Dash Center Bezel - Switch Lighting

[leon63]

Hi all,

I am trying to figure out if the switches on the dash center bezel for the rear window wiper/washer, rear defogger, and fog lamps are supposed to be lighted? The only one that appears to be lighted presently is the switch for the rear defogger.

I appreciate any help!

Thanks,
Dan

 

[aldive]

On my '99 that are lighted.

 

[leon63]

Thanks for the response - that's what I figured. How about the headlight switch - is it also supposed to be lighted?

Regards,
Dan

 

[aldive]

Thanks for the response - that's what I figured. How about the headlight switch - is it also supposed to be lighted?

Regards,
Dan

I couldn't remember so I went out and checked; it is not lit on mine.

 

[leon63]

Hey, thanks for checking that for me!

This is a brain stretch, but on my 96 Explorer it seems like the headlight switch was illuminated when set to off while the truck was running. When you turned on the headlights, the switch was not illuminated.

Thanks again,
Dan

 

[gijoecam]

Yes, all of them are *supposed* to be lighted. (including the headlight switch)

The replacement bulbs are tough to find... there are plenty of threads on the matter.

-Joe

 

[IAmTodd]

The light switched is supposed to be lighted whenever the vehicle is on.

 

[MustangP51]

Wait the headlight switch (the one to the left of the steering column) is supposed to be illuminated? Its not on my 00.

 

[aldive]

Wait the headlight switch (the one to the left of the steering column) is supposed to be illuminated? Its not on my 00.

Nor on my '99.

 

[hunterdan]

It is on my 98.

Dan

 

[Stic-o]

the headlight swith one burns out pretty common. When I had my wifes explorer her's never worked, yet my did until resently

 

[MustangP51]

the headlight swith one burns out pretty common. When I had my wifes explorer her's never worked, yet my did until resently

Well now I know what I'm doing this weekend.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I've been hogging those little bulbs from the boneyard every time I can find them. And the green and blue rubber colored caps that make them illuminate correctly...

 

[IAmTodd]

Wait the headlight switch (the one to the left of the steering column) is supposed to be illuminated? Its not on my 00.

Yes, there is a bulb on my switch. Its just not working. It burns out quickly because its constantly on.

 

[leon63]

Let's go to the Boneyard... That's a great idea considering the outrageous dealer prices!

 

[fraxinusalba]

Most all of the switches and buttons are supposed to be lighted, including the power window and cruise control buttons. They contain a mini light bulb in a twist lock base. I replaced the bulbs on my Explorers with a similar bulb from Radio Shack. The Radio Shack bulb is slightly larger in diameter than the original bulb and will not fit all the way into the base but will still work. The colored bulb covers won't fit over the Radio Shack bulb so I painted them with fingernail polish matched to the color of the cover - blue for the 97 and green for the 99. Its been a while since I bought any but think they were about $1.

 

[leon63]

Thanks for the info. I was going to do the same and use model paint or spray can.

 

[MustangP51]

Ill try something with LEDs for the switch, I will post pic's if I get something to work well. I'm not going to put a hard to find bulb back in especially if it is on all the time.

 

[dmac0923]

on all my fords, the headlight switch lights up, along with cruise, power windows, 4x4 switch, fog switch, defroster, window wiper

 

[MustangP51]

Ok did the LED retrofit... Heres the Write up

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=199305