[feichter]

Hello all
Does anyone know, how easy/difficult it is to change the LED that illuminates the passenger side seat heating switch?
I have some soldering experience.
Pictures would be a bonus!
Many thanks

 

[devilmaycare]

Does the seat heating work otherwise? It may not be the LED, as it could be the connection to the lamp driver. This DTC could be relevant:

B1217-LEFT HEATED SEAT LO INDICATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN
You would need a good scan tool to verify this- Maybe DiagFCA or AlfaOBD would do this.

Extract from the Workshop Manual (Possible causes):

PDC FUSE #8
PDC FUSE #40
(F23) FUSED IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (RUN-START) CIRCUIT OPEN
(P81) LEFT HEATED SEAT LOW INDICATOR DRIVER CIRCUIT OPEN/SHORTED TO GROUND
LEFT HEATED SEAT SWITCH
CLUSTER

There is much more detail in the Manual which involves checking wiring, connectors and voltages with the aid of circuit diagrams. I think I would start by checking wiring and connectors. In my experience with electrical and electronic systems (not just vehicles), the majority of problems come down to connectors and switches.

 

[feichter]

Thanks devilmaycare, but the switch and the heating is working. It's only the LED that illuminates the switch when the headlights are on.

 

[devilmaycare]

It would appear that the problem may be here:

(P81) LEFT HEATED SEAT LOW INDICATOR DRIVER CIRCUIT OPEN/SHORTED TO GROUND

There is a connection between the switch and the "indicator driver" and it could just be a connector problem.
The Workshop manual always suggests checking wiring and connectors first.

It would be a good idea if you could get hold of a workshop manual as there is plenty of info, including wiring diagrams.
I downloaded my manual a long time ago from LX forums, but there are also other websites which can provide manuals.

 

[feichter]

Hi thanks for that. I do have the manual and will have a quick look, but I can already guess that they suggest chaning the whole switch.
I noticed that our friends at the custom300 shop sell the LED's for the switches. So, will email them and ask how difficult it is to dismantle them and relace the LED.

 

[dhoolwerf]

Why not just replace the switch entirely? Only $20ish on eBay. Less if you have a wrecking yard nearby.

 

[feichter]

Why not just replace the switch entirely? Only $20ish on eBay. Less if you have a wrecking yard nearby.

Thanks for that, but there are two reasons:

• I like to fix things (I managed to dismantle the gear lever assembly and replace the 'pink thingy')
• here in the uk the switches are around £18.00 on eBay and all second hand

But, if I break it, I will have to go down the route of changing the switch.

 

[dhoolwerf]

Fair enough…GL with the repair!

 

[devilmaycare]

Feichter - did you manage to fix the switch? I now have the same problem with the passenger side. Functions work OK, but switch not visible in dark.

 

[feichter]

Feichter - did you manage to fix the switch? I now have the same problem with the passenger side. Functions work OK, but switch not visible in dark.

No, I haven't got round to it yet. And with this cold weather I have decided to wait until the spring. Did see a YouTube video and it looks fairly straight forward.

 

[devilmaycare]

Thanks for the info. I've just sent an email to the Custom300C shop to see if they can shed any light on it (no pun intended). I now understand how the bulb may have failed, as it's filament - not LED.

Whilst typing this reply, I've just received the following reply from the Custom300C shop, so I will go ahead and order the parts:

"yes to recollection they do come out easily by firstly removing the silver fascia first, which will just ease out (easier pulling from the top initially). This exposes the ashtray panel and two switches which can then be pulled out. A long time ago though since I messed with the panels."

 

[feichter]

Thanks for the info. I've just sent an email to the Custom300C shop to see if they can shed any light on it (no pun intended). I now understand how the bulb may have failed, as it's filament - not LED.

Whilst typing this reply, I've just received the following reply from the Custom300C shop, so I will go ahead and order the parts:

"yes to recollection they do come out easily by firstly removing the silver fascia first, which will just ease out (easier pulling from the top initially). This exposes the ashtray panel and two switches which can then be pulled out. A long time ago though since I messed with the panels."

Let us know how you get on, and if you can take some pictures even better!
Good luck!