Electric window switch lights

[ballisticz466]

So I've just noticed that 3 of the electric window switch lights are not working. Windows all work fine, just the lights don't come on. The switches I have installed in my car is the "back pronged" ones and Google ain't got any info about taking these apart. Is it at all possible to replace just the bulbs in these or should I get other switches :blueCry:

Not sure whats in there, don't just wanna open it up and a crap load of springs and stuff go flying.

Cheers

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Took the plunge and opened it up, nothing to it. Will get a few 3mm orange led's and some 1k 1/2w resistors at work tomorrow and fit them. Will upload some pics as things go along. Provided it works :biglol:

Hopefully it will be able to assist someone with the same issue.

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[Ratslaaf]

Take some pics. Was there LEDs in there or bulbs? If bulbs, you might want to get some high brightness LEDs rather (they are clear but emit orange)

 

[ballisticz466]

Hi, they are bulbs.

Soma got 12v bulbs and some 2v orange led's (with some 680r resistors). We don't stock a clear 3mm orange led, so diffused orange was the next best option. These led's draw less current, about 20mA, which in turn means less heat being generated and a longer lifespan. Will see how they compare and let you guys know. Now to find the time..........

 

[ballisticz466]

Okay, so bulb seems to be soldered where the 2 arrows point, should be straight forward with not to much hassles (I hope). Solder joint on the right is a bit of a tight squeeze, but will let you guys know.

And here are the led's, the resistors and the bulbs.

 

[ballisticz466]

Finally got some time tonight to finish the lights. Nothing to it really, but maybe it will help someone with the same issues. All that is needed are a good pair of eyes and a soldering iron. The 3mm led's don't fit to well in these cause they have a slight ridge at the base.

Firstly I marked the switches so as not to run outside to check position. Once the top part of the switch is removed, you gonna have to remove the bottom part of the switch as well.

Once opened, heat up solder here and remove the old bulb, being careful not to melt the plastic which holds the bulb.

Word of caution, this long plate gets moer hot, so be careful.

When done, simply snap back together making sure the silver tabs on the side of the switch is still there (these hold the switch in place in the door or console etc) and also taking care to get the markings lined up (which you made earlier). Simple enough, shouldn't take more than 5 mins per switch.

Funny though, I had one switch which had a led and a 1/8th watt resistor in it. Same thing here, desolder and replace with the new bulb.

Then I had one of these switches. The other tab is laying to the side of the pic. They just fall into the area marked with the circle.

Here I found it easier to first remove the white bulb holder (it just clips out) and then remove the bulb. This is a double sided board so be patient here.

When it's all done, it should look like this. Very slightly off colour, but hardly noticeable.

I'm not sure if the switch between the driver side window switch and the rear right passenger switch should have a light in it. That one seems a bit dangerous to work on :biglol: Sounds and feels like there a spring or 2 in it. So will rather get a new one if the light is shot.

Bulbs I used for repair we sell at Yebo Electronics. Here is a link if anybody needs any:

http://www.fort777.co.za/index.php?...o&cPath=737_750_751_752_1001&products_id=5607

Pop me a pm and get a discount :rollsmile:

Hope this helps somebody.

Cheers

 

[ballisticz466]

Just wanted to give you guys an update on this. The bulbs which I put in get excessively hot causing the switches to heat up quite a bit. I rather took them out and fitted the orange 3mm led's with a 1k resistor. Sought of a tight fit but it works. All that is needed is to trim the rim on the led base a bit.

Just in case anybody else wants attempts to do it.

 

[Iceman007]

:clapper: That's well done

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Good job and a nice write up thanks! :clapper:

 

[ballisticz466]

Most welcome guys :=):

By the way, the long plate that gets so moer hot is - for the leds.

 

[Gordvisr]

thanx for the write up, i did read up somewhere a while ago to replace all the lights with the blue color, think it was on bimmer forums, will see if i can find it and post the link here also

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http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum...ontrol-switches-speedo-etc-conversion-t32722/

here is one.

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http://www.ledperf.co.uk/led-meter-kit-for-bmw-e36-p-232.html

And one who sells the kits to modify

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http://www.bmwe36blog.com/fixing-bmw-e36-window-switch-light-diy.html

and another

 

[ballisticz466]

I was so tempted to do blue leds, but the wife said no! I wonder how difficult it would be to do all the lights in the car with blue leds? Mmmmmm

 

[Ratslaaf]

I positively HATE Blue LEDs on anything.

 

[Gordvisr]

im thinkng of doing this in the near future.

 

[ballistic]

If you going blue, then pls post pics. If you need the led's, then let me know, we have them here at work

 

[Gordvisr]

i will most defenately put pic on with a write up if i do this.