Interior light replacement: too hot

[Bowlerwell]

I recently replaced the 12v bulbs in the wing mirror adjust switch.
I repaced them with these:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/wire-terminal-type-1955?ordercode=BT43W

But it turns out they've melted the plastic insert in the switch
I have replaced with 3mm super bright LEDs, but they're just not bright enough (possibly because the clear plastic is burned, so no light transmission).

Can I get less powerful bulbs anywhere or OEM?
These are the best I can find in Maplin...

[AndyP]

I thought these were the ones to use for switchgear:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FRUIT-GAMI...item27bb876740

[mcandmar]

Those should have been fine at 60ma as any OEM bulbs i have measured were all around 60ma too. Having said that its a long time since i opened one of those and cant really remember what it had inside, i think it was just four of those 3mm bulbs? Easy fix would be to add a resistor into the circuit to lower the current.

[newsh]

You could try the 28 volt ones which should end up about half as bright?

I think I have a spare switch if you need one.

[Lloyd]

Go for LED all round. low temps

[Bowlerwell]

Andy: These look like the ones from behind the heater dials...? The ones in the mirror adjust and the difflock (and possibly elsewhere?) are connected with leads and soldered in.

mcandmar: There are only 2 3mm bulbs, in opposite corners. So the light transmission up to the wee red triangles is very dependent on the plastic 'light conductor' working. Mine is a bit black round the bulb holes now Yep, I could try a current limiting resistor, Thanks.

Newsh: Yep, could be worth a try. If the 28v ones are the same power rating, then they will be dimmer at 12v. I have bought another unit from Ebay, so hopefully I can bodge the old+new to make it work.

Lloyd: I have put in 2 super-bright LEDs, and they're just not bright enough. I'll retry when I have a new I have the new clear plastic piece.

Thanks all.

[newsh]

The problem with leds is that the light doesn't come out the sides..

[Skull]

yes it comes, if you choose smd leds. (around 176 degrees angle)

[Bowlerwell]

I don't fancy soldering in an smd In any case, the rubber piece on top of the circuit board surrounds the side of the bulb. smd LED would be dwarfed without mods to the rubber top, bulb is probably only a little better than LED.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[LHD_Kid]

I don't fancy soldering in an smd In any case, the rubber piece on top of the circuit board surrounds the side of the bulb. smd LED would be dwarfed without mods to the rubber top, bulb is probably only a little better than LED.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

I replaced a couple on mine with some small 12v red lights from the bay, designed for model railways - bright enough but don't seem to run very hot at all, I'll see if I can find the details....

Edit.... try these, you can specify to send only red - they work well... Linky

Chris