I Need to replace the courtesy light switches that are located to the right of the stereo. What is the best way to remove the existing switches without doing damage?

Thanks.

 

I believe they have friction clips. Get a flat plastic wedge and pull it out by the trim. They should come out as an assembly. Trim ring and pair of buttons all together.

 

Does anyone know what light bulbs to use?

 

When removing the switches they are friction fit, be careful not to bend the tim as it is metal with wood glued to it and will break the wood if they are bent.

I used 2 screw drivers and gently pried them from both sides. A better solution would be to buy the plastic trim removal tools from eBay, I bought a few sets of these later to use on windows and trim.

 

Just so happens I have mine out...see the attached photo.

They are held in by pins that are a snug fit into some plastic retainers.

You can see the right switch hanging down. I've removed the left switch so I could troubleshoot some issues. The bulb and the socket are just hanging there.

The bulbs have "12V1 2W" stamped on them. Depending on your level of ambition, you may want to peck around for something brighter, or just replace them with LED's (which will be much more work since you'll have to knock down the voltage considerably).

I've tossed the Opticell unit and plan on replacing all the dash lighting with LED's eventually.

FWIW, if your car has the trip computer, it too is friction-fit into the dash. You may find it easier to get the switches out if you gently pry out the trip computer...then you can get a finger or two behind the switches and gently push them out.

Thanks,

John
1987 XJ-S V-12
62,000 miles

 

Does the bulb hanging just to the left of the J in Jaguar light up the left hand side of the computer?

I have no light on that side of my computer.

Thanks

 

No, the bulb lights up the switch that isn't there. If you look at the far right of the photo, you'll see the right switch assembly (it has two switches, one for the map light and one for the rear seat light I think) in it. The bulb that is just hanging next to the "J" goes into the left switch assembly (rear window defog and ememgency blinkers). The left switch itself isn't in the photo, I just happened to have it out at the time.

Mine is an '87, so the switch layout could be very different between mine and yours.

Thanks,

John

 

Oh ok. Thanks John

 

On the Facelift computer it is held in place with two screws, one on each side and you would need to remove the two light switch assemblies to get at each screw. The switches are friction held. you can put your finger nail under the trim ring on each side and pry out the switches. once they are out about quarter of an inch they are past the friction catch and should pull out with no resistance.