TheSamba.com :: View topic - Jetta dome light in a Vanagon (update July 18)

Tue Mar 06, 2012 6:05 pm

I'm in the process of installing 2 strands of LEDs in place of the stock interior light. I picked up a 3 position switch (on, off, on) with the hopes of still being able to have one position work with the door opening and closing. This is where I'm confused. I've only been successful hooking it up so that both on positions are steady but I can't get the door open and close to work at all... Anyone have any ideas on what I'm doing wrong??

Fri Jan 24, 2014 12:25 pm

Anyone know the part numbers for this type of light with a delay? I have been unable to locate one.

Fri Jan 24, 2014 12:33 pm

Could it be 191 947 111 like this site says? http://www.vanagonwiki.net/wiki/Delay_dim_interior_lights

Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:46 pm

I put one of these lights in about three years ago and the dimmer function worked up until about a month ago.... It is on my maintenance punch list to investigate but since the light still works, brakes and seam rust take precedence! Once I have time, I will try and post about what I find....

Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:12 pm

i changed out the original interior lights, for lights from new bugs, and mk iv golfs, the look much nicer, and don't have the nasty switch on them, you push on the light cover, to switch between the 3 positions.

Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:56 pm

Hmmm, food for thought rubbachicken! Thanks for the beta, definitely gonna add one of them to my junkyard wish list....

Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:19 am

rubbachicken wrote: i changed out the original interior lights, for lights from new bugs, and mk iv golfs, the look much nicer, and don't have the nasty switch on them, you push on the light cover, to switch between the 3 positions.

Can you post a picture?

Sun Jan 26, 2014 12:20 pm

I originally installed this early MkII Jetta item, but at some point it developed a stress crack and fell apart.

I then swapped in a later (MkIII?) unit in the overhead duct--much much nicer light and placement, and has the delay feature.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:19 pm

MK IV dome lights. To remove them you need to push on the metal clip at the top with the O icon.
They are available in this grey and a beige color depending on interior color.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:21 pm

syncrodoka wrote: MK IV dome lights.

Those look really nice and appear to be similar in shape and size. Are they a direct replacement (besides a bit of wiring) or do you need to cut into the headliner?

Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:56 pm

Cool. And those have the delay?

Sun Jan 26, 2014 2:47 pm

Would be cool to see these installed.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 3:40 pm

I installed four Jetta lights from 90's model I used led's for the bulb.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 5:04 pm

They don't dim but they are more durable than the stock clear units. I was at the junk yard earlier and I stuck this into a vanagon hardtop for the photo op while I was there.

They work well in the rear where the kids can use them and they aren't found magically broken later.
The earlier dimming jetta unit is nice to have up front.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:02 pm

syncrodoka wrote: They don't dim...

...when removed from their original vehicles without all necessary hardware. :wink: As an owner of a Jetta IV, I can tell you that the lights do dim on a time delay, but that function resides in the "comfort system central control module" (which is buried inside the dash).

Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:21 pm

The lights don't dim like the earlier units that have to just be wired up. If there is some other module and associated wiring in the vehicle that can make it dim it isn't nearly as easy or obvious to make it happen as the earlier units. Adding complexity and expense to a simple system isn't something that many are looking for. The dimming isn't a function of the light and if one wanted to do it the hard way there are any number of modern cars that have a dim delay function module that could be added.

FWIW the lights are located in the rear passenger overhead area of the donor cars.

Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:52 pm

rc3 wrote:

Digging your custom cabinet modifications and extensions. Got a build-thread on that?

Sun Jan 26, 2014 7:57 pm

syncrodoka wrote: The lights don't dim like the earlier units that have to just be wired up. If there is some other module and associated wiring in the vehicle that can make it dim it isn't nearly as easy or obvious to make it happen as the earlier units.

Yes, I know that; I was merely making a clarification of your post. The lights do, in fact, dim; but, as I said, that function resides in the comfort control module (which, admittedly, would be a bear to find a place for in a Vanagon, let alone wire up), not in the light itself. The light housing alone is a nice upgrade without the dimming feature. I was merely providing info in case anyone out there should want to attempt a full transplant.