auto freetop roof lights

[sharon]

I had my first bongo trip 2 weeks ago, next one planned for the weekend yay!

There was one annoying problem that cropped up... there are 2 little lights in the roof when popped up, outside of the roof tent, but under the roof. Very bright little lights.

How do I switch them off!!????

[Northern Bongolow]

hi these dont sound like standard fit items.sound like add ons,any pics?
think you will just have to follow the wiring, see where it goes,you probably will have an odd switch somewhere,just a matter of where.
good luck.

[francophile1947]

Agree with Ady - somebody has fitted some extra lights which, if they are very bright, are probably LEDs. If you can't trace the switch/wires, cover them with insulating tape

[sharon]

If it stops raining I'll go and investigate further, and take some pics.

What are the chances of 2 little lights like that draining the battery?

[francophile1947]

What are the chances of 2 little lights like that draining the battery?

They will certainly drain the battery - might take 2 or 3 weeks though LEDs are very low power

[sharon]

Good answer!

The annoying little lights


Where the wires disappear inside


There doesn't seem to be any switch for them....and I can't see an easy way of prising the light cover off. So these aren't standard? I don't suppose there would be dangly wires if they were....

Perhaps insulating tape is the answer!?

[B*Witched Blingo]

Hi Sharon

Have you tried switching the interior light switch to the far left? Maybe it's wired to that side of the switch and not the off of the right side.

Or cut you cut the wire and cover if with insulation tape?

Hope you find it



Chell.

[roofraisers]

It looks like the offending lights are using the interior aft light as their live source.
If you lower the roof so its about 2 feet open & then have a look on the passenger side aft roof slide rail at the front, you should see a push button switch. Push it with your finger (you may still need the aid of a step ladder ) and see if the lights go out.If they do go off, the lights should not illuminate when the aft roof is down so reducing the risk of flattening your battery over time if the Bongo isn't used.
If you want to investigate further & remove the wires altogether, the interior light lens squeezes a little & then comes off.Behind that you will see 2 screws that secure the light base & then there are 2 more screws lurking behind the Japenese writing sticker that secure the grey plastic trim. This should give you plenty of access to cut away the extra wires neatly (remember to tape any bare ends that are left !!) before replacing trim & interior light.
I was involved at the weekend with my interior light that didn't work at all hence I know how it comes apart etc.
Hope this helps
Nigel

[sharon]

Chell - the switch did nothing

Nigel - I shall investigate this further. I suspect I'm going to want to cut the wires. I've never tinkered with such things before..... do i need to be carefull not to get a shock doing this..?

That is, I am guessing the push button doesn't stay "pushed" when the roof is fully open?

[B*Witched Blingo]

Buggar

Hopefully someone will be able to help you soon.

Good luck Sharon

[roofraisers]

The push button switch works similar to the drivers/passenger door courtesy light switch.When the aft is up (door open) the aft light can be operated, when its down (door closed) it switches the light off even if you left it switched on.... inadvertently of course.
I don't think you will get a shock, but may blow a fuse some where. The general safety rule is before working on any vehicle electrics, disconnect the negative lead (generally coloured black) from the vehicle battery (also disconnect the leisure battery if ones fitted, just to be sure the live feed doesn't come from that).
If you do cut any wires, tape each end seperately so there is no chance of any short circuits ( that will blow a fuse somewhere) when you reconnect the battery.

If you are handy with a multi-meter of course there may be scope to fit a switch on the trim along side the interior light......

Nigel

[sharon]

Thanks Nigel - I think I'll wait until I can get some assistance from someone who at least has a little bit of a clue!!! but that sounds like a plan of action

Meantime, some insulating tape over the little lights will do the job