Steve83 > 1999 Ford Crown Victoria > open folder Headlight Switch Bulbs

After reading 2vModular's article, I bought these as possible replacements for the stock bulbs. h...
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...
The original incandescent bulbs are known to burn out quickly because they're on constantly, but not...
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...
Even though it's expensive from RS, this blue LED is a better replacement because it will last indef...
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...
To begin, unwrap the factory bulb's wires from the base.
HLSw03.JPG
1459 hits | 54.48 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
To begin, unwrap the factory bulb's wires from the base.
Straighten them out so the bulb can be removed from the plastic holder.
HLSw04.JPG
1125 hits | 34.24 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Straighten them out so the bulb can be removed from the plastic holder.
It was easier for me to remove the "bulb condom" with the bulb out of the holder because this one ha...
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...
These RS bulbs are noticeably larger than the stock ones, so even if it wasn't destroyed, the filter...
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...
The 5mm LED is larger, also, but it doesn't need the filter, and the lip can be shaved off.
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.
With the lip still on the LED, the assembly is probably too long for the switch, and the leads aren'...
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'...
Since there's glue & heat-shrink tubing on the base of this bulb, it doesn't fit into the holder cor...
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...
The bulb condom only fits because it's torn up, and the stranded leads would have to be stripped & t...
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...
Instead of using the 12V incandescent bulb, I decided to use the 3.7V LED, and a 560Ohm resistor. I...
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...
I cut the LED's short (positive) lead & soldered it to the resistor, & soldered the cut end onto the...
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...
After getting the polarity right, it works! I could have soldered the LED & resistor directly to th...
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...
I only bought one LED, so I could only check one position at a time. This is the old worn P71 switc...
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...
I only bought one LED, so I could only check one position at a time. Later, I plan to add the red "...
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 "...
I made another one, and although they work, there's an obvious bright spot; especially for the top L...
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...
To add or remove pins from this style of connector, the white locking plate must be moved up one not...
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...
Using a small flat screwdriver, pry one side free, and while holding upward pressure on the top whit...
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...
Repeat for the other side so the lock plate exposes each terminal socket fully.
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.
With the connector button on top, insert a thin-bladed screwdriver or pick into the top (rounded) of...
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...
Holding slight inward pressure, pry the pawl up.
HLSwConn05.JPG
1094 hits | 40.86 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
Holding slight inward pressure, pry the pawl up.
While holding the pawl up, roll your fingertips to pull the wire out of the connector, then release ...
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 ...
Now, the terminal can be inserted into another similar connecotor, or a different socket in the same...
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...
After a brief discussion with dRock on CVN about making the headlight switch backlighting work with ...
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 ...
With a little effort, I was able to release the 3 wiring harness retainers & pull the harness out fa...
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...
I cut the wires at the splice, trying to leave some of the insulation & tape intact so it won't shor...
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...
Cutting the 2 Wh/Pu wires far back in the dash is critical to allow enough length to do the difficul...
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...
I removed a small section of insulation from the Or/Bk wire & stripped the ends of the 2 Wh/Pu. The...
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...
A cheap 35W soldering iron isn't quite heavy enough to tin & solder this much wire all at once, but ...
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 ...
A little tape & it's finished.
HLSwConn14.JPG
1094 hits | 62.41 KB | Posted: 11/26/06
A little tape & it's finished.