Xantia Instrument Panel bulbs

[Old-Guy]

One behind the speedo has now blown (two behind the rev.counter blew long ago). I need to change and re-align the steering wheel before too long so it makes sense to replace all the instrument panel bulbs at the same time - otherwise a critical warning bulb is sure to blow just before the next MoT!

I know what they look like, and I can count how many there are (34 in my spare panel), but I don't know what the type number is. Anyone know please?

[CitroJim]

They're R286 bulbs Guy...

This is what you want here

Look for them cheaper on eBay but get far more than you need and test every one before and after fitting them to the black bayonet carrier...

I always find a few per batch to be duff even though they're brand new...

[Jaf]

Just wondering it if would be ok to use brighter bulbs? There's some at 2w instead of 1.2w.

[CitroJim]

Just wondering it if would be ok to use brighter bulbs? There's some at 2w instead of 1.2w.

No, don't. There is a risk of melting bits of the instrument panel if you do...

[Jaf]

Ta Jim.

[Old-Guy]

Thanks Jim

Armed with that vital data, I've had a look on eBay. I'm a bit wary of the dirt cheap ones; from what you say, I'd probably need 40 - 50. Testing before installation sounds like a good idea. LEDs should last virtually forever, but they might well be too bright or dim and not be dimmable. I might well spend a bit extra and at least go for a known brand - I'll also see what local factors charge for a trade pack of 50.

[chinkostu]

I put some cheap LED ones in the heater panel. They're crap as the beam angle is too narrow so the middle/rightish is extremely bright, and each end is a bit dim.

They were also 'white' but put out a blue tinge, so science declares the hot part of the heater panel unlit


They also don't dim

[Hell Razor5543]

LEDs don't react well to the normal way of adjusting brightness (by turning down the power); they are either on or off. The way to adjust their brightness is to pulse them; the more pulses the brighter they appear (as they are on for longer).

[xantia_v6]

and re-align the steering wheel before too long

Don't realign the steering wheel at the top end, do it by adjusting the rack ends. The rotary connector for the airbag and radio controls does not have a lot of spare movement before it strains or kinks the cable, and if you move the wheel relative to the column, you will dramatically shorten the life of the ribbon cable.

To check the centering of the rack and wheel, mark the top of the wheel with chalk or a post-it (no stronger adhesive should be used on a leather wheel) and turn the wheel from lock to lock, noting if the mark ends up in symmetrical positions in each case.

[Gibbo2286]

I've got a bagful of dash bulbs in my spares box, they're original Citroen, used, that I've saved for a rainy day. Where are you Old-Guy? I'm in Bream, if it's near enough for you they're free to take.

[Xantidote]

Learn something new every day, as they say.

I've always been under the impression that with my S1, being unable to pull the bulb out of it's black holder (using thumb & finger), that this was because of the way the bulb assembly was put together. However, reading this thread, I've again tried, this time very carefully using pliers on the glass bulb, and bingo! -

Having said that, I've not bought that many panel bulbs over the years, for which I've always popped into my local Citroen dealer, and although they weren't cheap, they've always worked & never given me cause for complaint.

Of course, now, having had access to a scrap car, I've got quite a few spare, all ready in their plastic holders

[MikeT]

Pro-tip for removing delicate glass envelopes (like bulbs) - wrap some tape around it to give a bigger surface area with better friction.

[Hell Razor5543]

Rubber gloves can also help getting the little sods out of their holders, and if you are unlucky enough to break one it shouldn't then cut you.

[CitroJim]

That's an excellent tip Mike!

[Old-Guy]

Another trick: An odd bit of 5mm nom. bore clear polythene pipe is just right for removing/inserting 286 capless bulbs. I'll have about 40 to do!

Just ordered 30 genuine Ring for £15.81 (53p each) delivered as opposed to unbranded for about 44p each.