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ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 6:00 pm
by windywatson
Hi fellow members,
I've been in a new job for a few months on a 6am to 6pm shift which means that currently going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. So on occasions I've struggled to see to located the ignition key hole due to it being dark. Anyway I've found the little green lens in the steering column housing that should be illuminated to light up the key location. Guess it's never worked, have two bongos and never noticed it until now. So on investigation found small bulb that had blown. Took it to motor factors and got replacement, had to guess at value as unreadable. However fitted a 1.2w one and it seems to do the job fine.
So now a couple of questions. 1, did I get the correct value of bulb? and 2, should it be on constantly? I thought it would only be on whilst door open or when lights on, but mine appears to be pemantly on.
Cheers
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 6:31 pm
by mikeWalsall
Mine comes on when I open the door .. then instantly goes off when turning the ignition on ...
I have never checked .. or timed how long it stays on after closing the door .. or turning the ignition on though ..
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 10:36 pm
by Simon Jones
It will go off after a couple of minutes after you have removed the key. The bulb you've got sounds fine. I just needs to be bright enough to illuminate the lock.
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:06 pm
by Gixermark
Is this only on the newer shaped Bongo? ( I have a 96 model and can't recall this feature! )
Thanks
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2013 11:30 pm
by pc13cb92
Hi,
just looked at mine, and I also have a green lens there that doesnt light up. Havent noticed it was there since I got the Bongo 9 months ago! What has to come off to get at and replace the bulb?
96 2wd diesel auto aft
regards
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:09 am
by Simon Jones
They are either fitted with a round black blanking disc or a green lens. My '98 van didn't have a green lens, but the current '02 does. I've only seen them fitted to models from '99 onwards but it may have been optional on earlier models.
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 9:07 am
by windywatson
To get to this bulb to replace it you have to remove three screws from the cowling below the steering column. You can then pull the top of the cowling off. It is very tight, but it will come off . Drop the steering wheel down to its lowest position will help give better clearance . The bulb holder can then be pulled out from the hole its mounted in from above, or you can drop the bottom half of the cowling down and pull it out very easily. As I said I bought a 1.2w as a replacement and that seems to be OK. Much better with it working.
Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:11 pm
by heavylevy
Hi there
Read this thread with great interest. I too have a blown bulb but have been unable to source a new build from our local car shops/ motor factors so will have to resort to the internet but I don't know the part number can anyone help.
Thanks in advance and merry christmas

Re: ignition key illumination.
Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:33 pm
by rita
heavylevy wrote:Hi there
Read this thread with great interest. I too have a blown bulb but have been unable to source a new build from our local car shops/ motor factors so will have to resort to the internet but I don't know the part number can anyone help.
Thanks in advance and merry christmas

Part number is B45660223 14V 1.4W