Electrics: 850: replacing switch-bulbs with LED's - & no soldering needed

[donal]

Recently noticed that some of my switches didn't illuminate. I replaced the blown bulbs with LED's. Here's how - apologies for the poor quality pictures - they were taken with my mobile phone. However you might be able to zoom in. I would say that it takes about 15 min per switch.

Step 1 - remove toggle switch with a small flat screwdriver. Levering from the side seems to work best. You will see the small round bulb holder near the top.
See first picture attached

Step 2 - Unscrew a quarter turn and it will easily prise out. See 2nd picture attached.

Step 3 - Unwrap the bulb wire from the holder and pull the bulb out. See 3rd picture

Step 4 - Cut the bulb holder just above the base. See 4th pic attached

Step 5 - Use the following type LED. See 5th pic. (Available on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-RED...QQcmdZViewItem )

Step 6 - Unwrap the LED wires from its wedge base. See pic 6.

Step 7 - Separate the LED from its case. Gently squeeze with pliars and pull apart. It takes a bit of pulling and twisting but it will come apart. See pic 7 attached

Step 8 - Insert the LED wires (be careful they can break away from the LED easily enough) through the base of the bulb holder (which you earlier cut in step 4) See pic 8.


Step 9 - Wrap the wires around the base (they are not as long as the wires of the original bulb but there will be enough to make a good contact) See pics 9 & 10

Step 10 - Insert the bulb holder into the switch. The resistor wire should be on the right hand side as you insert and twist the bulb holder home. Don't worry if you get it the wrong way around as you can easily remove it and put it in the other way if it doesn't light up when you reconnect the switch to the wiring. But remember to check that it does light before you put the switch itself all the way home. That's it - you're done - see pic 11.
These LED's are available in different colours.

[malc-c]

Shame the images are a little on the fuzzy side

If you want to look at replacing other bulbs with LEDs have a look at http://www.superbrightleds.com/mini-wedge.html

[Jiff Lemon]

how do they cope with the rheostat? Do they dim or just stop working?

[donal]

Hi,

As these LED's have a resistor built in they work fine with the rheostat/dimmer. They dim or brighten just as the ordinary bulbs do.

[ShadeTek]

Originally Posted by donal

Hi,

As these LED's have a resistor built in they work fine with the rheostat/dimmer. They dim or brighten just as the ordinary bulbs do.

The other bulbs which have not been replaced in the dash or elsewhere in the circuit, will as as a load.