Main Beam Warning Light Failure

Post by **Florence the Komet** » 29 Aug 2020, 21:38

Thank you Tony. Ok I’ll have a go at pulling the bulb out from holder as is with tweezers tomorrow. It looked like the holder was soldered to the ribbon as I couldn’t see any fixings from the other side, but will fiddle more tomorrow. Here’s a slightly better pic of it’s feet - can anyone confirm whether this is black bulb holder is soldered to the ribbon or detaches?

What’s the chance that my replacement 12v LED will poke in as a direct replacement if I do get it out!?

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Post by **TONYT25T25** » 29 Aug 2020, 21:45

I don't know about tweezers as that could shatter it, maybe a bit of tissue around it to give a better purchase with your fingers and a bit of a wiggle when pulling. Cannot believe that to replace a bulb would need replacing the whole ribbon, hang fast till somebody else reads your thread to see what advice they give.

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 30 Aug 2020, 10:40

All the LEDs and main beam miniature bulb are push fit so you should he able to just pull it out.

The membrane PCB is he'll in place by small plastic lugs, just remove enough of the membrane that will enable you to lift the indicator module once the four securing screws have been removed.

The main beam bulb does often break whilst trying to remove it, you should he able to get it out with small long nose pliers but squirt a bit of WD 40 around the socket before trying to remove it.

Post by **Florence the Komet** » 30 Aug 2020, 12:10

Amazing, thank you Angelo I will try then when I get home later.

Assuming I have the correct LED (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122833160253)
should it be push fit replacement for the bulb?

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Post by **AngeloEvs** » 30 Aug 2020, 13:04

That LED looks fine.

Post by **Florence the Komet** » 30 Aug 2020, 13:47

Amazing. Fingers crossed! I’ll be sure to let you know progress, thanks

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Post by **AngeloEvs** » 30 Aug 2020, 15:49

Don't forget that LEDs are polarity sensitive whereas a bulb isn't. The longer lead of the LED is the positive but unfortunately I cannot remember which way around to fit the LED - if it doesn't work first time then simply remove it and reverse it in the socks.

Post by **Florence the Komet** » 30 Aug 2020, 20:26

Success!

Key was to release enough of the ribbon to get at the bulb holder sensibly as you suggested Angelo. I’m pleased I completely removed the dash as I can’t imagine it would be easy in situe. Also holding the bulb holder with pliers helped a lot - the old bulb just waggled out then. Oh, I did have to trim the led legs by about a cm as they were in danger of poking through the ribbon - the old bulb has little legs so I just needed to match it.

Of course the led didn’t work first time, and so yes I turned the led 180 to reverse the polarity(?!) and now it works fine. It’s all a bit of a faf with disconnecting everything but actually quite fun to dig around in the innards of the dash. I found this guy behind the dead bulb:

And I’ve just checked in darkness - the 3000MCD I linked to above isn’t too bright - I’d say it’s just about right. Brighter than the original bulb was but doesn’t look to be blinding or distracting.

So thank you to all as ever with this forum, particularly Angelo for this one, much appreciated

Tom
1989 Autohomes Komet 2.1dj 5-speed manual

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Post by **ianvfr750** » 31 Aug 2020, 09:18

Glad you got the light fixed - I was off in the van for a long weekend or would have contacted you as I had the exact same problem recently.

With AngeloEvs help sourcing a bulb - and like you removing the bulb with long nosed pliers - then cut LED legs - slot LED in place and job done.

Pity you have to dismantle half the dash ( and that flimsy plastic PCB ) to replace a simple bulb

.

Post by **AngeloEvs** » 31 Aug 2020, 11:43

glad you had a result.

Post by **Florence the Komet** » 31 Aug 2020, 17:52

ianvfr750 wrote:Glad you got the light fixed - I was off in the van for a long weekend or would have contacted you as I had the exact same problem recently.

With AngeloEvs help sourcing a bulb - and like you removing the bulb with long nosed pliers - then cut LED legs - slot LED in place and job done.

Pity you have to dismantle half the dash ( and that flimsy plastic PCB ) to replace a simple bulb .

Indeed, but on the plus side I now understand how it’s all wired up in advance of future issue...
Plus I will probably smile to myself every time that little blue light comes on!

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