Replacing bulbs

[Earthworm]

Does anyone have any tips for changing the bulbs in the "Room Lamp" switch assembly. Until the meet I didn't even think these lit up.

Also what is the normal life expectancy of these bulbs as well as the bulbs in the dash buttons (fog light, rear defrost, security...)?

[MoreIBNR]

Go to Radio Shack, if you have them where you are. Get a package of #7219 Micro Lamps (stock number 272-1092C). These are the replacement bulbs. For the Room Light switch, carefully remove the two lenses over the spotlights. Then remove the two screws (one each side) that you now have access to. Pull down the assembly and disconnect the wiring harness. On top there are two sockets with a screwdriver slot. These are the bulb holders. Remove them. Remove the old bulbs by umwinding the wires (note how they are wound as you want to put the new ones in the same way). You will have to trim the new leads. Don't forget to take the green rubber piece off the old bulbs and install on the new ones. Reassemble. Reinstall.

[SVXdc]

I did this myself recently (and thanks for the bulb info, MoreIBNR!). However, the Radio Shack 272-1092C bulbs are not as long as the factory bulb.

On the first try, I pulled the new bulb all the way into the bottom of the plastic holder, but then the green "condom" wouldn't stay on. So I removed the bulb and inserted a tiny piece of toothpick inside the holder. That prevented the bulb from seating all the way down, and the green rubber lens fit just right.

I've since seen another post with a better method to raise the bulb: Use short pieces of insulation stripped from a small guage wire. Slide a piece down each of the two leads of the bulb before you thread the wires into the holder.

[MoreIBNR]

Glad it worked out for you.

[Paisan]

Do the moonroof buttons illuminate?

-mike

Originally posted by Paisan
Do the moonroof buttons illuminate?

-mike

Nope

Mike

ps- Ill get those gauge pod pics to you soon.

[SVXdc]

There used to be a "RadioShack.com" store (formerly "TechAmerica") here -- basically a Radio Shack on steroids, but they closed.

Their catalog shows that the #7219 bulb (RS # 272-1092C) is a T-1 size bulb, 12 Volts, 0.06 Amps, 0.150 MSCP.

That catalog also had a #2182 bulb. This is a T-1 3/4 size, 14 Volts, 0.08 Amps, 0.3 MSCP. Size is 5.84mm diameter, 13.21mm length.

The size on this latter bulb is the same as the original SVX bulbs. I don't know how the brightness will compare. I've searched some online for this, but haven't found it yet. It's still pictured on radioshack.com (see Electronic Components->Lamps->Incandescent), but I couldn't pull up info on that bulb. I'll post an update if I find any. But if I find inexpensive LEDs that will work, I'll probably use those instead (see this post on LEDs).

======

More postings about changing bulbs (for the benefit of others searching for this):

Mirror Adjustment cluster (earlier post, with a few more details)

SPOT DOOR ROOM SPOT button cluster (this thread you're reading now)

Cruise, Fog Lamps, Security button cluster [Gently pry the whole strip out from the dash] (Dash disassembly photos here. See steps 3 and 4).

Dummy, Rear Defroster, Hazard Flasher button cluster [Same as above]

Mirror Defrost, Parking Lights button cluster [Pry out the cluster similar to the Mirror Adjust one? Then the lampholder is very easy to remove]


The pertinent parts of all these threads need to be in a FAQ somewhere.


_______
David C.
1996 Blue L

[mohrds]

I have tried the 2182 bulb several years ago and they are too dim compared to the stock bulb. I took the stock bulb into my local RS store and found a correct size bulb, not thinking about brightness. I ended up taking them out and using the brighter shorter bulb with something wedged in the base under it.

Doug

[curlykicker]

So the Radio Shack lights mentioned in this post are the replacements for these lights?:



The top one is the one that illuminated my seatbelt warning symbol. The bottom one illuminated my D gear symbol.

[MoreIBNR]

The bulbs from Radio SHack are so inexpensive, that you can certainly try them and see if they fit. You will have to removethe old ones from the holders. If the ones mentioned look the same, then they will work. May be a little brighter or a little dimmer than the originals, but the price is right and no one will know.

[Subafreak]

Or just gather up every switch and lighted control from Legacy and Imprezas you can find.

[curlykicker]

Ok, how do I replace the bulbs out of the sockets with the new ones from Radio Shack without breaking the bottom bracket and the copper contacts?

Also, the bulb shown in the earlier pic, on the bottom, can I get a replacement for that too at R.S.? I don't think theRS-272-1092 bulbs will work for that one.

[MoreIBNR]

The bulbs have two long leads which are usually threaded through holes and then wrapped around somewhere outside the socket or base or whatever you want to call it.