pre-fitted reversing sensor back light

[Grahame at work]

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone out there know what the spec is of the back-light bulbs in the factory fitted reversing sensor control unit? (the one fitted onto the top of the dash)

I must have blown mine when I re-connected the batteries after Bongo had been sitting on my drive for 4 months (long story but basically a bit of open heart surgery ).

They are 3mm dia wire tail bulbs and I assume that they must be at least 14volts as they see the full battery charging voltage but I have found some on the WWW up to 28volts.

So before I go off and buy a selection to try thought i might as well ask the experts first.

Anyone got the schematics for it?

Regards Grahame

[jaylee]

Hi Grahame,

Try g8dhe "Geoff"?? I'm pretty sure he's got something like this fitted on the dash in his van..!!??

[g8dhe]

I do but haven't been minded to open it up to date, it a bit of bugger to release from the dashboard to be honest! The bulbs sound like pretty standard ones;
http://uk.farnell.com/cml-innovative-te ... dp/1139294 and the spec sheet which gives the 3mm diameter http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/20314.pdf

[Simon Jones]

Any automotive bulb rated at 12v will work within the standard range of alternator charging (upto about 14 or 15 volts). Have you got a photo of one you have removed?

[Grahame at work]

So I went down to Maplin and picked up a couple of their 12V bulbs - BT43W at 1.29 each.

Also picked up the last 2 28V ones in the shop as well - just in case the 12V were not up to running at 14V cos they are plain bulbs and not automotive types.

Anyway the 12V ones have been running for a week or so now and appear to be about the same brightness as the old ones, very slightly longer but fitted OK.

job done

[g8dhe]

12Volt are the right ones, car batteries are only a nominal 12volts, when charged batteries are 12.6 Volts, when charging they can go up to 14.6 (Max.) when flat they can be as low 10-10.5.