[neil170]

OK time for some really simple & stupid questions - sorry in advance.

Bulb has blown on my headlight switch - ie no illumination when I switch the lights on, also hazzard switch very tempremental needs investigation.

Question - do I have to take the walnut dash off & if so is there a knack that will avoid my rather unskillful hands from breaking it?

Car '95 2.0 lpt

 

[Mark B]

Both items simply pull out of the dash. A little careful levering with a suitable implement or two should do the trick. Just be careful about applying too much load to the surrounding walnut (is it really walnut?) Also, don't let the connectors fall back through the holes, the wires on the headlight one are particularly short.

 

[SteveN]

is it really walnut?[/b]

Yes!!! SAAB walnut dashes are real walnut,handmade by a firm somewhere on the Bucks/ Berks boarder IIRC.

 

[Road King 1340]

Re the headlight switch internal illumination.

I replaced the little 1.2 w lamp yesterday. As you say the switch just pulls out - I didn't need to use any tools, just grip the blade of the switch, wiggle and pull.

The bulb sits in a carrier in the centre but take care! The replacement I got from Halfords had a really cheap and nasty connector - just a single strand of fine wire each side.
I'm sure I've seen lamps of this type (capless) with a better system where the wire actually doubles back on itself.
The point being that it can take a lot of "in and out" to get the thing to actually work. I had to carefully experiment with bending the wires out and to the side to get a reliable contact. it's done now and working OK but a bit dim.
I'm sure the CDi I traded in for my Anniversary CSE LPT had better illumination - then again the sunroof wasn't noisy either - rose-tinted hindsight again - sigh!

 

[neil170]

Thanks guys.

Interesting to know that the Halfords bulbs are a bit dim. I think they will suit me

I'll have a go at the week-end

 

[Derek]

nteresting to know that the Halfords bulbs are a bit dim[/b]

Also a bit expensive. You can buy the same bulbs from a motor factor for about a quarter of the Halfrods price.

 

[Road King 1340]

If only Motor Factors were open when I have the time to go to them.

 

[Oles]

Motor Factors those great and inexpensive suppliers of fine car parts who never seem to be open!

 

[Road King 1340]

Yep, that's them - although now I come to think about it Camberley Auto Factors in Basingstoke (do they count?) are open Saturday 'til 16:00 and Sunday (gasp) 'til 12:30.

I must go and check out their prices.

 

[Oles]

bit too far for me to travel, do they do mail order or web site?