Speedo missing illumination

[Carl Avant]

Before i start open heart surgery on my dashboard....please....some hints and help.
On the speedo of my s2 avant there is no lighting between zero and 40mph.
So I guess there are multiple bulbs behind and if so I should get these before I tackle the job.......

[Jas11n]

Before i start open heart surgery on my dashboard....please....some hints and help.
On the speedo of my s2 avant there is no lighting between zero and 40mph.
So I guess there are multiple bulbs behind and if so I should get these before I tackle the job.......

Yep, sounds like a bulb is out. You can get the bulbs from most good motorfactors, just bare in mind you get a bulb that isn't to highly rated IIRC correct wattage is 1.1watt, as the higher wattage bulbs are the cause of the grey face of the dials "peeling" that alot of S2 seem to have had. Note, the bulb comes fixed in the holder, you have to buy another complete holder and bulb.

picture below is for illistration only

[HPmuirt]

Hi there,

I had a blown bulb recently, so replaced all the bulbs, so that hopefully I don't have to go back in for a while. It is very easy to do (having now done it on 3 of my 5 Audis), although you need good manual dexterity to remove the 3 connectors on the back of the dash. These are released by pulling the centre locking tab of the connector back.

Jas is right, the bulbs are as shown above and are 509T bulbs, rated at 1.2W. DO NOT put the 2W bulbs in as they WILL peel the white paint on the dials.

S2's use both 1.2W and 2W bulbs in the dash (1.2W for lighting and 2W for the warning lamps) so both will be offered to you.

Cheers n

Si

[Ski]

i have exact same issue but too scared to fiddle with it

will a dealer replace bulbs or whole unit? isnt there soldering involved?

[CoupeWannabeS2]

I wouldnt take the car to the dealers just for bulbs. It is an easy job. You dont have to take teh steering wheel off either.

Undo the screws that hold the steering column surround and take the top half off. There should be two phillips screws on the underside.

You will then see two further screws that hold teh speedo unit in place. Undo these and the unit can be pulled forward. Then remove the three plugs on the back and the unit will be free.

Then just turn it over and you will see the bulbs holders which can be replaced. I think there are pictures on the forum to show how to do the above.

Good luck with it.

[Ski]

ohh didnt think this would as easy.

can i use the existing bulb holders? just put new bulbs in? as simple as that?

[rotoryboy]

ohh didnt think this would as easy.

can i use the existing bulb holders? just put new bulbs in? as simple as that?

No, just buy the bulbs with the holders already in place as in Jas's pic

[james s2]

just replaced 3 dash bulbs and soldered a bulb on the outside temp gauge....this was not easy to do mind you?! went to the scrap yard and got a electric mirror adjuster,stripped it and used on of the bulbs from that.but the main illumination bulbs are fairly easy. Hope you manage ok!!!!!

[Carl Avant]

Thanks guys great pointers...especially the wattage's.....wallet at the ready, I'm going in

[Ski]

another bulb went today, i now cannot see the rev counter at night

[Carl Avant]

All went well...I got a bulb from Audi in Worcester : £1.12......but another one went as soon as i put the lights on that night --- this time on the Rev counter.....I feel taunted

[jubjub]

just replaced 3 dash bulbs and soldered a bulb on the outside temp gauge....this was not easy to do mind you?! illumination bulbs are fairly easy.

Anyone confirm what other bulbs are soldered in? In particular the the temperature gauge

It has light behind it but is very dim compared to the rest of the illumination,oddly my last car was the same too........

[Jas11n]

IIRC only the temp display has a soldered in bulb. Replace it with a CJ70M LED from maplins Dean.
Tip, don't completely unsolder the old bulb, just snip the bulb off leaving it's legs sticking up, then solder the LED to the legs. This avoids trying to get thicker LED legs through the PCB.
Remember the LED will only work one way round. Check Mikes site here for a pic of the correct orientation of the LED.

@ Carl Avant. It may be just worthwhile replacing them all mate, saves having to go in again in the future.

[Carl Avant]

Fourrings, you're just like my wife !!.......being able to read my mind !!......yes I am going back in to attack ALL the bulbs and I've just noticed that my digital temp and clock is now out

[Jas11n]

Fourrings, you're just like my wife !!.......

I really do hope not mate

Jas