Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Stupid Instrument Lights!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 06:00 PM
  #1  
Ancient Mariner's Avatar
Ancient Mariner
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 3
From: Washington. No, the other one.
Stupid Instrument Lights!

I have the simpler heating/AC system (IHKS) and one of the lights in the control panel has died.
The dealership is telling me that the bulbs are not replaceable (!!) and the whole module needs to be changed out.
I'll save my rant for a private time, but I'm wondering if anyone has had this unit out and seen what system they use. If the bulbs are just soldered in, I can deal with that without a problem.
Are the bulbs they little bitty ones that VW is so fond of (74 series, I believe) or some proprietery bulb that you can't get on the retail side?
Any advice or photos before I tear into this would be really appreciated.
Thanks,
-skip-
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 08:23 PM
  #2  
nabeshin's Avatar
nabeshin
Functioning Lunatic
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,237
Likes: 6
From: Lincoln, NE
Im going to guess they are little soldered in LEDs like the rest of the MINI's instrument lights.
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2008 | 09:46 PM
  #3  
Ancient Mariner's Avatar
Ancient Mariner
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 3
From: Washington. No, the other one.
Well, dang. If it's LEDs, there's no reason for them to burn out after 6 years, but if so, it looks like I'll be doin' a little search for a color/power match.
Thanks for the info, nabeshin.
-skip-
 
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2008 | 12:59 AM
  #4  
rkw's Avatar
rkw
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 127
From: San Francisco
The LEDs used in the MINI control panels are tiny SMT (surface mount) type. They aren't designed to be replaced, but can be done if you have excellent and precise soldering skills (having SMT soldering tools would also help).
 
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2008 | 08:55 AM
  #5  
Ancient Mariner's Avatar
Ancient Mariner
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 3
From: Washington. No, the other one.
Originally Posted by rkw
The LEDs used in the MINI control panels are tiny SMT (surface mount) type. They aren't designed to be replaced, but can be done if you have excellent and precise soldering skills (having SMT soldering tools would also help).
Well, can't speak for my skill level. My electronics training was was via the military, but I do have access to the necessary tools, and infinite patience.
I'll give it a shot.
Thanks, rkw.
-skip-
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
34
Jul 16, 2020 12:54 PM
PaulWalliDumali
MINI Parts for Sale
1
Aug 21, 2015 04:46 PM
replacement
MINI Parts for Sale
0
Aug 19, 2015 08:46 AM
Phantogram
F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+)
4
Aug 12, 2015 12:11 PM
oldkid6
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
25
Aug 11, 2015 08:13 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:32 PM.