sniperlover
Registered User
hi guys one of my headlight bulb is gone (the sidelight).Tried replacing it but cant get my hands through it. Do i need to unscrew the whole headlight casing or take it back to audi. Thanks Please help
Headlight bulb
- Thread starter sniperlover
- Start date
JGrant1285
Sir Scouser Benitez
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2006
- Messages
- 225
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 16
- Location
- West Lancs, UK
- Website
- www.allhiphop.com
Me too. On of my dipped headlights has gone. I've tried unscrewing the whole light unit and pulling it out from the front but it won't come out far enough to enable me to get my hand behind to replace the bulb (due to a cable tidy fixed to something else in the engine bay). Very frustrating.
I've replaced the orange indicator lights in the past, but they're easier as they're on the outer edge.
Don't want to have to book it in at the garage just for a buld replacement!
Mike
I've replaced the orange indicator lights in the past, but they're easier as they're on the outer edge.
Don't want to have to book it in at the garage just for a buld replacement!
Mike
a4sline190
Registered User
Got this from a previous thread.
"At Several peoples request, please permit me to post on chaging the lightbulbs on the A4 saloon/avant. I hold no responsibility for any damage caused to your cars!
FRONT -
1. Open the bonnet;
2. Left-hand side - locate the air intake duct, remove the two philips screws at the front, holding the air duct to the front of the bonnet and remove. Reomve the other half of the air duct if neceesary (but it should not need it).
3. Locate the two "hex" type bolts in the top of the light cluster unit and completely remove these.
4. Locate the other two "hex" type bolts holding the light unit in, but further down. Loosen these about three/four turns, but DO NOT REMOVE (tip - you need to tape together about three drill bit screwdriver attachments, or you'll loose your hex key for sure! (like I did on the first attempt).
5. Gently ease the light unit forwards - you should be able to get it most of the way out, and then release the dust caps on the back with the metal lever.
6. Replace the bulbs - main beam/dipped beam - pull off the connector, undo the bulb clip and holding the metal, pull the bulb out. Put in the new bulb, DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB GLASS, and redo the clip and attach the connector.
7. Reverse all actions!
8. Right side - this is a little easier - you will need to loosed some cables from their attachments before releasing the headlight unit."
Hope it helps.
"At Several peoples request, please permit me to post on chaging the lightbulbs on the A4 saloon/avant. I hold no responsibility for any damage caused to your cars!
FRONT -
1. Open the bonnet;
2. Left-hand side - locate the air intake duct, remove the two philips screws at the front, holding the air duct to the front of the bonnet and remove. Reomve the other half of the air duct if neceesary (but it should not need it).
3. Locate the two "hex" type bolts in the top of the light cluster unit and completely remove these.
4. Locate the other two "hex" type bolts holding the light unit in, but further down. Loosen these about three/four turns, but DO NOT REMOVE (tip - you need to tape together about three drill bit screwdriver attachments, or you'll loose your hex key for sure! (like I did on the first attempt).
5. Gently ease the light unit forwards - you should be able to get it most of the way out, and then release the dust caps on the back with the metal lever.
6. Replace the bulbs - main beam/dipped beam - pull off the connector, undo the bulb clip and holding the metal, pull the bulb out. Put in the new bulb, DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB GLASS, and redo the clip and attach the connector.
7. Reverse all actions!
8. Right side - this is a little easier - you will need to loosed some cables from their attachments before releasing the headlight unit."
Hope it helps.
james0808
Registered User
Only takes a minute to undo the 2 torx screws on the top and loosen the other two to remove the headlamp.Then unclip the multiplug.Much better than struggling with tight gaps.
I managed to change the headlight and sidelight bulbs on my S4 (even with my big farmer hands!) without taking the light units off, seems abit excessive taking the whole unit off. I just removed a few bits around the back of the units (plastics and air-intake tube) and managed it alright. There isnt alot of room right enough and if I recall the drivers side was the fiddlest, but do-able without too much stripping, in all 10mins I think.
I did mine by folllowing the instructions A4Sline190 posted further up to loosen & slide the headlights forward. It seemed easier than removing lots of other bits.
I`ve not long done this , once you have you`ll wonder what the fuss was , whip out the lamps , easy job , plus while your there take change the orange bulbs for silvertec or the like .
chris
chris
I purchased a T handle TORX driver, cost £3.00, its now part of the tool kit I carry in the car, just incase a bulb blows while i'm out. Look for a T30 TORX driver, 180mm (6") min length. It will save so much hassle if you are ever stopped for a blown bulb. Check before you have to do it at night.
Something to note!
I tried to change mine without taking the light out and have now lost the cover and spring clip in the bottom of the engine bay !!!!! grrrrrrrr....
will update later if i ever get the damn thing out .
I tried to change mine without taking the light out and have now lost the cover and spring clip in the bottom of the engine bay !!!!! grrrrrrrr....
will update later if i ever get the damn thing out .
a4sline190 said:
Anyone know if these instructions apply to Xenon headlights? I've got a blown sidelight and thought I'd stick some VisionPlus bulbs into the high beams while I'm at it.
Thanks
EDIT: Looks like I won't need to remove the headlights just to change the sidelights and main beams. Indicators will need headlight removed though
. I've had a look and I can't see the 4th torx screw behind the unit. Any ideas
jegs
Registered User
jegs
Registered User
I have had my headlights out sooo many times lol, Audi will charge you £17 per side to change the bulbs, it's stupid.
I fitted Xenon ballasts and retro HID upgrade in mine, that I also had in my older B5 Audi, the bulbs are still going strong 5yrs later, I have just changed the sidelight bulbs yesterday to LED ones, they do have a hint of blue in them, but they look so much better, will post a pic soon,
Less than 5 quid too
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=250116885716&rd=1&rd=1
I fitted Xenon ballasts and retro HID upgrade in mine, that I also had in my older B5 Audi, the bulbs are still going strong 5yrs later, I have just changed the sidelight bulbs yesterday to LED ones, they do have a hint of blue in them, but they look so much better, will post a pic soon,
Less than 5 quid too
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=250116885716&rd=1&rd=1
Only £17! I got robbed for £35 to do one of mine.
Which was why I ended up doing it myself last time.
I now have a lovely extended torx screwdriver which i put a magnet on to keep the screw on the end.
Which was why I ended up doing it myself last time.
I now have a lovely extended torx screwdriver which i put a magnet on to keep the screw on the end.
Take the entire headlight unit out?? Why exactly?
Was about to set off to Loughborough when the drivers side dipped lamp had gone. Stopped at a local parts store on the way (as it was still daytime) got the bulb (a fellow customer heard what I asked for and laughed, saying "Good luck" then went on to say he'd worked on A4's before and the bulbs are a nightmare to change).
Went out to my car, opened the bonnet, removed a little bit of the air intake (couldn't see anything fastening it in place, so it just pulled off, don't know if its supposed to do that though!!!). Removed the bulb access cover, took out old bulb, inserted new!!
Took all of, I'd say, 4 minutes. Admittedly it is a little difficult to get your hands in between the various parts, and I did nicely scrape my hands (I'm a big boy, I handled it!) but I certainly didn't take out the whole headlight unit!
Oh, and the lamp only cost me £3.50... and seemed better than the one still in the other side (I usually like to replace bulbs in pairs but couldn't be bothered on this occasion!)
Was about to set off to Loughborough when the drivers side dipped lamp had gone. Stopped at a local parts store on the way (as it was still daytime) got the bulb (a fellow customer heard what I asked for and laughed, saying "Good luck" then went on to say he'd worked on A4's before and the bulbs are a nightmare to change).
Went out to my car, opened the bonnet, removed a little bit of the air intake (couldn't see anything fastening it in place, so it just pulled off, don't know if its supposed to do that though!!!). Removed the bulb access cover, took out old bulb, inserted new!!
Took all of, I'd say, 4 minutes. Admittedly it is a little difficult to get your hands in between the various parts, and I did nicely scrape my hands (I'm a big boy, I handled it!) but I certainly didn't take out the whole headlight unit!
Oh, and the lamp only cost me £3.50... and seemed better than the one still in the other side (I usually like to replace bulbs in pairs but couldn't be bothered on this occasion!)
Les 51 said:
Because I don't want to end up doing this again! If you lose the clip you have to buy the whole light unit. I was lucky I could make a new one in work, others might not be.
(and one side is definately easier than the other)
Les 51 said:
How exactly do you 'lose' a clip? Is there a magic portal, black hole or part eating monster in your engine bay that renders anything dropped irretrievable?
No idea about standard headlights but on our Xenons I've just changed both high beams and sidelights without having to remove the headlights. The only thing I needed to move was the air intake ducting which took all of 1 minute to do. Left headlight has easy access. Total time for all 4 bulbs was around 15 minutes
Obviously I shouldn't have to worry about ever changing the dipped beams so it's only the indicator bulbs that'll need the headlights removing.
Not sure if it's appropriate but I bought the bulbs off ebay from the seller redrobin2343. H7 VisionPlus were £13.95 which is about £11 cheaper than most online stores. H6W BlueVision sidelights were £11.99 (£3 cheaper). All delivered next day for £1.75. Very happy with the service.
Obviously I shouldn't have to worry about ever changing the dipped beams so it's only the indicator bulbs that'll need the headlights removing.
Not sure if it's appropriate but I bought the bulbs off ebay from the seller redrobin2343. H7 VisionPlus were £13.95 which is about £11 cheaper than most online stores. H6W BlueVision sidelights were £11.99 (£3 cheaper). All delivered next day for £1.75. Very happy with the service.
Done headlights and indicators. You have to take the complete unit out for the indicator bulbs which only takes 5mins when you unscrew the 4 tharx screws and if you have the right tools. the headlights you can get too without unscrewing but it's even easier if you do.
AndyMac
Retired from service
There's no way on gods earth you can replace the passenger headlight bulb without removing the headlight. Fannying around with all the gubbins behind the headlight takes far longer than releasing 4 Torx screws and doig it properly. I've just tried both methods and removing the headlight is by far the easiest. Seems extreme, but you have to remove the rear light clusters to replace a brake light, so no real surprise - nice try Audi, I'll be keeping my £17 thanks!
AndyMac
Retired from service
Well done on completing the challenge, I'll stick to doing it the easy way thanks. Headlight removal is 2 minutes tops.
TBH When I did it the first time I thought 'this is going to be tight'. I loosened the H/L bolts but it wouldn't budge (didn't know how it came out) so I just carried on.
If I need to do a bulb now I'll probably slide the H/L's out but for any owners not sure about removing the lamps, mains can be done in situ :thumbsup:
Dipped are another story mind..........................
BUB
If I need to do a bulb now I'll probably slide the H/L's out but for any owners not sure about removing the lamps, mains can be done in situ :thumbsup:
Dipped are another story mind..........................
BUB
I also have had to remove the lights as i think its alot easier to remove 4 torx screws rather than fiddiling around trying to get bulbs in without the headlights out 
james0808
Registered User
You only remove 2,just loosen the back 2 and it slides out.Its the easiest headlight removal i have ever done.
AndyMac
Retired from service
Yeah, I was talking about the dipped beams, they tend to be the ones that need changing most often.
