HLSwBulbs.jpg
1346 hits | 39.72 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
After reading 2vModular's article, I bought these as possible replacements for the stock bulbs.

h...

HLSw01.JPG
1346 hits | 50.66 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
The original incandescent bulbs are known to burn out quickly because they're on constantly, but not...

HLSw02.JPG
1384 hits | 47.33 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Even though it's expensive from RS, this blue LED is a better replacement because it will last indef...

HLSw03.JPG
1459 hits | 54.48 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
To begin, unwrap the factory bulb's wires from the base.

HLSw04.JPG
1125 hits | 34.24 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Straighten them out so the bulb can be removed from the plastic holder.

HLSw05.JPG
1317 hits | 33.79 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
It was easier for me to remove the "bulb condom" with the bulb out of the holder because this one ha...

HLSw06.JPG
1187 hits | 35.93 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
These RS bulbs are noticeably larger than the stock ones, so even if it wasn't destroyed, the filter...

HLSw07.JPG
1257 hits | 22.56 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
The 5mm LED is larger, also, but it doesn't need the filter, and the lip can be shaved off.

HLSw08.JPG
1196 hits | 32.23 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
With the lip still on the LED, the assembly is probably too long for the switch, and the leads aren'...

HLSw09.JPG
1756 hits | 33.04 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Since there's glue & heat-shrink tubing on the base of this bulb, it doesn't fit into the holder cor...

HLSw10.JPG
1221 hits | 32.82 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
The bulb condom only fits because it's torn up, and the stranded leads would have to be stripped & t...

HLSw11.JPG
1508 hits | 35.38 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Instead of using the 12V incandescent bulb, I decided to use the 3.7V LED, and a 560Ohm resistor. I...

HLSw12.JPG
1301 hits | 32 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I cut the LED's short (positive) lead & soldered it to the resistor, & soldered the cut end onto the...

HLSw13.JPG
1245 hits | 44.91 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
After getting the polarity right, it works! I could have soldered the LED & resistor directly to th...

HLSw14.JPG
1321 hits | 37.6 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I only bought one LED, so I could only check one position at a time. This is the old worn P71 switc...

HLSw15.JPG
1211 hits | 32.88 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I only bought one LED, so I could only check one position at a time. Later, I plan to add the red "...

BlueLEDs.JPG
1553 hits | 14.82 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I made another one, and although they work, there's an obvious bright spot; especially for the top L...

HLSwConn01.JPG
1168 hits | 38.85 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
To add or remove pins from this style of connector, the white locking plate must be moved up one not...

HLSwConn02.JPG
1147 hits | 41.4 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Using a small flat screwdriver, pry one side free, and while holding upward pressure on the top whit...

HLSwConn03.JPG
1085 hits | 39.75 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Repeat for the other side so the lock plate exposes each terminal socket fully.

HLSwConn04.JPG
1142 hits | 36.37 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
With the connector button on top, insert a thin-bladed screwdriver or pick into the top (rounded) of...

HLSwConn05.JPG
1094 hits | 40.86 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Holding slight inward pressure, pry the pawl up.

HLSwConn06.JPG
1131 hits | 29.13 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
While holding the pawl up, roll your fingertips to pull the wire out of the connector, then release ...

HLSwConn07.JPG
1085 hits | 34.16 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Now, the terminal can be inserted into another similar connecotor, or a different socket in the same...

HLSwConn08.JPG
1651 hits | 55.62 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
After a brief discussion with dRock on CVN about making the headlight switch backlighting work with ...

HLSwConn09.JPG
1019 hits | 54.92 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
With a little effort, I was able to release the 3 wiring harness retainers & pull the harness out fa...

HLSwConn10.JPG
1078 hits | 52.63 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I cut the wires at the splice, trying to leave some of the insulation & tape intact so it won't shor...

HLSwConn11.JPG
1032 hits | 78.64 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Cutting the 2 Wh/Pu wires far back in the dash is critical to allow enough length to do the difficul...

HLSwConn12.JPG
1057 hits | 76.2 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
I removed a small section of insulation from the Or/Bk wire & stripped the ends of the 2 Wh/Pu. The...

HLSwConn13.JPG
1154 hits | 78.32 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
A cheap 35W soldering iron isn't quite heavy enough to tin & solder this much wire all at once, but ...

HLSwConn14.JPG
1094 hits | 62.41 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
A little tape & it's finished.