Switch illumination
19 November 2002, 11:19 PM
#1
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OK, I'm getting old and my memory is fading fast. Can anyone help me remember if the switches for the rear window defogger and the hazzard lights are illuminated when the cars lights are on AND the switch is NOT in the "on" position? I know the little active lights come when the switches are "on", just can't recall if they should have general illumination to help you find the switch in the first place! I'm finding it really hard to find these switches this winter and I'm sure I didn't have this "problem" last year. Car is a UK MY99 5 door.
20 November 2002, 09:05 AM
#2
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Yes both should light up with the sidelights/headlights. IIRC one of the switches has a replacement bulb available from the dealer but the other doesn't - they'll tell you to buy a new switch! I think it's the hazard switch that doesn't have the bulb available.
However you can change the bulb yourself quite easily with a bit of patience, just go to Maplin and ask for the smallest 12V bulb they stock and it replaces the original one perfectly. Bit fiddly but only takes 10 mins. This can be done for both switches.
However you can change the bulb yourself quite easily with a bit of patience, just go to Maplin and ask for the smallest 12V bulb they stock and it replaces the original one perfectly. Bit fiddly but only takes 10 mins. This can be done for both switches.
20 November 2002, 09:00 PM
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You could possibly wedge them out with a screwdriver, they aren't screwed in or anything. I was too worried about damaging something though because they need quite a bit of force to budge them so I used a sledgehammer to crack a nut (metaphorically of course 
) and removed the tray at the top of the dash so I could push the switches out from behind.
) and removed the tray at the top of the dash so I could push the switches out from behind.
15 December 2002, 05:37 PM
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There are little plastic tabs on the sides holding it together, you need to wedge a small screwdriver between the two parts to lift the hole over the clip and release it.
Take care when reassembling cos it's got to go back the way it was inside otherwise the switch doesn't work properly. Quite fiddly but it can be done.
Take care when reassembling cos it's got to go back the way it was inside otherwise the switch doesn't work properly. Quite fiddly but it can be done.
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15 December 2002, 08:58 PM
#9
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Could you let me know what part numbers the bulbs are please? I've not had chance to get around to doing mine, but it sure would be easier with the right bulbs ready to go straight back in.
Thanks, Julian.
Thanks, Julian.
16 December 2002, 09:14 PM
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well,there are 2 types
red pg78k,yellow pg81c,green pg79l,blue pg80b 12v subminature
or
pg77j 12v subminature clear(but has wires attatched that you have to cut the insulation off)i used this type
but i have noticed they did another type when i got home it is
bt43w clear 12v bulb but havent seen this one but it looks like the proper one
hope this helps,,the coloured ones are great for the chaps that have changed there dash clocks colour to blue etc,,its a nice finishing touch
i could not do the hazzerd switch in the end ,i broke it!!and i am a electrician!!!!!!!
its to fiddley for me,i had to get another switch!!tut
all the best
roy
red pg78k,yellow pg81c,green pg79l,blue pg80b 12v subminature
or
pg77j 12v subminature clear(but has wires attatched that you have to cut the insulation off)i used this type
but i have noticed they did another type when i got home it is
bt43w clear 12v bulb but havent seen this one but it looks like the proper one
hope this helps,,the coloured ones are great for the chaps that have changed there dash clocks colour to blue etc,,its a nice finishing touch
i could not do the hazzerd switch in the end ,i broke it!!and i am a electrician!!!!!!!
its to fiddley for me,i had to get another switch!!tut
all the best
roy
18 December 2002, 02:32 PM
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Just to add to my post above, got replacement bulbs from Maplins 98p for both 
Same as buzzerboyroy, bits shot out everywhere
ended up super gluing a bit back together
Fiddled & fiddled got the bulbs replaced put back in car. "GUESS WHAT" they illuminated
FOR A FEW SECONDS
need to check out voltage to switches me thinks !!!!!!
Or could just fumble around in the dark for the switches LOL
Same as buzzerboyroy, bits shot out everywhere
ended up super gluing a bit back together
Fiddled & fiddled got the bulbs replaced put back in car. "GUESS WHAT" they illuminated
FOR A FEW SECONDS
need to check out voltage to switches me thinks !!!!!!Or could just fumble around in the dark for the switches LOL
19 December 2002, 04:30 PM
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oh dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what bulbs did you get???
the ones i used had a red and black wire on the end of the bulb,about 4 inches long.
i stripped the wires off as close to the bulb as i could and wound the cable through the bulb holder .
my switches stull work fine???
i think you bought the 6v version of the bulb and not the 12v?????????????perhaps??????
fiddly isnt it!!!!!!!
best of luck
roy
what bulbs did you get???
the ones i used had a red and black wire on the end of the bulb,about 4 inches long.
i stripped the wires off as close to the bulb as i could and wound the cable through the bulb holder .
my switches stull work fine???
i think you bought the 6v version of the bulb and not the 12v?????????????perhaps??????
fiddly isnt it!!!!!!!
best of luck
roy
20 December 2002, 07:07 AM
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They were wrong bulbs, chap at Maplins got wrong part No 
Got right ones now, just clear with 2" long wire no plastic to strip off though.
Just like originals. All fitted and working again
First time i've seen em lit up
Was easier to replace bulbs second time around, when you know what you are doing
[Edited by stevied2 - 12/20/2002 7:09:25 AM]
Got right ones now, just clear with 2" long wire no plastic to strip off though.
Just like originals. All fitted and working again
First time i've seen em lit up
Was easier to replace bulbs second time around, when you know what you are doing
[Edited by stevied2 - 12/20/2002 7:09:25 AM]
06 January 2003, 01:41 PM
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I changed mine this weekend - like it says a little awkward but easily done with a little patience( + cursing and swearing).
However they worked for two days then the bulbs have blown again.
Does anybody have any ideas ? (change fuses etc)
Any help will be much appreciated.
However they worked for two days then the bulbs have blown again.
Does anybody have any ideas ? (change fuses etc)
Any help will be much appreciated.
06 January 2003, 04:18 PM
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Kind of on the same thread...are the switches for the rear fogs, headlamp wash and "BRIGHT" switch supposed to light up (on an MY00). I'm guessing that the rear fog switch is supposed to, cos the front fog switch next to it does!
06 January 2003, 08:14 PM
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The issue with small (and other) bulbs blowing may be exacerbated by starting the engine with the sidelights or headlights on, Imprezas are notorious for spikes during starting, just look at you odometer or clock as you startup, they dim and brighten in concert with the starter motor, this stresses the bulb filaments. Similarly do not crank the engine with anything plugged into cigarette lighters (Detectors, Chargers etc). I am looking into increasing the capacity of my + leads to the starter circuits to reduce the stresses and assit in easy cranking.
WOW :wow: sorry for the long post.
WOW :wow: sorry for the long post.
07 January 2003, 07:14 AM
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The bright switch does not illuminate, neither does the headlamp washer switch The rear fog light should light up green when lights are switched on and there is a little orange light, when the fog lamp is used.
The rear fog light should light up green when lights are switched on and there is a little orange light, when the fog lamp is used.
07 January 2003, 08:12 AM
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SIDEWAYSMATT,
The bright switch and headlight washer button on my MY99 don't light up but the headlight adjust button between them(showing 0-4) does.The rear fog light button also lights up.
Griffm,
Thanks for the advise. Looks like another fustrating night trying to get the switchs apart.
The bright switch and headlight washer button on my MY99 don't light up but the headlight adjust button between them(showing 0-4) does.The rear fog light button also lights up.
Griffm,
Thanks for the advise. Looks like another fustrating night trying to get the switchs apart.
07 January 2003, 01:46 PM
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stevied2, scooby towers
thanks for the info. As I suspected, the rear fog switch should light up. Don't suppose it's necessary for the BRIGHt switch to light up (don't suppose it's necessary for the BRIGHT switch!), but it would have been nice for the headlamp washer switch to light, cos I'm finding I'm using it quite a lot at the moment. Hey ho...
Is it easy to change the bulb in the rear fog switch?
thanks for the info. As I suspected, the rear fog switch should light up. Don't suppose it's necessary for the BRIGHt switch to light up (don't suppose it's necessary for the BRIGHT switch!), but it would have been nice for the headlamp washer switch to light, cos I'm finding I'm using it quite a lot at the moment. Hey ho...
Is it easy to change the bulb in the rear fog switch?
09 January 2003, 08:30 AM
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Are the bulbs you got the right type?
Mine blew after instalation first time Chap at Maplins gave me 6v
Replaced with correct bulbs no probs (touch wood)
Bulb part No is BT43W, it is identical to original part, no insulation wire to strip off, you just have to cut the extra off when youv'e threaded it through.
Steve
Mine blew after instalation first time
Chap at Maplins gave me 6vReplaced with correct bulbs no probs
(touch wood) Bulb part No is BT43W, it is identical to original part, no insulation wire to strip off, you just have to cut the extra off when youv'e threaded it through.
Steve
09 January 2003, 09:15 AM
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Steve,
Sounds like I've got the wrong ones !
I have to stip off a plastic sleeve then roll all the single strands together to make one wire.
I'll have to try harder and get a supplier with the correct part number - everyone I've tried so far looks at me like I'm from another planet.
Who / what Type of shop is Maplins ? (I've never heard of them in the Northwest)
Chris
Sounds like I've got the wrong ones !
I have to stip off a plastic sleeve then roll all the single strands together to make one wire.
I'll have to try harder and get a supplier with the correct part number - everyone I've tried so far looks at me like I'm from another planet.
Who / what Type of shop is Maplins ? (I've never heard of them in the Northwest)
Chris
09 January 2003, 10:14 AM
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Molds,
Thanks for the link.
Steve,
Thanks for the offer - much appreciated.
However it turns out there is a Maplins 15 min drive from work.So any excuse for a drive, I'm off there at lunch.
Everybody at work (except me) has heard of them - Typical when you're the one searching for their products.
Again, many thanks for your help and advise.
Chris
Thanks for the link.
Steve,
Thanks for the offer - much appreciated.
However it turns out there is a Maplins 15 min drive from work.So any excuse for a drive, I'm off there at lunch.
Everybody at work (except me) has heard of them - Typical when you're the one searching for their products.
Again, many thanks for your help and advise.
Chris
09 January 2003, 10:18 AM
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Scooby Towers. Don't forget to take the part nr "Bulb part No is BT43W" as posted by Stevied2.
Oh, and thanks Stevied2. I was following this thread hoping someone would put up the part nr as I need bulbs for the same two switches in my MY98!
Matt
Oh, and thanks Stevied2. I was following this thread hoping someone would put up the part nr as I need bulbs for the same two switches in my MY98!
Matt