Panel light switching

[chrisvine]

Can someone let me know how the switching originally worked for the panel lights on a S2. My Panel switch is 3-way (Off, Dim, Bright) and, from the wiring diagrams, only has a 12v supply if either the side or head lights are switched on.

Should the panel switch be 3-way? It seems odd to me why an off position is needed. I would have thought it more logical that if you switch on the side/head lights, the panel lights should come on at the same time, without needing to flick another switch. So I'm thinking I might swap to a 2-way Panel switch - Dim or Bright. Would you ever need the lights on and not the panel lights?

Thanks,
Chris

[Heuer]

Chris

I had a similar view after travelling along the Ligurian coast Autostrada with its many tunnels and regularly fumbling with the lights. I reorientated my S1 panel light switch so that the toggle is down for on, middle for dim and up for off. Means the panel lights come on whenever the side/headlights are on and the dash looks 'tidy'. The panel lights 'off' position is a hangover from the 1960's when parked cars had to have their side lights on at night. Switching the panel lights off saved battery drain and, according to my Dad, stopped potential thieves seeing what was inside the car! More info here: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... c&start=10

[chrisvine]

David - thanks for your reply. I think I will swap the 3-way switch with the unused 2-way switch (heated rear screen for FHCs). I've read that post a number of times for installing the LED strips but did't pick up on the two switch issue.

I quite liked the idea of having the blue back lighting as trialled by David Muir but wanted the option of keeping the original green look. So rather than single colour LED strips, I installed the RGB LED strips using the spare switch to toggle between blue and green. As far as I can tell with the strips have the advantage of being dimmable without needing to delve into PWM. I'm pleased with the results but on balance I'd probably just fit green if I was doing it again .... and also not to make the mistake of buying the thicker waterproof strips!

Chris

[Heuer]

Chris

With those RGB LED's you could always follow the new Jaguar trend of having the dashboard lights turn from blue to red when you put your foot down!