Re: Tips to replace light inside window&vent s (archive)

If the switches are the ones that contol the windows or the A/M switch for the transmission, the fix is easy and cheap if you a) are handy with a soldering iron; b) know someone who is; or c) are adventurous and willing to try new things with a soldering iron. The switches in the door can be pried out carefully with a thin screwdriver or knife blade. (I think the center console one pops out as well, but I'm a little hazy on this one - if this in one you need to do, check back with me before you do anything radical). Once out, the switch itself is pried apart with the same screwdriver or knife blade; you'll see the tabs on the side of the assembly. Once apart, you'll find a circuit board with either one (passenger and transmission) or two (driver side) lights soldered to the circuit board. Using the soldering iron, remove the old bulb, and solder in the new. Replacement bulbs can be purchased at Radio Shack for under $2.00. You want a 12 volt long life bulb with wire leads. The ones I bought were white, but can be 'painted' with an orange or red marker to match the color. Other companies sell colored bulbs (maybe www.mouser.com?) but I have used the white ones and am satisfied with the results.

Someone pointed you to my earlier post on the bulbs for the temperature control. (I mean bulb, since its only one). I have to say now that I was perhaps a little too pessimistic in that post. I can see some improvement, since I originally thought that a bulb was burned out because I couldn't see the right hand dial at all in the dark, and now I can -- but it is still very dim. I think John may be on to something with his idea about painting the tubes in the controller, although I would try the foil idea first (less permanent, if something should go wrong). However, while replacing the bulb is easy -- it plugs into the back of the HVAC unit -- disassembling the HVAC contol unit once you have it out of the car is not for the faint of heart. But if you are so inclined, my best advice is just to go slow, look at everything carefully before you take anything apart (so you remember how to put it back together) and don't force anything.

Hope this helps. Drop me an email if you have any other questions.

Mike Barrett
BMW CCA 111632
93 850Ci
88 635CSi
Hi Mike,
I have to replace the lights on a couple of diffent switches that used to light up and was wondering if you could give me some pointers on how to do this. I also have to replace the lights inside the temperature wheels or whatever that is called to manual control the temp in the car. Is this possible?

Thanks,

Tony
'91 850iS

Follow Ups:

Thanks for the helpful info Mike Tony 21:15 6/24/2001 (0)

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