window switch illumination

[fitz]

I've been looking into this as two of my switches don't light up anymore, I sourced some new ones but they are six pin for the later cars?

Both the 5 and 6 pin 'pyramid' switches can be dismantled with a small flat screwdriver (precision type) it takes some time to get the knack but isn't too bad.

with it dismantled on the 6 pin switches there is a push-fit bulb with a green cover on it. I 'think' it is a 286 type bulb. On the 5 pin switches there is the same bulb but it is soldered in by two wire legs.

i'm going to see what I can pick up over the next few days, and will do a 'how to'. I've also checked the service notes and all switches fitted to the excels should illuminate.

[fitz]

Right, have got this working, providing my very dodgy soldering hasn't broken when putting the switches in the door cards (have to wait till its dark to find out!)

- I've checked them working without the switch cover off. The bulbs required are indeed the '286' type. As stated in the 6 pin switches they just push fit into the holder and make contact.

- in the 5 pin switches, you will need to push the wire contacts on the bulbs so they point out sideways. You will need to jury rig a connection with a small piece of wire to where the bulb was originally soldered, as the bulbs i could find did not have contacts long enough to stretch. I also found that the wire used for the contacts was not very conducive to heating up enough for the solder to bind to it well. I'm really not sure on the best way around this to be honest, as its possible my connections won't last very long as i wasn't too happy with the soldered joints. Be careful that your solder does not reach out so far as to prevent the switch cover from snapping back on.

I've got a pic on my phone that helps explain the insides of the switch i'll upload in a bit