Audi Repair: 2002 Audi A3 TDI Sport instrument cluster, audi a3 tdi, backyard mechanic

Question
QUESTION: Hi, the ESP light does not ever come on in my instrument cluster.  I can only assume the bulb has blown or has been removed by a pervious owner!  Could you tell me the procedure for removing the cluster so I can check the bulb?  Or could anything else cause the light to never come on? (no matter whether I press the ESP button, or even on startup when it checks all the systems and each bulb lights up briefly)  Thanks in advance, Lee

ANSWER: The removal of this bulb is the backyard mechanic's way to 'fix' problems.  The best place to go with this question is some of the forums where the procedure is normally available with pictures, which I cannot post...  Try Audiworld.com, Audifans.com or audizine.com
Let me know if you cannot find it, and I may be able to find something.  Ther eis norm ally a plastic cover above the steering column, which needs to be removed and this covers two philips screws which hold the cluster in.  Let me know,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again, I have managed to remove my instrument cluster - owever to get to the bulbs I will have to open the casing of the cluster and split it.  I don't mind doing this however I am concerned that if I disconnect all of the cables to it I will lose the mileage reading etc. and will have to get it set back on/  Or does the cluster have an internal memory for that?

Thanks, Lee

Answer
Typically on most clusters you can exchange the bulbs without having to split the cluster.  Look for black, blue or white squares, which you can twist 1/4 turn or so anticlockwise and then pull out.  The bulbs may plug into those, or they may be fixed in there.  If your cluster has a cover over the back; then the mieleage is normally saved without any problems, but any information like time, date etc. will have to be re-set.  Let me know how you get on,  Jan