A cheap and cheerful way to improve your headlamp switch

Birchall

Dick Chown Award 2016
Hi,

if your headlight switch is looking a bit worn like this.
IMG_0061.jpg

You can improve it for less than £4.

It is not a perfect match but it looks ok (in my view) and it is easy enough to do.
IMG_0065.jpg


Just get your replacement (from China) for around £3.99 including postage
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDEW-HE...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Then using a dremel or even just a junior hacksaw or similar, cut the collar of the old knob off to get this. It is just a way to get to the retainers on the internal black centre piece where the knob slides in.

IMG_0062.jpg

Then (by looking at the new knob) you can ease out the old one by using a small screwdriver to push in the end catches.
It takes a bit of patience and a fair amount of force, but the old one pops out.
Just replace it with the new one and you will then have a switch that looks like this (similar enough to the original one)
At this stage you just pop it back into your switch surround and put it back in the car.


IMG_0064.jpg



You even get the new icon ring, but you would have to get clever with it to make use of it.
Perhaps you can follow the instructions on the "Auto Headlight" thread and use this ring somehow
IMG_0066.jpg

This is what the finished product looks like but the ring is only a straight replacement for an A4
The A2 has the icons built into the switch fascia


IMG_0067.jpg

As I say, it won't win any concours competitions, but it looks pretty standard when installed without the new ring.
Not everyone's cup of tea but it might suit your needs
 
Nice one Steve. How many light switches do you have by now?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I have around six badly worn ones, 1 auto headlight switch left, 1 brand new non auto switch (different knob shape) and the one in the picture.

I have a really good soft touch one from A2Steve lined up for violet. (and when I remove the old one that will make is seven worn ones)

So yes, I do have a few!!!

Steve B
 
Nice Job, thanks for taking the time to post. with pics.
A pic of it fitted would complete your post?

Tip: I find that a Black VHT Paint (sprayed into cap and applied with small art brush) is a pretty good match for original soft touch buttons,
also works well on window switch edges, etc.. ?
 
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