I just picked up a 97 A6 Quattro in mint conditon. (maybe!)

I am noticing that the odometer display and drive selector display
are not backlit. I can barely see them during the day but can see
that they are working.... just can't see them at night. ANY SOLUTIONS?

Also, when I put the dome light switch and the rear reading light switches to
where they should be activated/ deactivated by the doors.... they don't seem
to be going off. Again, any solutions?

Thanks,
cptarmy

 

one of the stalks on the dash raise & lower the back lighting if the dash.

 

beefski,

thanks. I've moved the left stalk. The rest of the dash and console
are backlit fine and adjust correctly. It's just these two items on the dash
that I'm having trouble with.

thanks again.

 

The instrument cluster lights have probably blown.

The problem is that they are not the easily replaceable type. But with some patience you can get things working again.

I recently had to change a variety of the bcaklights on my 96 A6.

To get the cluster out you do not need to remove the steering wheel. But before you get to the cluster check to see what other lights may not be working. Does your check engine light come on and your airbag light come on during startup self check. If not then also check fuse 14 as the transmission display is that fuse (amoung other things).

With the cluster partially removed you can get to the connectors, note that they tend to have colours on the end of the cable to match the single removable bulbs. The other module type connectors are difficult to get mixed up as they are all different.


Anyway with some you can get the gear selector display out quite easily but then you will need to open it's module up. It has a backlit LCD display that is loosely assembled into the unit. The backlight bulb is a minature type available at radio shack. If you have never changed a component on a circuit board (Resisitor, led, transistor etc then get help from someone who has). Be careful as you open the LCD displays up they are easily damaged by careless hands. The outside temp display and the odometer have the same construction and can be fixed with some skill.

Good luck. Dan.

 

Dan,

Yes, the check engine and air bag check lights do come on at start up.
All (in dash) fuses are good.

Temp display is fine. Just the odometer display and in dash gear selector display.

Well, at least it sounds like it just a bulb issue for both modules and not
that the entire module is going bad. Like I said, during the day I can see that
they were working but just not lit up. I just didn't know if they were going weak
and that it may be the entire module. I really wasn't sure that there were actual
bulbs in the module to back light them. Thanks.


Any input on the dome light issues?

Thanks,
cptarmy

 

if its an automatic there will be bulbs behind the dash but chances are a couple of bulbs need replacing, remove the air vent to allow you to push the dash dials out, lower the steering wheel to allow more access the steering wheel doesn't need to be removed for this

 

avant80,

Thanks. Yes, it is an automatic. I know... it should be a sin but the wife
has to drive it. I really appreciate the input.

Any advice on the dome lights? Relay issue?

cptarmy