Date:         Thu, 2 Apr 2020 01:14:09 +0000
Reply-To:     Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Rigging up spare Rear Defogger Switch to do other stuff
Comments: To: vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net>
In-Reply-To:  <0b982cf9-85f8-475d-4f26-3e10e3f4feef@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 I just went out to garage (before I got your List email) and had no success.  Was ready to give up; but now am encouraged to try again.  Will carefully do.  Yes, it could be pilot error; yes, it could be failed illumination components.  Too much cleanup work after Baja trip (that mud is like concrete!) to keep going tonight; will try tomorrow.  But, thanks.
Rich
San Diego

    On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 6:00:37 PM PDT, vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net> wrote:  
 
 The rear defogger switch has 2 lights built in.

A white one inside to show you where the switch is at night when the 
headlight switch is turned on.

The external amber light is to remind you the switch is on.

Both lights need your test battery negative terminal connected to the 
brown wire.

To test the white one put the battery plus lead on the blue/gray.

To test the amber light put the plus lead on either of the other larger 
wires and turn the switch on.

I just did this with a spare switch in my hand using a small 9 volt 
battery. Both lights worked but not very bright.

Mark

Richard Koerner wrote:
> So I'm working on (what I think) is a cool project.  Went to our local guy and bought a used Rear Defogger Switch (no idea what year) for $10.  I plan to use it in the bottom "unused" slot in the instrument cluster.  He included the mating connector.  There were two prominent wires:  the big ones that go to the Toggle switch and do the work; OK, no problem, got that figured out.  But, what I would "love" to do, is also to have the little amber LED light go on.  To indicate successful function.  So there are other wires coming out of the switch:  2 Browns, and 2 Blue/Grey.  I assumed these were to power the amber LED and/or the Backlit bulb.  Well, I hooked up a spare dry cell with 12 VDC to get these to turn on (alligator leads to wires and battery....no luck).  Maybe something is burnt out inside switch so no illumination, or maybe I'm just not doing things right.  I will NOT be heartbroken if I cannot get this little amber LED to illuminate during operation.....but it would be so cool!!!!  Advice?
> Rich
> San Diego
>