The 'E' Type Forum

HI, just bought my first E - 1970 FHC. I see on the door pillars it has interior light swiches I assume are factory fitted, but interior light does not come on - anyone any ideas - all fuses seem OK in the fuse panel.
Also there is a switch "MAP" doesnt do anything - am I missing something ? Also under the dash looks like a light bulb holder - doesnt seem to have any wires connected. Anyone know the bulb type and wire colours and they feed to here as it looks standard.
Sure I will have plenty more questions as I un-cover issues
thanks
Steve

Welcome to E Type ownership. The interior light works on the door pins (check they are connected).

The MAP switch operates the under dash lamp.

Etype wiring is just common sense and well with in the capabilities of an
electrician..........................

DC

You can find copies of the wiring diagrams here: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1664 The colour ones are particularly useful and easy to understand.

As for the interior lights the door switches just connect to earth when the circuit is closed so are really easy to check. Remove switch and connect wire to any body earth point and the light should come on. If not it is either the bulb or somewhere in the harness.

Hi Steve,

I assume you know that the map light under the dash top is the light which is operated by the door switches? The interior light (behind the seats in my OTS)(above the rear door in an FHC?) is only operated by the interior light switch on the dashboard.

I think the wires to the map light should be purple and purple/white.

HI - thanks for that - no I didnt know that the light behind the seats in the FHC only operates by the switch and the dash light operated by the door - it now makes sense. I need to fix the light on the dash next then - thanks for the steer !

Could anyone help with correct bulb type and size for the bulb used under the top of the dash, for the so called map light. Where would one be able to find such an item? Thank you.

It's the same small-sized bayonet fitting as used in your instrument lamps or the front side lights on a Series 1. 5W I think, small globe. They come in round or cylindrical globes but it doesn't matter so long as the contacts are clean and springy enough to connect properly to the bulb. Remember too that one connection to the map light bulb is always live, so be careful when groping around under there and make sure the hot wire doesn't touch anything earthed.

Be aware also that once you fit this bulb, you will have a battery drain any time you leave the door not fully closed. It is obviously a small drain and it doesn't matter when you're just worknig around the car, but if you leave it that way for a week in the garage you'll flatten the battery.

Heuer wrote:You can find copies of the wiring diagrams here: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1664 The colour ones are particularly useful and easy to understand.

As for the interior lights the door switches just connect to earth when the circuit is closed so are really easy to check. Remove switch and connect wire to any body earth point and the light should come on. If not it is either the bulb or somewhere in the harness.

Thanks for sharing that link, I've got an issue with my interior lights.