Trip switch bulb replacement with LED workaround
#1
Trip switch bulb replacement with LED workaround
If like me you are having problems sourcing a replacement bulb/holder for the trip switch this is a quick, cheap and effective workaround.
I have just finished installing the JagWrangler 3-guage kit (kudos to Steve K [WhiteXKR]) for a great bit of kit. In the process all my instrument panel bulbs needed replacing - the only one I couldn't do 'cos I couldn't find a replacement was the trip switch bulb. Fiddly little blighter integral with a fiddly little holder.
Anyway, I had some 12 v LED's left over so thought I'd replace the bulb with one of them. They were all white so I just put a thin coat of blue acrylic paint on to reproduce the OEM look.
Simply solder the LED (make sure like mine there is an in-line resistor) to the PCB tracks that the OEM bulb holder makes contact with (you need to get the polarity correct or it won't illuminate so check with a DVM first (or guess and be prepared to redo the connection) - push the LED into the switch housing. I used some black tack photographic mastic to blank the hole off afterwards.
Now all works as it should and for only a few pence.
BTW - in the final photo it looks like the A/B switch is not illuminated - just a trick of the light as taken in sunshine - they all light up.
Steve
I have just finished installing the JagWrangler 3-guage kit (kudos to Steve K [WhiteXKR]) for a great bit of kit. In the process all my instrument panel bulbs needed replacing - the only one I couldn't do 'cos I couldn't find a replacement was the trip switch bulb. Fiddly little blighter integral with a fiddly little holder.
Anyway, I had some 12 v LED's left over so thought I'd replace the bulb with one of them. They were all white so I just put a thin coat of blue acrylic paint on to reproduce the OEM look.
Simply solder the LED (make sure like mine there is an in-line resistor) to the PCB tracks that the OEM bulb holder makes contact with (you need to get the polarity correct or it won't illuminate so check with a DVM first (or guess and be prepared to redo the connection) - push the LED into the switch housing. I used some black tack photographic mastic to blank the hole off afterwards.
Now all works as it should and for only a few pence.
BTW - in the final photo it looks like the A/B switch is not illuminated - just a trick of the light as taken in sunshine - they all light up.
Steve
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Tony K
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03-26-2024 01:53 PM
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