Replacing switch illumination bulbs

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1 Switch Gear Illumination (A Series)

Switch Gear Illumination (A Series)

How to replace the illumination bulbs in the A series switch gear (Heated Rear Screen as an axample)

Equipment required

Tools

Medium flat screw driver (to remove the switch from the dashboard
Small flat screw driver (to separate switch body)
Small long-nose pliers (to remove old bulb)
Side snips
A pointy thing

Bulb replacement part numbers:

Green (Night illumination): ??????
Orange ("On" Indication) : ??????

I considered the Vauxhall Dealer price of £2.65 +VAT per bulb to be a bit steep, so went to Maplins and bought some Coloured Sub miniature Bulbs at £0.79 each (15/11/2008). (Also available are clear bulbs but you would need to ensure you don't damage the original coloured caps during disassembly in order to reuse them)

Difficulty level

Moderate (fiddly)

Estimated Time Required

Approximately 1/2 hour per switch

Method

Remove the switch from the vehicle and relocate to a suitable work area.

Carefully, with a fine flat screw driver, release the two retaining clips on either side of the unit.

Slide the connection part away from the main body, being careful not to lose the ball bearing or the spring

There are two bulbs, Orange to indicate an "On" status and Green to illuminate at night.

Remove the faulty bulb with a small pair of needle nose pliers (note, the green covering will most likely come away separately)

Remove the bulb from the bulb holder, noting the route of the wires. Fit a new bulb and route wires as noted. Trim off any excess wire.

Refit the bulb holder to the switch body

Ensure the spring and ball bearing is in place. Align the two parts of the switch and lower the rear end into the front end - it should locate with a click, then push the two parts together, again with another click.

Shake the switch - if you can hear the ball bearing rattling it has not gone back together correctly - you'll have to start again.

Ensure the switch mechanism works without sticking before refitting to the vehicle.

Time taken: 10 minutes, but allow half-an-hour.

Note: The rear wash/wipe does not have any illumination

Youtube Video