Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[Ciaran]

That's interesting about the LEDs Russ, a project I've been meaning to get around to for the best part of a decade now.

Ideally I'd like to eventually replace the blown switch and instrument bulbs in all my cars with LEDs. Run cooler, last longer and use less power, what's not to like?

I did some experimentation back about 2005/6ish with dash bulbs in an Astra, but found some of them produced light in a very narrow field; the illumination looked isolated and bright in the source spot, but noticeably dark in the surrounding area, it didn't have the naturally blended effect of standard bulbs. I expect the LEDs have got better in the past 6-7 years mind you.

Have you tried fitting any of these to a dash or have you been working on switches only?
I've not tried a switch yet, must be fiddly as hell!

Ciarán

[russ92xmsed]

No I haven't fitted any to the dash Ciaran...but it would be a good idea. Not sure how you would do it mind you. As they are cap less in holders aren't they? Interesting what you say about the very direct light on the Astra.
I have read you can sand down the bulbs...making sure you don't sand through to the innards or course ...to make the light more opaque and defuse the light direction. I believe a flat top might be better.
Also I would use softer off white rather than cool white, or even use coloured bulbs for the different coloured warning lights.

I have written up what I did, as Jaap on here wants to do the same. So could post it up if people are interested. He's just waiting for the LEDs I sent him..takes forever posting to Ireland.
But it's a very easy job. Fiddly, but easy. I used 3mm bright cool white 12 v bulbs with the correct 12v resistor. the bulbs are much smaller than the originals, but give off a good light. It has to go through the green holder and then through the white arrows, so a stronger light works better in the switches.
I haven't done the one touch yet...mine is dead..the light not the switch ...I believe you have to directly solder the bulb to the contact. My soldering iron is far too large and a bit scared of it all really!!! let someone else discover how to do that one....

It is definitely worth while doing though.

[captainhaddock]

Look what I got in the post today, huray!

[russ92xmsed]

YEY!!!!!!!!

[Ciaran]

Hi Russ,

Yes you're quite correct, the dash bulbs in holders are fiddly as hell, I just pulled out the old incandescent bulb and bent the LED legs to contact the metal connectors, a very ugly and unreliable bodge, but as it was just an experiment I didn't bother soldering. Like you, my soldering iron was way too big for something that fine, would have to get a tiny one to do it properly.

Mind you, it sounds like the switches are more complicated than that, I'm not the most dexterous person as some people on here can attest to

I know you're a busy man with all these fancy stickers and whatnot, but I'd love to see the write up you did whenever you get time, might be a summer project....

Ciarán

[russ92xmsed]

Okay, I'll dig it out and post it up later today for you. I did do a bit of research and for the dash bulbs, you can now buy readymade LED capped bulbs with a flat top for car displays. They are expensive, but bought in bulk will be cheaper. No idea what quality is like however.

I went out in the car last night and I have to say the lovely green glow from the door switches and seats are very satisfying! ...its all about the simple things!
Just got to find out how to do the one touch....

[Ciaran]

Thanks Russ, appreciate that. No rush, I know you're busy

Good spot on the new type of dash bulbs, if the quality was decent I wouldn't mind paying for a batch, as the hours spent trying to get them soldered accurately would probably have me sobbing quietly in a corner somewhere!

You're right about the little things, I love tiny cosmetic touches like that, just looks and feels good. It doesn't matter if you have 99 mechanical issues to attend to, the satisfaction gained from little jobs like that is worth the time spent!

[russ92xmsed]

I quite agree Ciaran! Its the small jobs that usually get left because of other more serious things to attend to.


Here is what I did.... Its an idiots guide...really it is too detailed!

1) Get switch out of the door. Easy Peasey!!...I would do one at a time. You'll no doubt know this, the drivers door has its own plug, so only that switch will fit it..... The other three are interchangeable.
2) Take the arrowed button pad off the switch... even more easy Peasey! Make note of the green bulb holder and its direction. I put a little sticker on the switch to remind me. There is no obvious markings to go by.
3) Prise the green holder out with pliers or a small screwdriver. Then you'll see the bulb and the hair like wires. Take bulb out. Extremely easy!
4) I then used a small screwdriver to enlarge the two little groves for the wires. The LED wires are far thicker and to seat the LED, they need to be slightly bigger. I got my LEDs of Ebay, they are 3mm bright white 12v with correct 12V resistors.
5)Take an LED...Long leg is + short leg is - , and put in so that the bulb is as close to the edge of the holder as poss. So both legs are sticking out as much as possible. You can then bend the bulb up, so it points up into the holder to give better light output. All explained on the attachment.
6) I then took a resistor and using the Dutch guide, tucked it in as much as poss on the positive leg side. you can wrap the wire around the little peg. Then bend round the positive leg on the LED 90 degrees, so it meets with the resistor leg. tricky bit...solder them together. You'll have loads of off cut. I bent the resistor wire around the LED leg and soldered. Try not to get big blobs of solder on the joins. Its tight in the switch and as you might find, large blobs will foul the inside mechanism. It is fiddly...I used large blocks of blue tack to hold everything whilst soldering!
7) You can then bend the - neg arm around the holder. You'll note it is too short and wont meet the peg it has to wrap around. I used the softer thinner resistor wire I cut off from the positive arm and soldered that on to extend the wire and then wrap around the peg.
8) Now you can take it all off and test using a normal 9V battery to see if it all lights up. LEDs rely on correct polarity to work. So pos to pos and neg to neg. Obvious stuff.
If it does light up okay, rebuild the switch,....it will be a tight fit. you might need to cut of some excess wire around the pegs, but it should fit back snuggly. Make sure the button legs don't rub against the resistor or the wires. I bent them back closer to the green holder with a small screw driver whilst in situ.
9) Now take off the button pad and refit the switch in the car without it. Turn ignition on and it should light up. If it doesn't, DO NOT TOUCH ANY OF THE SWITCHES. YOU"LL BLOW A FUSE IF YOU TRY TO OPEN THE WINDOWS!!.....just switch off ignition and take out the green holder, turn the green holder around so it points the other way, refit and switch ignition on. You should then be bathed in a bright green light! My diagram should help you here.

The seat switches inside are exactly the same. They just have a different top to them so same principal.

[Ciaran]

Fantastic, thank you Russ!

Can I ask, does the arrowed cover just pop off the switch or is there some special way of removing it? I just realised I've never taken one apart and am always paranoid about delicate plastic trim.

I saw LEDs before with an integrated resistor, but maybe these weren't 12v or suitable for cars, I can't remember.

Some fancy ones I've seen can even produce different light colours with different voltages. I often mused about putting them places like the door handle surround and having them lit red when unlocked and green when locked, or even in the rear window switches to show if they're enabled or not via the front switch......or even to vary the dash lighting according to mood...or even in response to data from the Vehicle Speed Sensor, so like red for high speeds and green for low... or or or or or......
Hmmm I think we have enough XM issues to be getting on with but it's a pipe dream

Thanks again for posting that, very helpful and I'm definitely going to try it soon!

Ciarán

[russ92xmsed]

Jolly good. I like the idea of lights showing different colours for different functions. I like the little touch BMW have on their cars...little LEDs that shine from underneath the doorhandles to show where they are and i suppose puddles!


Anyway..yes the arrowed button pad thing is located by two pins. You simply slip a thin screwdriver under one side, prise it carefully up over the pin and then do the same on the other side. Very easy, just go carefully.