Fluorescent cabin light being dim when engine off

[Jimbob1979]

Has anyone experienced a problem with the fluorescent cabin light being dim unless the engine is running. The battery seems fine. Starts no problem and it is showng 12.5v on a multimeter. I tries cleaning the earth connection to the chassis but this has made no difference.

Jim

[Simon Jones]

Fluorescent bulbs do tend to get progressively more dim with age, so you may just need to source a replacement or find another Bongo owner who you can try swapping with to verify if it's the bulb or the fitting.

[Jimbob1979]

It seems odd that it would be perfectly bright when the engine was running if it was the bulb.

[westonwarrior]

strange things those bulbs,
they drain batterys when off if faulty too

they can be replaced for a couple of £ so give it a go

[Jimbob1979]

Thanks for your repleis, i'll get one orderd.

[g8dhe]

Have you removed the tube and replaced it, might just be be the tube contacts, also check the switch contacts make sure they are clean.

[Velocette]

Probably the tube. I carry a spare you can try if you are in Bristol, you don't say where you are. They are about £2 from RS Components.

[Jimbob1979]

Thanks. I bought one from Bongo Fury in the end for £5 so i'll see if it does the trick

[Ian]

Thanks. I bought one from Bongo Fury in the end for £5 so i'll see if it does the trick

It's on its way. And for those of you thinking, "that's a bit steep", blame Royal Mail. Their minimum charge for a small stuffed envelope is £2.70!!!!

[Jimbob1979]

Thanks all, new bulb arrived today and seems to have done the trick. Must have been on it's last legs.