How to wire a courtesy light switch in the slider? (Pics)

tomkay · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:46 pm Post subject:

I'm in the midst of adding some lighting to come on when the slider door opens. Bought a door switch, put it in and then realized that there is nothing on the slider to depress the switch when the door closes.

What would I call what I am missing when looking for one?
Thanks.
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'87 Westy

pinealservo · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:09 pm Post subject:

In electronics terms, it's a SPST push-button momentary switch. These are available in momentary off and momentary on varieties. The factory one is probably momentary off, meaning it opens the circuit (turns off the light) when the button is pressed (the door is closed), but I'm not sure.

If you're asking at a junkyard, you can probably just call it a 'door switch'. You can probably pick up a generic one at your FLAPS, too.

tomkay · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:14 pm Post subject:

The switch I have.

It's the bumper or plunger (not sure what to call it) that I'm missing. There is nothing to depress the switch which will result in the light not turning off.
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'87 Westy

70coupyel · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:21 pm Post subject:

tomkay I'm in the same boat as you. My van had the switch for the sliding door,inside the door jam. I rewired some LED's and installed another 3 way switch.(On-off-door). I went to close the slider and there is a gap over the switch. What we need is the rubber bumper that goes on the sliding door.
Anybody have a picture of this on your van? I have not made it to a boneyard and have not made one yet .
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ALIKA T3 · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 11:47 pm Post subject:

It's not a rubber,it's a piece of L shaped plastic Wink

easy to reproduce with a piece of wood until you find one.There is a factory spot for it as you may have seen.

I must have a pic somewhere,but connection is too slow to download it anyway Embarassed

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ALIKA T3 · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:25 am Post subject:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

This is nice little light too Cool

Found a pic on the french forum:

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
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Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

Timwhy · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 1:35 am Post subject:

On your slider you'll see two holes for this stop. One for a retaining screw and the other to keep the
stop in its place. When I added mine the stop still did not reach the switch post to plubdge it in.
I had to extend the end of the stop with a square bumper from HD, like the above poster states
you can probably make your own or try one of the venders in the classifieds. I think that
I bought mine from Sleepy Joe.

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tomkay · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:29 am Post subject:

ok thanks for the images. Now, that I see the shape of things, I should be able to make something to make do.
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'87 Westy

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:05 am Post subject:

1621 · Samba Member Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174

Yes, the v-notch door switch easily fits the slider door jamb. It's the same size as a standard switch.
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'85 Westy

danfromsyr · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:23 am Post subject:

one can also cut a small notch into the base of a regular switch and it'll catch (stay off) nearly just the same *DIY skill yet to be determined
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chimivee · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:03 pm Post subject:

The factory notched switch from an A2 (my GTI's hatch):

ON

OFF

Although, mine doesn't "reset" upon closing the trunk. When I push it in, it stays in until I pop it out. Dunno.
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

syncrodoka · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:11 pm Post subject:

Vanagon Nut · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:25 pm Post subject:

Timwhy · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:36 pm Post subject:

ALIKA T3 · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:29 pm Post subject:

other than the notch,that switch is the same ,right?

I use to make that notch with a hacksaw blade on the spot.Saves time to go to junk yard Very Happy

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Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget

syncrodoka · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:17 pm Post subject:

The pin is longer. The function is the same- it just sends a ground when actuated.

Timwhy · Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject:

jwallis · Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2021 4:39 pm Post subject:

part # 251947575

Hard to find in the US
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I cut in a courtesy light on my Westy today.

After ~28 years of Vanagons, I'm looking 😎forward 😎 to having the lighting "from above & behind" when opening the slider door.
I don't know why Westfalia didn't put a light there, nor why I waited so long.
My brother did it 25 years ago. And now Alistair is gonna say "ahem.... see Shufti Blog post from 1973"....

Well better late than never. But it's dang late.

Maybe Vanavation can make an adapter that fits the OEM light in the vent hole.

I had to take out all the screws on the trim unit (holds the curtain slider etc).
Also had to remove a few of the headliner screws to fish the wire forward to the driver seat fixture.

I used a "nibbler drill accessory" to cut the hole.
Then used a file to square it.
1.1" x 3.375" rectangle.

It's wired exactly the same as the light above the driver's seat.
Three wires come from the driver seat fixture to the slider door fixture.
There are two extra little spades on the fixture.
I added a 'piggyback' spade adapter for the 12v+ (red) wire.

This LED light is from Vanavation.
I haven't yet added the slider door open switch, but that's next.
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