Accessing the bulb/globe for the front 12v socket?

[slipshot]

Hi all

Did an exhaustive search but although I have power in the front (and indeed all) sockets, the light bulb that would illuminate the ring around the socket and the ash tray is not working and I cannot work out how to remove the unit to access and change this? I have removed the two hex screws inside the ash tray and it loosened up but does it need the surround of the DSG lever to also be removed? Would just like to see if someone has done this before I get stuck into it.

And I know it's not much but it bugs me...

Thanks

Andy

[snerlo]

I have rectified exactly what you are asking mate. Really easy. All you have to do is remove the dsg surround and lift it. From memory, I then think that the ashtray unit should lift out. This is all going when I did my garage door remote though. It was a little tricky pulling the actual lighter plug apart but it is possible. Once I had it out I thought that the bulb was gonna be a pain to source but you know what, I ended up getting it from super cheap auto! Then just install and reverse taking out method.

[slipshot]

Thanks snerlo - much appreciated. So I did this, and got the main unit out and bugger me, in my 2010 wagon the bulb is part of the main lighter fitment and whatever I tried, there is no way it's meant to be changed on its own. Went to the dealer who advised me that you have to get the whole unit which is about $50. Do i really want to spend that... actually yes, it bugs me. However I have seen places in the UK and USA that sell the same unit cheaper and actually I can get the smaller parts as one for a bit less so will see what I can do. However, maybe it;s changed from 2008 to 2010 when they changed the HVAC instruments but it's a bugger to get replaced!

[snerlo]

Well maybe, but post a few photos of it mate and let me have a look at it. I should be able to tell if it is the same as mine once I see it. Might be able to save you some coin

[slipshot]

Thanks chap - unfortunately I put it all back together again BUT this link below shows something similair. The third pic down (green and green) is what I have but an orange version of this. Pics 7 and 8 (the numbers pics further down) show the two parts and mine is all pushed in there and it seems that to get access to the bulb I need to remove everything as there's no way I can actually get it to open without the orange plastic coming away from the shroud. And this does not seem to want to happen...

VWVortex.com - DIY on how to remove and install updated OEM cigarette lighter

If you look at the following link, this shows the US spec parts diagram with the bulb shown (#22) but I think I would need #20 & #21 as this includes all the bits as well as the bulb.

http://parts.vw.com/parts/2010/Volks...gramCallOut=19


Does this help?

[snerlo]

Seeing those pics brings back memories. That looks like mine mate. It was a little tricky and I think I remember breaking part of it but it wasn't something that effected the whole thing greatly so I wasn't concerned but it is possible. Once you gain access to the bulb you will be able to see which one to buy at Super cheap but they are tiny little things. Have a go mate. Worst case scenario is that you buy a new or second hand unit. What have you got to lose if it bugs you that much!!
I did it and I am glad I did it because it would have bothered the s**t out of me!!

[slipshot]

Thanks - I've done more research and now have the part numbers so think I shall just get those and see what I can salvage from this. It does seem that you cannot remove it without breaking it unless you;ve very lucky so it's meant to be replaced...

[snerlo]

I think I did snap a very small tab but mine all still went back together alright and I haven't had a problem since. Anyhow, good luck with the purchase. Why don't you give it a go first, then that way, if you break it, then you have to buy a new one anyway, but, if you happen to fix it then it is a really cheap fix by just buying a new bulb from super cheap. Up to you though mate.