU DONT HAVE ADOBE READER YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FROM HERE
Adobe - Reader download thank you (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_servefile.html?option=full&order=1&type=&language=English&platform=WinXPSP2&esdcanbeused=1&esdcanhandle=0&hasjavascript=1)



excellent advice and easy to follow! with regards to the avant rear light removal-if you get someone to assist you by keeping the screwdriver in place throughout the procedure to hold the screw in the hole,you never need to actually take the screw out!did this on both lights yesterday in less time than it takes to smoke a cigarette!hope this is useful to someone-
kip

[jonbaker]

My front left parking light was out. Not wanting to attempt this change myself (i do the back ones) i took it to a local garage. The young lad simply gained access to the bulbs by unclipping something behind the unit, so why all the removal of headlight business!!??:confused:

Turned out as he moved the bulb it came back on, been fine since :D

[JohnyIre]

I looked at this guide on Saturday, and it made it so easy. I changed the Left Hand Side parking bulb. I didn't need to removed the plastic cover over the PS reservoir though. Thanks again.

[Ojmsisle]

Just wanted to express my thanks. I replaced a front indicator buld using your guide and it only took about 15min

Cheers

Chris

[54A4Avant]

The guide looks handy but before I get started I wanted to check I have the right bulb - I can't see if mentioned anywhere in the guide. The bulb I have is a Halfords type 477 12V 55W.

I'd hate to unscrew everything then find I'd got the wrong bit. Could anyone please confirm? Ta

[RickT]

The guide looks handy but before I get started I wanted to check I have the right bulb - I can't see if mentioned anywhere in the guide. The bulb I have is a Halfords type 477 12V 55W.

I'd hate to unscrew everything then find I'd got the wrong bit. Could anyone please confirm? Ta


A 447... which bulb are you wanting to change?

Cheers

Rick

[54A4Avant]

Sorry - headlamp dipped beam. I'm on my starting blocks about to go out to the car, I might just unscrew it and have a look.......

[54A4Avant]

All done - phew! Why are those electrical connectors so hard to get off? In the end I gave up and finished the job with the headlamp unit just barely forward of its normal position. Hard to get the old bulb out but you can do it - just.

I can confirm by the way that the Halfords type 477 bulb does the job, it seems to be equivalent to the type H7 which is the original fit item. I'll test it later down a dark country lane and see if it performs the same as the other side.

[ThunderSpook]

Alright then, center high level brake light on an Avant? Any help?

Need to at least get the cover off to figure out if it's a bulb problem or an electrical problem.

Cheers,

Russ

[bar25]

thank you

[RickT]

thank you

no problem..

[raymondsharps]

Good luck with changing the bulb.

Make sure you buy the right one otherwise more money up the chimney, hope this helps.

[ThunderSpook]

Alright then, center high level brake light on an Avant? Any help?

Need to at least get the cover off to figure out if it's a bulb problem or an electrical problem.

Cheers,

Russ

Bump, I do need help with this one if anyone knows how to do it...

[Dec]

Thanks great help

[Thingy]

Thanks for the help

[danclyon]

no problem..

over the last few days i have had a few emails from members asking for the guide..

We would welcome your feedback.

RickT

Rick, marvellous bit of work mate. Only thing I would add and we've done it in the thread that I started (badmouthing Halfords and their bulb guide which is wrong for the Avant) is what bulbs are inside on what years so you can get them before taking it apart to find out :-)

Mine has the twin foot dual-filament 380 bulbs for the tail-light/brake combined vs the 382 that the Halfords guide reckoned were correct (2004 54 Avant 130 Tdi).

I'm also going to look at the socket set on mine as it has screws in there that have a socketable outer head as well as the philips (or is it pozi?) inner head - as one side of mine (passenger) doesn't want to leave the car without a great deal of effort :-)

Thanks again for a great guide...
Cheers,
Dan.

PS - just a thought - according to the manual, "bulbs should only be changed by a qualified mechanic" - does that mean I'm a qualified mechanic now ;-)

[CarbonS4]

The guide has now been uploaded..

RicKT

Thanks RickT great info and job completed :D, all I need to do now is sort out the DIS reading in German and lost trip computer 1 after recent battery change :aargh4:

Thanks again, Steve

[bez101]

Thanks RickT great info and job completed :D, all I need to do now is sort out the DIS reading in German and lost trip computer 1 after recent battery change :aargh4:

Thanks again, Steve
my dis was in german took 2 mins with vag to change it back

[CarbonS4]

my dis was in german took 2 mins with vag to change it back

Thanks bez
i dont own Vag yet but i am thinking it might be the way to go, do you know if there is the ability to put back trip 1 (the one that resets ofter 2 hrs of inactivity).

[lennymfo]

Great guide. Ive tried to change toe Dipped Main Headlight bulb as is isnt working but the one I pulled out looked ok but Ireplaced it anywaya but still no joy. The fuses are ok. Could it be anything else? I have 98 2.5 Tdi A4

[a4suction]

[quote=Portugazzer;89220]Hi I have an 03 2.5Tdi A4 Avant Quattro, I have removed the headlamps (lhd) to replace them with rhd ones. . . . .


So do you have these LHD headlamps for re-sale then kidda? Am on the market for some if they're going cheap with this credit crunch on and all.....!!!!!?????

[banky]

brilliant!! thanks for the info.

[jacktheraver]

Yes 3 cheers for this infomation I was doing my flipping nut trying to figure it out prior to reading this. Its a crafty design thats designed to keep you coming back to the dealer to have your pockets turned inside out...... ****** Bloody swines!

[edelman]

Hi Rick

Do you have a guide to do the same thing on an A6 Quattro 2005? As it has puzzled me.

Simon


Right.... as so many of you have been asking "how do i change the headlight bulbs and rear tails lights... i thought i would throw a quick guide together..

Also... the guide for the tail lights is for the avant... however from that im sure you will figure out how to do the saloon... (just open the lugs covered in carpet instead of the plastic opens..

Open and save/print the PDF to help you!


Enjoy!

Cheers

Rickt


IF YOU DONT HAVE ADOBE READER YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FROM HERE
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[guido.minciotti]

Great guide, man. Really helpful to spot the bloody screws. After I managed to remove the headlight, especially difficult on the Left Hand one (left when you are sitting inside the car) I noticed that the restraining clips on the lower two screws of the headlight are actually not whole. I mean you DON'T actually need to remove the bottom screws completely as you can just half unscrew them and then simply pull out the headlight...easy!

Thanks for your guide. Ace!

[Theobak]

Thanks for the information nice detailed pictures, should now be easy to change a lamp. :Blush:

[buff0515]

Rickt,
Great post regarding the bulb changes.
Many Thanks.
Gary.
:beerchug:

[ali_a4_avant]

Nice one. Would have never found some of the screws if it wasn't for this guide.:o

[chelsea]

hi i have an audi a4 cab 2003 doing a facelift conversion to an 2007 having problems with the headlamps any ideas how to get them wired up??

[richardjb]

You access the headlights from the front. There is a plastic pannel that is clipped onto the front of the lights. Ease this off to give you access to the 3 screws that hold the light casing

[Audi.Boy]

I went for the HID swap over and did it without trying to take out the headlight which was quite a ball ache but I got there in the end, looks way better now, and they emit a far better bright light, cant tell the difference as us lucky B6 owners get projector units standard :p was definitely worth the time, effort and frustration lol

[actonboy62]

RickT, great guide :beerchug:........Do you know a way to change the bulbs without having to get the beam re-aligned. I have changed mine 3 times now and each time they go out of alignment. I use my dipped beam as DRL's so my bulbs seem to go at least once a year.

[Travel-Buddies]

Great guide and pics. Have saved a copy for the future...... do you have anything similar that covers how to diagnose and switch off an engine management dash board light + replace an egr valve on a Dec 2004 registered 2.5 TDI?

Cheers
Steve

[PhilB]

Brilliant guide with nice clear pics mate.Just used it to help me change my front pass side indicator light bulb.Was like having a manual with me :D

Cheers Rick nice one :beerchug:

[RickT]

Glad the guide has helped you all.....


RickT

[fionn]

Changed bulbs with no difficulty, thanks to your guide.
Saved a fortune.
Cheers mate.

[bigsidavies]

just done a rear light in my b6 s4 cab using this guide and found it to be slightly different. don't remove the rubber bit on the side nearest the bootlid as it is clipped to the light itself. Then undo the one retaining screw and pull out sideways. Really easy on the cab as the locating pins are on the car and there are 2 u-shaped lugs on the light. 30 second job. so easy that i've popped it back together as i didn't have the correct bulb and will do it in 30 seconds tomorrow. thanks for giving me the confidence to have a go!!!

[des0]

just done the drivers head light quickly thanks to the guide as its freezing

it took me longer to find the torx fitting in the garage :aargh4:

cheers people :beerchug:

[le19h]

Great work - would anyone have the original OEM rear lights for the B6 Cabriolet model? Cracked one at the weekend and in need of a replacement!

[bez101]

Great work - would anyone have the original OEM rear lights for the B6 Cabriolet model? Cracked one at the weekend and in need of a replacement!
i have both sides
email me on
leebez666@aol.com

[aseeryl]

Thanks from newbie. Turned to be a loose connection for the front offside indicator. Simple when you find the screws.
NB Take care with adaptors dropped one and it's stuck in the floor pan. T30 size torq

[Caf'sA4]

Just want to add my thanks for this excellent guide. Dipped headlamp bulb went a week after buying my A4, typical, and thanks to clever but annoying modern car design these things are no longer as straightforward as they used to be, but this guide made easy work of it and saved me feeling like an idiot for having to send it in to a garage.

Nice one. :beerchug:

[Caf'sA4]

NB Take care with adaptors dropped one and it's stuck in the floor pan. T30 size torq

hahaha same here, floating somewhere in the engine bay never to be seen again!

[mr singh]

Brilliant guide, stops you pulling your hair out thats for sure :p

[Gerry H]

My first post on here and it's a big Thank You.

The handbook says a bulb change is a dealer job ***? Took a quick look and couldn't imagine having to remove half the boot lining to get to the fitting so did a search and found this thread and guide.

10 minutes, bulb swapped and now all's OK :bigok:

Thank you.

[RickT]

My first post on here and it's a big Thank You.

The handbook says a bulb change is a dealer job ***? Took a quick look and couldn't imagine having to remove half the boot lining to get to the fitting so did a search and found this thread and guide.

10 minutes, bulb swapped and now all's OK :bigok:

Thank you.



Happy to help!

Rick

[mister99]

thanks for this guide,

changed my headlamp bulb to the philips extreme h7 ones.

i had some difficulty getting the main electrical connector off as i could figure how to remove this (perhaps you could give a little mention as to exactly how this connector comes off to make it easier for newbies like myself).

then i had to be really carefull when inserting the new bulb as your not supposed to get any dirt or fingerprints on the quartz/glass bulb as i've been told this reduced the life expectancy significantly

the philips extreme h7 have made a good difference to my dipped headlights

I also dropped a torx bit but managed to shake the floor pan to recover this..phew..

[kipperano]

Thanks for the guide,brilliant,saved me a fortune at Audi changing my bulbs

[atif]

Hi All,

Can someone confirm if i want to remove the headlight and swap for another that you can this without removing the bumper? I went to Audi and they said that the bumper needs to come off :confused:

Thanks in advance... :D

[kipperano]

Hi atif,,,yip you can take the light out without removing the bumper,no problem. Remember to masking tape all your paintwork around the light so you don"t scratch your car.
Good luck,,,,kipperano

[atif]

Hi atif,,,yip you can take the light out without removing the bumper,no problem. Remember to masking tape all your paintwork around the light so you don"t scratch your car.
Good luck,,,,kipperano

Thanks Kipperano.. it worked a treat... i cant believe how easy it was upon getting the light off... although the loom on the light was a pain to get off...

I covered the bumper to ensure i never got any scratches on it:D

[GoldieLoc]

Hi there bud, just a quick question for ya... I'v had an angel eye conversion headlight with hid lights but am finding that the driver side headlamp doesn't respond to the headlight dip knob. Just the passenger light seems to move up and down... Any ideas on how to rectify this myself? And also both headlights seem to be dipped too low, even on the highest setting. Is there a way to adjust this or am I gonna have to learn to live with it! :aargh4:

[daveky]

Great help, the pictures make all the difference. Now I need to aim/align the headlight. Where are the alignment screws located.
Thanks

[HIDorigin]

great guide... Thankyou

[RickT]

Great help, the pictures make all the difference. Now I need to aim/align the headlight. Where are the alignment screws located.
Thanks

On the top of the headlight, look for a large hex bolt (allen key) head.

Rick

[DeanGros]

OK - I almost got the end, but then could not remove the electrical connections, to remove the headlight unit. Does anyone know whether these just pull off? One is black and the other one is yellow or white (I can't quite remember. There is also a cable tie connection - can this simply be pulled off?

Thanks

[DeanGros]

Finally got around to replacing the bulb. The connectors don't need to be removed, as the whole head light unit can be pulled out far enough. I only had to pop out the cable tie.

[green A8]

Great Guide! I had a play with a relatives UK spec B6 with a blown indicator bulb before I'd ever heard of this forum. I got there in the end, but if only I'd known about this guide I could have saved myself a lot of time.

One little tip that might help, when undoing the concealed screw on the Avant model. I put some blue tak on the tip of the screwdriver to prevent the screw from dropping and being lost forever. It worked well.

Kind Regards.

Paul.

[mr toaks]

Good guide - Thank You.

It is worth noting:

I have just changed the fog light bulb on a 2004 A4 Avant. The alert on the dash came up saying "Rear Left Fog".

This should say "Rear Right" - the rear left fog light is blanked off on all of these cars - I am assuming that this is due to them being desinged as Left Hand drive and they have translated the warnings but not the location, therefore if it comes up with the alert, go for Right first, it'll save a bit of time!

[kite]

Good guide - Thank You.

It is worth noting:

I have just changed the fog light bulb on a 2004 A4 Avant. The alert on the dash came up saying "Rear Left Fog".

This should say "Rear Right" - the rear left fog light is blanked off on all of these cars - I am assuming that this is due to them being desinged as Left Hand drive and they have translated the warnings but not the location, therefore if it comes up with the alert, go for Right first, it'll save a bit of time!
I;ve had the rear left fog warning.
To clear the fault I cleaned all bulb contacts in both rear light units.

[benjie]

How weird, I had "Rear Left Fog" pop up yesterday and my first thought was "I don't have a rear left fog light." But the right one works, maybe in needs a clean up, or is on its way out!

[a4suction]

I modded mine to allow for permanent driving in Europe by purchasing the rear left circuit board to make the car complete with 2 rear fogs and linked the wiring into the existing system so just be aware that others may have done this on your car if previous owners were required to do the same thing. Then the warning may have some bearing on which bulb you replace!

[danclyon]

Right.... as so many of you have been asking "how do i change the headlight bulbs and rear tails lights... i thought i would throw a quick guide together..

Also... the guide for the tail lights is for the avant... however from that im sure you will figure out how to do the saloon... (just open the lugs covered in carpet instead of the plastic opens..

Open and save/print the PDF to help you!


Enjoy!

Cheers

Rickt


IF YOU DONT HAVE ADOBE READER YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT FROM HERE
Adobe - Reader download thank you (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_servefile.html?option=full&order=1&type=&language=English&platform=WinXPSP2&esdcanbeused=1&esdcanhandle=0&hasjavascript=1)


I know we've all said it before, but thanks hugely for this guide.....had the lights out yesterday and replaced blown bulbs....effortless with this doc, and without it, looking somewhat daunting...

Cheers,
Dan.

[haytch75]

Great guide......thanks

[HIDorigin]

Just a quick heads up to those who want to do this less often! Ive just finished fully testing My Korean Made LED Fogs, S25 LED stop and Tail and S25 LED turn signal. The quality is top notch. Light output is impressive and !00% compatable (error free). They are manufactured by the same company that supplies Ring Automotive I believe. Anyway Debut coming soon with substantial VWaudiforum discount watch this space at www.HIDorigin.com or contact me for more details.
Cheers

[ozwoldA4]

Great stuff.

Couldn't work out how to take the wiring loom/socket off, but then realised the lamp unit moves out far enough to change the dipped bulbs without needing to.:approve:

One zip tie removed for front nearside lamp unit removal, but drivers side fine.

Oil change and bulbs done just as it was getting dark. Happily a quick job all in- first time I've done either job since getting the car last year.

Now beer o'clock while I make some baguettes...:beerchug:
Happy days...

[faticus]

nice clear guide .. bulb changed in 10 mins ...cheers guys .

[Daniel97]

what size is the brake light bulbs on a 2003 avant please?

[DeanGros]

what size is the brake light bulbs on a 2003 avant please?

It's easy enough to remove the rear light cluster to check. Halfords will also be able to tell you, as they stock bulb kits for the A4.

[mr_noir_1976]

Top Man!!!!

this guide has saved me a massive headache,i recently had a B5 and it was a case of four 10mm bolts with 4million turns on each one to release,my B6 isnt the same and i was scratching my head for a full hour on how to get the rear light out,omg im so glad i checked this,your a star my good man,A STAR!!!!!!!!!!

[akers159]

Top Guide, easy to follow

[sejo_tt]

Your instructions were perfect. Thanks

[gordonowusu]

Thanks. very useful.

[biggrim]

Been on the forum a while and been looking through this thread to try and find out what the side light bulb is on a 2003 A4 Avant with HID's. Everywhere I look online it says it's a 501 bulb but you can see that it isn't a capless bulb. Can't remember the type but looking to order some white (well, not yellow) side light bulbs as the current ones look rubbish in comparison to the blue/white from the HIDs. Suppose I could just take the old one out to check but would rather have the replacements to hand to save me doing it twice.

[allenmc2311]

Hi,

Quick question.

I need to replace the side/parking light bulb. But when I removed headlight unit it appears the motor for adjusting the headlight is in the way.
Is it safe to remove this, if so how?

Thanks

Allen

[Thingy]

Hi Allen

Just turn it up over and the light fitting becomes loose giving you loads more space to change the blub.

[hannay]

First, a sincere thank you to RickT for the excellent how-to.

First time having to change a rear bulb since acquiring an A4 Avant earlier in the year. Handbook: "A specialist job requiring some dismantling, take it to your Dealer." Yeah, right!

I've no doubt I would have figured it out after some amount of exploration, however I have a high regard for one-Marque forums and was delighted to find VWAF for VAG advice and expertise.

In case it helps someone coming along later with the same job ahead, the only real point to watch for is that the small bolt securing the cluster unit - the only thing you have to undo other than the cable-connector once the unit is free - doesn't drop behind the outer panel before you fully withdraw it, else it would be a total pain to recover unless you got lucky dabbing around with a magnetic retriever maybe.

It is worth noting that if there are two of you you don't have to remove the bolt completely to free the cluster unit, just back it off past its 'bite' point but be careful to approach it carefully as there's barely a couple more turns then left on the thread before it would be free to drop in to the abyss below it!

So the person on screwdriver-duty needs to be cautious when that point is getting near, it is a bit of a by-feel process with input from the other person checking if the cluster is showing signs of being loose/free.

And it would help if you know beforehand whether the bolt is short or long so so you don't start going slowly in quarter-turn-and-try-once-more increments after 1/4" when the bolt is 1.5" long! Hopefully one of the photos I have added will help a little on that anyway.

But if there's just one of you to get the job done, it is more than sensible to take steps to capture the bolt once loosened part-way, even if your driver-tip is magnetic - it is a long-ish bolt in a tight-ish location and could accidentally get jostled-off as you withdraw it if you make unlucky contact with the body/panel/trim edge or are withdrawing off-straight without being aware of it. It happened to me many years ago now and gave me a truly torturous time recovering a special-fitting small bolt-on component on a lovely old Merc, that due to age and specialism I could only have replaced by getting one made .. which would also have needed the one I had dropped as a pattern!

The bolt you are withdrawing has a small hex-head and also takes a phillips/crosshead driver. It is located within the centre of what has the appearance of being a larger hex-headed bolt because of the limited view and the shading caused by the inset and the small access hole through trim/panel. At first glance this can give the impression that you need to undo *the large bolt* that you think you are seeing, which sets you off scratching your head because it is larger than the hole you would have to withdraw it through as well as being unable to get a socket on it through that hole in the first place!

But really it is dead simple, all you have to do is realise/observe that the deal just needs a suitable driver in the crosshead and you are golden. I think it is probably possible for a smaller socket to be able to locate over it on a 1/4" bar if you have a small-set, but I didn't bother trying as it was nothing more than a handy-screwdriver job and I already had one right there.

If you can get a small socket through and over it without interference from the collar surrounding it, then presumably that would also hold the head steady on withdrawal ... however, the head is only shallow and the bolt is relatively lengthy and so there could still be a possibility of it dropping out or being dislodged by accident so be aware.

If using a screwdriver however then there's many little tricks such as using blu-tac on the driver-tip (sometimes fails to work, so okay unless you need a guaranteed result), or sliding a tube over the screw/nut head if there's enough access and unscrewing through that tunnel-to-safety.

A simple method that I have used countless times over the years and have never gone wrong with however, is to use the barrel of a felt-tip pen or similar. Not the rigid-plastic type as they can shatter or at least split in the process, but the softer-plastic type, firm but with a little give.

The idea is to back-out the bolt/screw a short way with a screwdriver so it turns easily and also has the head exposed, and then ease the end of the pen-barrel over it making sure to keep the same axis as the screw/bolt for max stability. And you don't even have to lose a perfectly good pen in the process - most of them have an end-cap and you just remove that and there's some clear space before you see the ink-tube or whatever ... use it and pop the end cap back after and it's a pen again! In my case however my toolbox had just acquired a first Audi-special tool :)

(At a push, use a rigid one, let it split, take it off and then wrap sticky/gaffer/parcel tape around it a few turns to restrict the split and give the springiness you need, then push it gently back on making sure that the screw/bolt is free to turn ... just be a little more careful!)

For this job an old CD marker pen was pretty perfect, very slightly small but that only meant I needed to be a little more slow and gentle locating it right down over the head of the bolt - usefully snug as the head is not that deep. Once there it was held perfectly securely and I was able to finish undoing it and withdrew it very easily. The whole job from removing the bolt to replacing it again with the cluster back and a new bulb fitted was less than 5 minutes.

I hope this is useful to someone, and that the photos help - I presume they are thumbnails and will enlarge when clicked.

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[frankwdt]

HI Rickt - Thanks for the guide - it's not quite the same on my Audi A4 cabriolet from 2005 - but close enough to make your guide very worth while! Thanks