Changing Turn Signal Indicator Bulb

[heyman]

My A4 wagon is less than a year old and the left front turn signal bulb has gone out. The equivalent bulb costs $1.80 at the auto parts store, but the manual says to have an Audi service center replace the bulb. I have a feeling that this will be very expensive. Is it easy enough to change myself? Would it be covered by the warranty?

[Gumby]

Hi there,

I have been searching for a few days on the net trying to find the same answer here.

My 2002 A4 sedan just today had both front turn signal bulbs (just the flashing part) go out. Although I still get the parking lights lit up, no lights will flash in front and it quickly flashes in the back.

I too, have seen thr manual indicate to "Go to your dealer" for servicing, but I do not want to go in just to get 2 $2 bulbs replaced. I looked over and over inside the engine bay to try and find a way to get at them, but nothing...

Anyone have any ideas????


Thanks

[bhb399mm]

going to your dealer is probably unnecessary - open your engine compartment, and thers a torx screw that holds the head light unit onto the frame... you cant miss it, its the only screw holding the lights there. buy the bulb, unscew everything, and plug it in. its that simple.

[Gumby]

Thanks for the insight...

I too thought about that. But the torx screws look like they also double as aiming screws. Is that possible? <_<

So then will I need to re-aim the headlights after removing the entire housing and then replacing it?

[bhb399mm]

yes.. thats correct.. you would need to adjust the headlights after you're done. as far as i know, thats the only way you can get at those bulbs. adjusting them isnt very hard though.

[Gumby]

As a follow-up to my original post, I had tried to change the bulbs and still had problems. I was unfortunately "forced" to go to the dealer. Although my dealer did take me in WITHOUT an appointment, I must say that I would NEVER had found the problem.

It seems that both flasher sockets were corroded and need to be changed. Of course it was done under warranty, but as a caution, it is recommended to see your dealer to fix it. It seems that my dealer sees alot of this type of problem. Especially in our severe winter climate and insane amounts of raod salt and abrasive that is laid down....something has gotta corrode sooner or later...

Thanks for the help.

[MICHS-A4]

I am also trying to replace one turn signal bulb. I removed the 2 torx screws which loosened the entire headlamp assembly. I assume that if I get it out I will be able to change the turn signal bulb from the back. However, try as I might, I can only pull the assembly out a small way. Is there another screw or attachment or is there some technique for getting the headlamp assembly out?

[Volari554]

The 02+ A4 bulbs should be covered under warranty if you are still in your base warranty. so you shouldnt be buying anything. If you are out, and have to pay, you have to remove the headlight assembly, which requires removing the two Torx bolts on the top of the headlight and loosening the two torx bolts on each side of the headlight assembly, you will have to look, as they are down there pretty good. The headlight will then slide out and give access to the bulb. And yes, the bulb holders do burn and corrode out due to the headlight bulb terminals not being tight enough in the holder and will Arc and burn up. And yes you are suppose to align headlight afterwards, but if you mark where the assembly tabs are,and put them back as close as possible, you should be fine.

[Galilee]

Originally posted by Volari554@Feb 20 2006, 02:06 AM
And yes you are suppose to align headlight afterwards, but if you mark where the assembly tabs are,and put them back as close as possible, you should be fine.

Quoted post

To adjust the lights:
Park in front of a wall and mark the light pattern on the wall (use tape), one horizontal line and one line angeled upwards to the right. When you're done changing bulbs, adjust the lights according to your markers.

If you want to re-use the marks after moving the car, or next time you need to adjust the lights, you also need to mark up the outside of each wheel (for side to side accuracy) and a mark for the center of the front wheel to get the exact distance to the wall.