Cruise Control Bulbs Write Up

[vroomzoomboom]

Where can I get the on/off set rsm/cst rubber covers lights work just need to replace the covers.

i have a few sets laying around, but i dont know if the lights work for sure or not. if you want a set, pm me.

 

[majorboot]

I just got a set from eBay USA for about $50.00
Glad to see this thread cos I was wondering how to replace them...good thing as my usual bull in a china shop approach would probably have had me sitting in the cab surrounded by a powdery mist and a deflated airbag hanging from the steering wheel.

 

[masospaghetti]

Old thread but revisiting with new info.

Replacement switch assemblies can be found on eBay, a set with good looking rubber covers are about $35 including shipping.

Not confirmed, but as posted in this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=331797&highlight=cruise+control+bulb

I believe the direct drop-in bulb is a Osram 2351 MFX6 bulb.

 

[Capt Marvel]

Sometimes you find things in strange places

I don't know if this will be helpful to anyone except in the Toronto area, but I wandered in to a electronic surplus store looking for high intensity LED's to convert my 4X4 switch bulb to a LED and instead found (as it turned out) the exact bulb sitting in their front showcase. They sell one type with the green cover attached and one without. They also appear to have the cruise control bulbs too.

Their website is http://www.a1parts.com/ and the bulbs are listed at http://www.a1parts.com/lamps/index.htm and I believe they will do mail order.

The bulb fit perfectly..... just unreal where you can find stuff for your aging Ranger.

 

[Electrohacker]

or you can do like I did and just solder in some LED's and resistors, never have to change them again

 

[audiomax]

What resistors did you use with the leds, would like to replace mine with leds.I made up some leds for my other car last year, but for the life of me cannot remember what resistor I used.

 

[masospaghetti]

I tried soldering a resistor in, it works OK but is annoying. I used a 330 ohm resistor, it depends on the current draw of the LED you use.

 

[jimwww]

Gee I did not know they even lit up. Nothing on my steering wheel shows up. I thought when I turn it on a light would show up on the dash.. nothing here. The cruise control switches don't even move on my steering wheel either.

 

[torqlox]

Did a lot of digging for this one. Just search "B8 LED" just about anywhere and watch the magic happen . Thank you for this thread, I would not have gone on the research mission I did had I not been given the details here. Good luck to everyone redoing their switch bulbs and watch that airbag.

 

[Barney04]

Read the rest of this thread before starting here. It will make better sense after reading the great info below. This was great thread for replacing the bulbs in my 04 Sport Trac. My swith covers were shot and my bulbs were burned out. I replaced with salvage yard switches from an explorer but one bulb was burned out in the used replacements (augh!)...so began my search for a replacement bulb. (BTW - Recommend scavaging Fords at u-pull-it for compatible and working bulb/bulb housings rather than replacing the bulb in the housing, but it can be done.) My local Radio Shack and Ford dealers were no help. I removed old bulb from housing and soldered in a new one. The old bulb must be broken out of the housing because it is glued in. Not easy putting the new bulb in because the solder did not want to hold to the bulb housing connection. Bought the bulb from Electronics Supply Inc in downtown KC. Only place I could find it. No assurances the bulb is same as original but it worked. If I did this again I would order colored bulbs online (see below). I did melt the housing slightly while soldering but nothing that affected functionality. I also glued the new bulb into the housing using some basic cement and let it dry before soldering wire connections. I clipped excess wire after soldering.

Below are specifics on the bulb I used and URL to KC store that sells them.

http://www.eskc.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=2174
Light Bulb Name: Eiko 2174
SKU 40470
Brand Eiko
Volts 12
Amps .04
Base Wire Terminal(WL)
Bulb T-1 3/4
Filament C-2F
MOL (Max Overall Length) 0.52/13.2
Approximate Average Rated Lifetime (Hours) 10000
Boxed & Bulk Miniature Lamps
MOD (Diameter) 0.23in/5.9mm

Another site I found online:
http://bulbster.com/lightbulbs/eiko-2174-40470-p-2351.html

And this place even has blue bulbs if you don't want to mess with the condom discussed in this thread:
http://www.bulbtown.com/2174B_BLUE_MINIATURE_BULB_WIRE_TERMINAL_BASE_p/2174b.htm

And in Green too:
http://www.bulbtown.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=2174G

Wish I would have know about these before i wasted hours searching and tinkering. Wanted to share with the forum. If mine burn out next week, I will let you know, but so far so good.

 

[Jovnna0901]

Thanks for the topic, helped me alot!