Notices
 
 

  

User Tag List

Thread: Repair your headlight switch illumination

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16
  1. Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Newport, Wales
    Posts
    1,161
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    7 Post(s)
    Hi,

    Since I bought my B6, the headlamp switch cluster has failed to illuminate at night (only the fog lamp symbols & the central knob were illuminated).

    I decided to take it apart and see if I could fix the problem. It turned out that the top two LEDs are wired in series.. so whilst only one of them had blown, it was preventing the second one from working.


    1. Take your headlamp switch cluster out of the car - press the knob in and turn to the right, then pull the switch cluster towards you to get it out.

    2. Bring the lamp cluster inside and dismantle it. Hopefully the photo below will give you an idea of which parts are supposed to separate:



    Once you've un-clipped the front shroud from the back part (with the connectors on it) you can then gently rotate the switch knob and it will separate from the back part.

    The circuit board pulls away from the back part (it's a clever little design, the wires just pop-out of the metal receptacles).


    3. Using a 12v power supply (from digital picture frame!) and some crocodile clips, I hooked-up the power to the contacts to illuminate the bulbs. Sure enough, only a few of the LEDs light-up.



    Note: I just used trial & error to find which contacts to connect the power to! I blew one of the central LEDs in the process - make sure you use the right contacts as indicated above (the red lead is positive, the white lead is negative).


    4. Using a 5v LED that I had in my electronics kit, I pressed the legs against the solder points of the broken LEDs - it didn't light-up.

    Most LEDs are polarised, so I reversed the legs and sure enough, the LED light-up AND the other LED light-up too, indicating that the LEDs were wired in series (the anode[-] of one feeds onto the cathode[+] of the other).

    You can see in the photo below, I temporarily attached the legs of the replacement LED and suddenly the circuit is complete and everything lights-up (apart from the broken LED obviously).




    5. At this point, I noted down the polarity (which way round) the LEDs needed to be soldered in by colouring the Cathode[+] with a permanent marker.
    I then de-soldered the broken LED and the LED next to it (just to ensure both LEDs were of the same type / brightness) and replaced them with my new LEDs. I also replaced the central LED I blew-up earlier when finding out which contacts were +/-

    The Photos below show the back of the circuit board (before replacing the LEDs) and the front with the replacement LEDs soldered in! It's important to re-attach the power for a quick test before you re-assemble the switch!





    6. Simply re-assemble the lightswitch cluster in reverse order and you're ready to stick it back in the car!

    My Blackberry was unable to take a very good photo, but the illumination was pretty much back to normal!



    If you've found the above useful, please show your appreciation by clicking on the button in the bottom-right hand corner of this post.

    Al.
    [ My Cars: 2011 Caravelle SE TDI (140) LWB | 2015 L200 Barbarian 2.4 DI-D | 2015 Mini Cooper SD ]
    [ Past Audis:
    A6 S-Line 3.0
    V6 TDI Qttr | A4 3.0 TDI Qttr S-Line | S6 4.2 Qttr | A4 2.5 V6 TDI Qttr Sport | A4 1.9 TDI Qttr S-Line | A4 SE 2.0 TFSI Quattro Avant | 2.0 TFSI Roadster ]
    [ Past VWs: Mk1 GTI Cab | Mk3 2.0 Cab |
    Mk3 VR6 | Mk4 R32 | Mk4 V6 MoFo | Mk4 Golf 1.9 TDI| Mk4 Supercharged 2.0 6-speed | VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG ]
     
    15 0 0
     

  2. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Southern County Softy
    Posts
    7,263
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    20 Post(s)
    I have a LED that blinks on my switch, I suspect its failing.
    In the past I've managedto get the switch apart but couldn't see how to remove the PCB,
    Could you explain in a bit more detail.
    I'm not very handy with an iron and its a shame your not closer to repair mine for a few beer tokens....
    A4 2.5 tdi QS (mapped)


     
    0 0 0
     

  3. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Kent, United Kingdom
    Posts
    40
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)


    Perfect thread matey...
     
    0 0 0
     

  4. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #4
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Ramsey, New Jersey, USA
    Posts
    3,120
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    4 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    69 Post(s)
    Very impressive! You're a brave and talented man Al!
    Gone: 2016 A6 Saloon BE Ultra S tronic - Floret Silver, Tech Pack Advanced, Parking Pack Advanced, Heated F+R Seats & Wheel, Electric Seats, Matrix LED, Ambient Lighting, Speed Limit Display, Twin Spoke 20", Folding Memory Mirrors
    Now: E 53 AMG 4MATIC
    / Q5 2.0TFSi Prestige
     
    0 0 0
     

  5. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Cork
    Posts
    115
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Should the little white knob on the switch glow red too ?
     
    0 0 0
     

  6. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Newport, Wales
    Posts
    1,161
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    7 Post(s)
    Quote Originally Posted by kite View Post
    I have a LED that blinks on my switch, I suspect its failing.
    In the past I've managedto get the switch apart but couldn't see how to remove the PCB,
    Could you explain in a bit more detail.
    I'm not very handy with an iron and its a shame your not closer to repair mine for a few beer tokens....
    When I was experimenting, touching the [+] power on differnet contacts, the central LEDs started flashing.

    I don't know what it means exactly but I suspect that it's when a short is detected on the circuit somewhere.. not necessarily in the headlamp switch but in the car's lighting wiring loom! Have you walked round your car whilst all the lights are on to see if anything isn't working?

    With regards to removing the PCB - what stage did you get upto? Did you manage to seperate the front bit (containing the switch) from the back bit (with the connectors on it)? If so and you could see the PCB with the metal clips poking through it, you simply need to pull the PCB away from the back part (the rigid wires pop-out of the metal receptecals).

    Let me know and I'll try to help... (I only thought about doing the how-to guide after I'd taken it all apart!)

    Quote Originally Posted by defsix View Post
    Should the little white knob on the switch glow red too ?
    Yes, the two central LEDs on the circuit board are designed to illuminate the red dot and the bulb symbol on the switch - they should be illuminated whenever the key is in the ignition.

    I am happy to solder-in new bulbs for people if you send me your PCBs (or your whole headlamp switch if you can do without it for a few days!)

    Al.
    [ My Cars: 2011 Caravelle SE TDI (140) LWB | 2015 L200 Barbarian 2.4 DI-D | 2015 Mini Cooper SD ]
    [ Past Audis:
    A6 S-Line 3.0
    V6 TDI Qttr | A4 3.0 TDI Qttr S-Line | S6 4.2 Qttr | A4 2.5 V6 TDI Qttr Sport | A4 1.9 TDI Qttr S-Line | A4 SE 2.0 TFSI Quattro Avant | 2.0 TFSI Roadster ]
    [ Past VWs: Mk1 GTI Cab | Mk3 2.0 Cab |
    Mk3 VR6 | Mk4 R32 | Mk4 V6 MoFo | Mk4 Golf 1.9 TDI| Mk4 Supercharged 2.0 6-speed | VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG ]
     
    1 0 0
     

  7. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Southern County Softy
    Posts
    7,263
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    20 Post(s)
    I have managed to get the switch apart in the past, down to where I can see the PCB I have had the courage to just pull the PCB off.
    Would the switch work OK if I was to send you the PCB and put the switch back together.
    A4 2.5 tdi QS (mapped)


     
    1 0 0
     

  8. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Ashford Kent s,e England
    Posts
    2,332
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    10 Post(s)
    Toff, that was a great HOW TO and though I currently have no problem with my switchgear I felt compelled to praise you for putting the thread together and say how good it is to see someone prepared to have a go
    So please collect your rep click on the way out
    Stuart
    oops I rep'd kite by accident but hey ,he's a good guy too
    A6 2.4 SE (2000)S3 1.8T (2001)80 Coupe 2.3 (1991)
    A3 1.8T sport (1997)A4 3.0 QST (2002)
    80 Coupe 2.6S (1995)A4 Cab 2.4 sport (2002) Another 2.6 '95 coupe in byzanz purple
    '88 type 89 90 saloon kv 5 pot A4 1.8T 2001
     
    1 0 0
     

  9. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Southern County Softy
    Posts
    7,263
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    20 Post(s)
    Thanks for the "click", have one back.......
    A4 2.5 tdi QS (mapped)


     
    0 0 0
     

  10. Re: Repair your headlight switch illumination 
    #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Newport, Wales
    Posts
    1,161
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    7 Post(s)
    LOL - you guys are clicker-happy!

    Cheers fourringsrus and everybody else who "thanked" - it's a pleasure to do the write-ups knowing they help the community & are appreciated.

    Kite: I think the switch would work without the PCB - I believe it's just for illumination and to indicate when the fog lights are on. All of the switching is done in the back part.. but you'll have to try it to find out for sure.

    The only reason to send it to me would be to replace LEDs that have broken.. I'm only amateur at electronics...
    I can't troubleshoot your flashing light.. as aforementioned; I believe that indicates a short circuit or reverse of polarity somewhere on the lighting circuit.

    That said, I could put your circuit into my switch and I can tell you if it then functions properly. Click on my name (next to my TDI Quattro avatar) to send me an email and I'll reply with details of where to send it etc.

    Al.
    [ My Cars: 2011 Caravelle SE TDI (140) LWB | 2015 L200 Barbarian 2.4 DI-D | 2015 Mini Cooper SD ]
    [ Past Audis:
    A6 S-Line 3.0
    V6 TDI Qttr | A4 3.0 TDI Qttr S-Line | S6 4.2 Qttr | A4 2.5 V6 TDI Qttr Sport | A4 1.9 TDI Qttr S-Line | A4 SE 2.0 TFSI Quattro Avant | 2.0 TFSI Roadster ]
    [ Past VWs: Mk1 GTI Cab | Mk3 2.0 Cab |
    Mk3 VR6 | Mk4 R32 | Mk4 V6 MoFo | Mk4 Golf 1.9 TDI| Mk4 Supercharged 2.0 6-speed | VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG ]
     
    0 0 0
     

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. How To DIS AND CRUISE RETRO FIT b6+b7
    By a8 tech in forum Audi A4 - B6 Forum - 2002 - 2005
    Replies: 158
    Last Post: 04-11-2014, 09:43 AM
  2. front fogs
    By paulsa4 in forum Audi A4 - B5 Forum - 1995 - 2002
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 20-12-2010, 08:06 PM
  3. Question Light switch - intermittent illumination of dipped headlight logo
    By danclyon in forum Audi A4 - B6 Forum - 2002 - 2005
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 29-12-2009, 10:56 PM
  4. overheating & burning headlight switch - recurring fault
    By rdlb in forum Golf MK3 - 1993 - 1999
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 07-03-2008, 01:17 PM
  5. Headlight Switch Illumination
    By c0l in forum Audi A4 - B6 Forum - 2002 - 2005
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 15-02-2008, 04:41 PM
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


 



  


Disclaimer: VW Audi Forum is an "independant enthusiast website", administered in line with guidelines supplied by VAG in the UK, and is in no way related to any of the Worldwide Volkswagen,Audi,Seat,Skoda,Bentley,Bugatti,Porsche or Lamborghini group of Companies. For official up to date information on any of there vehicles, please visit the official websites. Any comments made throughout this website, are the views of the respective poster, and in no way represent the views of the VW Audi Forum Administration, or the worldwide Volkswagen & Audi Group of companies.


VW Audi Forum do not vet and are not responsible for any information which is posted in this forum. All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information.


Copyright: Certain "words", "phrases" and "Images" used on this website by the Administration are "Copyright" of Volkswagen GB, Volkswagen AG (Germany), Audi GB, Audi AG (Germany), Volkswagen Motorsport GB, Volkswagen Motorsport AG (Germany), Audi Motorsport AG (Germany), Volkswagen Racing GB, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche and Lamborghini. No image can be replicated by anyone WITHOUT the relevant Companies written permission.


All trademarks and copyrights remain property of their respective owners.

No part of the VW Audi Forum website or forum may be reproduced without written permission from the site administration


PLEASE NOTE - PERSONAL ABUSE, ABUSE AGAINST THIS OR ANY OTHER WEBSITE OR ANY COMPANY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. OFFENDERS WILL BE MODERATED OR EVEN BANNED.


This website and forum are best viewed at a minimum resolution of 1024 by 768.



  



- VW AUDI Forum - The #1 Volkswagen (VW) Group Forum - Volkswagen (VW) - Audi - Seat - Skoda - Bentley - Bugatti - Lamborghini - Porsche - Scania - MAN - Ducatti - VW Audi Forum -


- www.vwaudiforum.co.uk - www.vwaudiforum.co.uk -