Today I set about replacing around 6 of my Dash lights as they never lit in the dark
so here is a tutorial
First, purchase some replacements from MAPLIN, the code for them is BT43
they are 12v 60ma bulbs. They are different in size, but they work just the same
here is a comparisson shots
Firstly, you will need
replacement bulb
Small scredrivers
Snips
Soldering Iron and Solder
First task is to open the switch. the switch is split in half, with this one, you can see the BLUE back half. Other switches may be yellow, white, or black. The halves are held together by notches. there are 4 of these, one on each side, as you can see here
use the screwdrivers to prize open the switch. Be CAREFULL not to snap the latches, as the switch will not work when you put it back together
once you have the switch uncliped. do NOT just prize it open as there are loose parts inside. Place the switch down like this and lift the top off
you will then have the switch in half. here you can see how it looks
next, remove the small brass operating lever and the light cover as shown
next, get the rear section, in this case, the BLUE section, and remove the inside part from the switch, you will be left with this
here you can see the old bulb. and the wires which come from it
now, you have two choices here for removal. you can DESOLDER the ends, or do as I do here and SNIP the ends a small but away from the soldered joint
now its a simple task of pulling out the old bulb, place the new one in the holer, and resolder the new ends of the legs to the exisiting one
here is mine fitted
now we simply refit everything
first, place the holder back into the base section
then we place back the LIGHT COVER and the brass lever. The BRASS lever has 2 dimples in the centre section, these should sit on the two raised pieces on the switch. you will see them when you look
next is the bit which goes wrong, as it did is a couple of mine, you need to CARFULLY place the TOP SECTION back on
the problem comes here, is that it is a TIGHT FIT, and if you JOLT too much, the small brass lever will come off the raised pieces, and you switch will not work. SO carfully press the top back on and your switch is back together
now, on testing , if like i had, you switch no longer works, then the brass lever has almost certainly JUMPED off the pieces when you snapped closed the switch. you now have to reopen the switch and reset the lever, and close it again.
But now you should have a nice lit switch.
one you have done the first, each switch only takes 10 mins, and the bulb is only £1 from maplins