Tech Tip No. 4

Ned Ritchie

Originally published in the quattro quarterly

Copyright 1995, 1997

My instrument panel lights have stopped working. My mechanic and I have not been able to correct the problem. We think we've checked everything, but there must be something else. What do we need to check?

Try the license plate light bulbs!

Although you didn't state the model and year of your Audi, I'm assuming that yours is the one that monitors the license plate lamp circuit to determine when to switch from white lamps during the day to red lamps at night.

For this magic to work, both license plate lamps must be installed and working. If both bulbs are burned out or if the sockets are corroded the lamp module for the instrument panel lights will not operate properly and will not be able to turn on the red lights at night.

If this happens when you're traveling at night or cannot find new bulbs, stop the car; remove the key; turn on the headlights; insert key and then start the car. Sometimes you'll get the panel lights to work even if the license plate bulbs are burned out.

INTENDED ACCELERATION ®

© Copyright 1997-2004 Ned Ritchie