Changing the brake light bulb

[PAGolding]

OK, I'll have to admit to being stupid first.

I've searched here, and I've googled repeatedly, but I can't for the life of me remove the rear cluster.

Every post I read (including a very detailed set of photos), refers to there being a retaining screw behind the access hole, as does the handbook.

My car (Nov 07 A4 Avant - 2.0 TFSI, S-Line) doesn't have anything that a screwdriver (flat or cross) will fit into. In fact, it has what looks like a big plastic inverted nut kind of thing in there. I'm not sure what you'd call it but it's like something you'd need to use a very large allen key on. Size wise, it's the same size a wheel bolt head, but I've no idea what kind of tool I need to be able to undo it.

I'd appreciate any suggestions that will save me handing over £30+ to the dealer.

Thanks.

[GE90]

You will find the tool that you need is the handle of the screwdriver in the kit with the spare wheel.

[kodkod.84]

Look in the manual page 322 has instructions

[Darren C]

If you've lost Hex key tool, there IS a small flat blade screwdriver slot at the bottom of the hex hole, that you can use to unscrew the cluster retaining bolt.

[PAGolding]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The screwdriver handle has a hex recess i.e. it fits on a hex bolt the same size as a wheel bolt and it's a tool with a hex head (like a wheel bolt) that is needed to undo the part that holds the light cluster in place.

Page 322 of my handbook doesn't have anything to do with changing light bulbs; but thanks for the suggestion.

Despite messing around for ages, I can't find anything in there that a small flat bladed screwdriver will get into.

For now at least it's not a problem because the outragously expensive dealer replaced the bulb under warranty

I thought I'd post this as it might help someone else.

[kodkod.84]

I'll scan the pages for you when I get home tonight if you want, strange that your manual does not have these instructions, unless they deliberatly cut out this useful DIY tips in a later revision for suspicious reasons i.e. force you to go to dealer.

[PAGolding]

It'd be interesting to see, thanks. It does seem that not only do parts change during the production run of a model, but also the relevance of the manual. The drawing in my manual is most definately not what I see in the car..........I should take a photo really, because everything I've found via Google refers to there being an obvious screw behind the removeable cover in the boot.

Maybe there was a design change? It seems the screw removal was a bit fiddly and it appears the big plastic hex socket would be easier to remove and replace..........with the right tool !

[kodkod.84]

OK PM me your email address for the instructions about changing the rear bulbs in the side panel.

They do mention a special retaining screw that secures the light cluster, but only tool they mention is the screwdriver in the vehicle toolkit.

[kodkod.84]

OK took a look at my car just now 2006 A4 Avant and this is what I found:



A hex nut which does indeed have a slot for the flathead screwdriver in it.

OR


The locking wheel nut hex head fits in it so you will need a hex piece that size to undo it.

[GE90]

I am sure that a hex tool is in the toolkit - the handle of the screwdriver if I remember correctly.