Replacing Seat Heater Switch Bulbs
-Submitted by: Dave Brown (2007-05-03)
-
I spent DAYS searching for the right red bulb
to replace the burnt out bulbs in our seat heater switches. I finally found
this source (current as of 5/3/07):
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?...t%5Fid=AR70318
This bulb is a the same diameter, a few mm shorter, and just a bit brighter
than OEM...at least brighter than the bulb in the 1996 switch I compared it
to.
There are a couple of existing DIYs out there that have GREAT tips for
disassembling the switch and soldering in new bulbs, but they only went
half-way by using CLEAR bulbs from RadioShack...not acceptable in my world.
In essence, pop off the front cover of the switch, use a couple of small
screw drivers to pry the short sides of the back end of the switch housing
out a bit to release the circuit board. If you have a few extra hours and
hate messes, glue a toothpick to the burnt out bulb. If you're in a hurry
and don't care about messes break the burnt bulb and grab onto the internals
with a good pair of forceps. Using a FINE tipped soldering iron, unsolder
the burnt bulb while pulling out softly. Use a solder vacuum as necessary.
With the old bulb out, use a loop or maginifying glass to verify the holes
in the PC board are open enough to accept the wire leads of the new bulb.
Tin the leads of the new bulb, insert into the holes on the PC board, solder
up, and clip the leads.
MCM's minimum shipping charge was $7.50, so I ordered up a bunch of bulbs.
Let me know if you need one or two...I could even be convinced to R&R the
bulbs in YOUR switches if you make it worth my time.
Feel free to email with any questions or needs for clarification.
