Map Reading Lights

Got an ES which has the centre light which comes on when you open the door, plus the map-reading lights at either side, but I can't get the map lights to work...

Tested the contacts and they have about 5V at them, but the slots seem to be to take the casule type bulbs that are usually in front sidelights, which ar 12V.

Can I get 5V bulbs to fit this, as the 12V ones which fit don't throw any light at all...???

I had a similar problem, ended up changing the whole unit

£42 from a dealer

Bugger... it's a light I use a lot, so I'll be looking out for a second hand one!

Have you tested the bulbs to see if the ones in there at present are blown?

And are there any markings on the bulbs that might give a clue to their voltage?

You could run a 12v bulb on 5v supply it should just be half as bright, which might be a design feature meaning the bulb wasn't as hot and possibly damage the plastic surrounds.

The map reading lights on my ES are not that bright, but I havn't looked at the rating of the bulbs

Steve

Hi Steve,

The bulbs are fine... tested them with an ohmeter and by sticking them across a 12v battery.

Just checked again and I can get a very, very dim response from them, but nothing you could read the title of a newspaper by... never mind a map!

Looks like a new (or working second hand) unit is in order...

Just found a 5 door overhead light on Ebay 140016065145, might be worth a look.

Steve

What I wanna know is: Why does the inside of the unit have an Austin logo on it? Hmmmm....

tinytdi said:

What I wanna know is: Why does the inside of the unit have an Austin logo on it? Hmmmm....

Click to expand...

SMIRK

tinytdi said:

What I wanna know is: Why does the inside of the unit have an Austin logo on it? Hmmmm....

Click to expand...

Austin Powers Freelander of Mystery?

Steve

tinytdi said:

What I wanna know is: Why does the inside of the unit have an Austin logo on it? Hmmmm....

Click to expand...

Borrowed from the Rover parts bin - IIRC the lamp unit was fitted to Rover 800's.

And the Leyland logo's on the rear lights?

G13SJC said:

Borrowed from the Rover parts bin - IIRC the lamp unit was fitted to Rover 800's.

Click to expand...

along with the steering column switches