front cabin lights

[Dr Fingers]

Thanks to an old thread (now locked) I've managed to drop the lights down from the roof, but how to change the bulbs? The unit appears to a one piece molding (which of course it can't be) but how do I get at the bulbs?

Thanks for any help from those who have gone before me!


Derek

[g8dhe]

If you look down from the backside you will see 4 clips holding the front plastic section on with barbs, just pop a small screwdriver into the gap and gently release each barb in turn and the front section will then come clear.

[mikeWalsall]

[Dr Fingers]

brilliant! thanks

derek

[Dr Fingers]

Done and dusted, many thanks. New LED's in there now, but actually not a lot brighter than the old ones. Found a dead, red spider and some other Japanese winged creatures in there..

Derek

[mikeonb4c]

Done and dusted, many thanks. New LED's in there now, but actually not a lot brighter than the old ones. Found a dead, red spider and some other Japanese winged creatures in there..

Derek

What I find really helps is making up reflectors for the bulb recesses using silver foil. Focuses light more and makes a real difference. I put details on a thread a while back.

[Dr Fingers]

Good idea, think I'll do it.

Derek

[mikeonb4c]

Good idea, think I'll do it.

Derek

Here's the post wot i dun

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... hilit=foil

[TheStinkyHippy]

I found when I did this that the LED lights never fully switched off.. When they were 'off' there was still a couple of volts going in and causing the LEDs to glow... perhaps my wiring is a bit messed up

[mikeonb4c]

I found when I did this that the LED lights never fully switched off.. When they were 'off' there was still a couple of volts going in and causing the LEDs to glow... perhaps my wiring is a bit messed up

That's interesting - are you saying that fitting a foil reflector caused that to happen? I had the same problem as you but don't think I ever tried removing the foil before I reverted to filament bulbs. I had thought about testing but reckoned what's the point as I want foil reflectors regardless, for better illumination. Afterwards, I wished I had tested just in case it was linked (though can't really see how it would be, and LEDs glow dimly with even the slightest voltage leak I believe). However, their ought to be workarounds (like mirror plastic from space blankets) that could be tried I guess?

[Dr Fingers]

Hmm, my LED's are dark as night unless needed.

Derek

[mikeonb4c]

Hmm, my LED's are dark as night unless needed.

Derek

Mine were for a long time........and then things changed

[g8dhe]

LED's can be very very efficient (when you least want them to be!), with the result that provided there is sufficient leakage current either DC across a switch or between wires or via capacitance in the wiring when AC is involved. They actually produce light via a quantum tunnelling process so provided there is sufficient voltage, the actual current level is almost in material! Quite often where DC is involved then a parallel resistor across the diodes(s) will resolve the problem by causing the voltage due to leakage to fall below the required level.
Another factor is that the surface of the diode is also a very good reflector, and when there is diffuser in front, then any light coming in at any angle it will be reflected back out again as though the light was operating.

[mikeWalsall]

In the driers cab light I used two circular 12 SMD lights .. I have noticed when it is pitch dark they emmit a very slight 'glow'..