The light on the left side crusie control button (on/off) stopped working. I took apart the switch and see there is a small blue bulb located in a socket on the circuit board. I called the local Ford dealership and was told I hadd to buy a new switch assembly because they don't sell the bulb seperately. The switch is $102.00 and some change.
Seems ridiculous that the circuit board has a removable socket but Ford wont sell the bulb.
Has anyone tried to replace the bulb using an aftermarket electronics supplier? Does anyone know the wattage and/or voltage of the bulb? Ilike to have everything in the truck operational but I won't ever be able to justify a one hundred dollar light bulb.
Id be careful, you want that system working when you need it....and not going off unexpectedly. I replaced my switch 3-4 years ago, if I have to do it again, I can live with replacing 2 $100 switches over a 12-14 year period, I really doubt I'll own it longer than that..
Edit. Misssed Cobra's post- In that case, I'd buy the bulb.
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98 Ranger SC 4X4
03 Explorer 4x4
also look on flea-bay I just bought a new set of both buttons. They are new ford oem switches for $30 and that included shipping. I wish I hadnt thrown my old set away the bulb was good just the plastic button material broke I could have sent you the bulb for nothin.
__________________ Costa
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2003, F-250, 7.3L, 2wd, Auto, 4 Door, Lariat, Short Box
DP-Tuner, Isspro Pyro, Boost, and Tranny Temp, 6637
with Petes cover, Fumoto, Bilsteins, Michelin LT285/75R/16 LTX AT2's
2005 Explorer XLS
2007 Chevy Tahoe LT2
I have replaced the bulbs in several switches and buttons with bulbs from Radio Shack. The Radio Shack bulb is slightly larger in diameter than the original and won't fit all the way into the plastic piece but will work. Your bulb isn't actually blue - it has a blue plastic cap over the end. That plastic cap won't fit over the Radio Shack bulb so I coat it with blue fingernail polish. The bulbs are 12 volt. You don't have to solder them in. Last time I bought the Radio Shack bulbs, they were about $1.
Last time I checked dealer for bulbs CobraXP gives above, they were no longer available. Had to buy entire switch. Maybe you can find them on internet somewhere though.
They sell the bulb separately. Here is a pic of the bulb numbers for different things:
(Have to give credit for the pic to someone else. Got it YEARS ago... )
Check on www.directfordparts.com They list the foglight bulb for $3.45; the headlight bulb for $5.31; the CC bulb for $ 3.82. Not sure if they're still available, just posting what the site lists. Hope this helps.
You can get wire ended bulbs in 3 mm and 5 mm diameter from electronic suppliers. You can carefully remove the old bulb from the holder, push the new bulb through and wrap the wires round the grooves at the end. Re-use the coloured cover and you have a cheap replacement. Try it!
Any advice on how to remove or pop the switch off to get to the bulb. I have a Haynes manual that doesn't mention this and I don't want to take a chance and break the switch.
Thanks
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03 F350 6.0 DRW CC 4x4 Lariet White/Arizona Beige FX4 Moonroof 6 CD 4.10 L/S 39,000 miles
97 Mountaineer 302V8 AWD Toredor Red/Charcoal Moonroof JBL 3.73 L/S 159,000 miles
06 Milan V6 Vivid Red Moonroof leather 10,000 miles
Updated 2-17-08
I changed to LED's after reading the information at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/296394/23 This guy does a great job explaining the process so just about anyone with a soldering iron could make the switch. I used blue LED's and they look really cool.
I spent $10.00 for the LED's and $0.99 for the resistors. It was an easy transformation. If you try it make sure you diffuse the LED's, otherwise certain areas on the switch will be brighter than other areas.
Thanks to each of you for your information and advice.
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$102 for a cruise control light bulb!
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