Replacing the "D" bulb / D Drive light on the Dashboard

[Purple Pixie]

Now then.....

Had, at this juncture, our Ford Freda been a PC, we would be unable to drive anywhere since the D light is no longer illuminated on the dash, all the others are, individually, and at the right time...

How difficult a job is it to replace the bulb, indeed can the bulb be sourced without using google translate?

If anyone has got a blow-by-blow photographic record of the Bongo Dashboard "D" bulb replacement process I will be forever indebted to your generosity!

.....Now to find the same illustrated procedure for the autobox transmission fluid change and filter clean!

Pip Pip

Dr B
Both of the above and the cat by-pass pipe refit on the cards for Sunday!

[the1andonly]

Dont know how to do it
i think it applies to a later model than mine.
but when you do and the blow by blow doesnt exist
create it.
we will all appreciate it

[Simon Jones]

4 screws to remove the instrument panel surround, another 4 to remove the panel itself, 2 connectors to pull off and then you can remove it. Can't recall the exact bulb type (could be 501?) but it's a wedge bulb that fits into a grey holder as seen here at the bottom and to the right. Cheapest option is to swap it with one of the other positions such as 2 or reverse.

[Purple Pixie]

Simon, any chance of some arrows on a photo as to where the screws are to do this, I have some spare bulbs for a mini flexi circuit board that might fit BUT also RS and Parnell do most bulbs

I think if the bulbs are cheap I will replace the lot while I am in there! Will replort back with the type and photos

[Simon Jones]

I don't have a photo to hand, but these links should help regarding removal of the speedo from the panel (which you don't need to do as all the bulbs are accessible from the flexible PCB on the rear).

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... speedo.pdf

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... it=top+tip

There are two different sizes of bulbs: large for illumination and direction indicators and small for all the warning lights. These are then divided into two types: grey or black holders. I'd always assumed the grey ones are a lower wattage bulb but it's possible they are all same. It would be interesting to establish if this is the case while you have them out.

[Rebiam]

Hi - I replaced my D bulb in the carpark! Took 10 mins while I was waiting. Its dead simple. The bulbs are readily available - I got mine from Eurocarparts. I did find the bulb holder for the D light was more brittle than the others as the light is on far longer so I swapped the holder with the S position which is not used very much at all by me and was in pristine condition.

[wonkanoby]

its easiest if you have a pela pump

as the auto sump has no drain plug

and its filled above sump joint

but you can do it without by dropping one corner first and letting it dribble out

as to doing it its just a case of removing the bolts

on sump the filter

then cleaning both with petrol or similar

you fill it via the dip stick tube

[Purple Pixie]

Hi - I replaced my D bulb in the carpark! ......The bulbs are readily available - I got mine from Eurocarparts.

can you point me towards a bulb type/ part number so I can check they are available locally at the right price, I think I might well update all the accessible ones for what it is worth

[Rebiam]

Hi - I replaced my D bulb in the carpark! ......The bulbs are readily available - I got mine from Eurocarparts.

can you point me towards a bulb type/ part number so I can check they are available locally at the right price, I think I might well update all the accessible ones for what it is worth

Hi - the bulbs are 286 push in types.

[StripyTiger]

Hi. I too need to replace the D bulb. I found the part on Eurocarparts, and placed an order, but they have had to cancel as they cant get them anymore.

The part I ordered was Sakura Bulb 286 W2.1x4.6d.

I found this on Amazon - is this the same bulb?

BargainBitz 286 Dashboard Small Capless Wedge Bulb 12V 1.2W

Thanks

[g8dhe]

They look the same visually, they are also available from this firm who I have dealt with in the past with no problems at all http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... /bulbs.php

[StripyTiger]

They look the same visually, they are also available from this firm who I have dealt with in the past with no problems at all http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... /bulbs.php

Cheers - you can also choose the colour here which I couldn't see on Amazon. I will put an order in.

[mikeWalsall]

The diddy little bulbs are easily sourced from most car accessory shops ..



Be careful if you buy the LED dashboard bulbs complete in the plastic holder, as there are several different patterns of holder,

[Purple Pixie]

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... /bulbs.php
[sub-search for 286 on this page] Vehicle wiring products Ltd are brilliant and the prices are keen too! the dimensions of the naked bulb are as below......

I would avoid LEDs unless they only output the SAME light levels as the incandescent originals, in which case is x5-x10 the price warranted by the longer life alone? anyone changed one more than once?



NB: Everyone has a photographic memory. Mine just needed developing.

[Purple Pixie]

OK, I exchanged emails with the fella selling the LED bulbs below, he tells me
they are no brighter than standard bulbs, for £2 including postage for 10, I
am willing to risk it! If they last longer then it is worth the effort!

They are for sale here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/directsales-uk ... =987426462