Fixing high beams indicator

[Matt_CH]

Hi everyone, I just bought my first T25, it's a 1989 "Kastenwagen".

One of the problems I had to fix was the broken high beams indicator bulb.
I don't know why but in my dashboard that was the only bulb, all the others indicators were LED. On top of the bul there was a blue cap that transformed the light from white to blue.
I found it impossible to find the replacement part online, I even tried some cheap bulbs from AliExpress and other stuff but they either didn't fit or were not making enough light.

So i came up with my own solution, which i hope might help you.

I found a blue LED that fit perfectly, it was a smaller size than the ususal LED. (Used a blue one because i had not a white one the same size, it works anyways because the blew light still goes thru the blue cap)
Now, since LED are usually powered by 3.3V, cut part of the electronic boart, to fit a 560 Ohm resistance in series with the LED.
About the amount of resistance needed, it's just some electrotecnics math applied.

I cut the board on the minus part of the bulb support, there is a wire the runs directly to another resistance.
I used the metal parts of the support of the bulb and the part where the other resistance is attached as points of soldering for my resistance.

Of course before cutting the board i tested the circuit in nother way and since it worked i decided to go for it.
Now if the indicator happens to break again i just have to swap a LED insted of some strange bulb.

Unfortunatly i forgot to take any pictures of the work, if you are willing to do the same as me and you need help, don't hesitate to contact me.

Let me know what you think about my solution ad if you belive there was a better way to do it.

Cheers
 

[Aidan]

FYI the bulb is still available
part number 357 919 062
available from the usual suspects, comes with a fresh blue cap in case you lose your old one taking it apart

[silverbullet]

IIRC VW used a bulb because blue LED's didn't exist back then!