Diff lock switch lights and Ambient temp display

[Pete_RS2]

Will there be a soldering iron available ? My diff lock diagram bulbs have gone so I'd like to get these done if I have enough time. I'm really looking forward to this now....

[Dr H]

Soldering iron would be great as I need to do my ambient temp display bulb if poss.

[s2driveruk]

i'll dig my never openned one out of the garage if i remember.....

David

[Greg_S]

yeah have a soldering iron on hand, same has happened to mine so if you want to get a couple of extra bulbs will do mine too.

Greg

[s2driveruk]

actually add me to the spare buld list pls.....the button illuminates but the other part isn't - only just noticed

David

[audiman]

Talking of these bulbs... does anyone have about 8 spares for me?? I only have 2 working switch bulbs

[martinjs]

could do with some for my diff switch, can any led be used or is it a dealer part
does anyones diff picture light up?

tom, the bulbs in 3b switches (fogs etc) are just those little push in bulbs

[Dr H]

I'm going to Maplins to get the bulbs. I've been told it is best to get a 12v mini LED and solder that into the ambient display module. Apparently means you have to drill out the PCB slightly?

Let me know who wants an LED for the ambient and I'll get them. White LED right?

Leigh

[Chris M]

I've got stacks of 12v capless switch bulbs,also got lots of capless side light bulbs too,I'll bring them up with me. Anyone need any headlamp bulbs or fog lamp bulbs? I'll bring a selection of bulbs and other goodies.
If anyone needs any O-rings i'll bring up my kit to make them.

Cheers

Chris

[AbsS2]

The ambient display is right at the bottom of the dash isnt it? under the speedo dials? Woul it be easy to replace both the ambient display and the dash backlights at the same time? My speedo lights up or the rev counter lights up .. never at the same time

[jubjub]

This is a coincidence... coming home tonite noticed the dashlight that illuminates the temperature gauge has gone. Anyone know how to change it? Is it quick/simple?

[DaveS]

The outside temp backlight is a common problem. I've had to fix an A6 and my current RS2.

The actual backlight is a small 12v bulb which you can get from maplins etc... Other people have used an led as this in theory will have a longer life. I just used a bulb in both cases. Its a pretty straightforward procedure, especially if you can handle a solderig iron

Note that there is a section on this in the S2 central site.

Once you have the dash out its a fairly simple job to
- remove the module from the cluster
- remove the black electrical tape that is wrapped around it (yep thats normal sticky tape)
- undo the 2 screws to expose the circuit board
- desolder the connections for the current bulb and remove
- insert new bulb
- reassemble as reverse of above (in best Haynes manual tradition)

Some possible pitfalls:
- probably have to disconnect all the cluster connections to get it out (my A6 had longer leads and could be dangled, not on RS2)
- be careful not to scratch the top of the cowling as you remove the cluster
- If you go for an LED you need to know which is the +ve side
- be careful with the desoldering as its easy to melt the board
- don't switch on the ignition to test the module without reconnecting the rest of the loom to the cluster (else airbag light will stay on until reset by VAGcom)
- thats it

Took me 18 months to get around to fix the RS2 but its nice to know how cold it is again. Also the smart a**e feeling of not paid £90 for a new module.

[jubjub]

....Thats a bit more of a job than i thought it would be:eek2: :eek2:

[DaveS]

Just looks worse when you put it in lots of steps ! Think of the sense f achievement afterwards !

[jubjub]

True, and the money i save can get spent on something else on the motor