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Map Light Fix (or Hack)

  • Thread starter Thread starter EBW83
  • Start date Start date Aug 24, 2018

EBW83

Member
Jul 10, 2017
27
8
13
Aug 24, 2018
#1
  • Aug 24, 2018
  • #1
The map light in my ’83 Mustang GT (with T-Tops) has been non-functional for 15 years or so. The metal latch (which keeps the map light off) and push button ON/OFF switch are MIA due to failure of the plastic housing. After several futile internet searches for a replacement assembly, I decided to come up with a hack (or kludge as we say in the electronics business). For what it is worth, here is what I did:
Map light version used in my car (from Ford manual): Picture matches what I have even though the vehicle application doesn’t include the Mustang or Capri
​
Mine looks like this one (found at ascmclarencoupe.com):
​
Since the housing supporting the latch was shot, I decided to use a magnetic latch. I’ve got a good collection of small magnets and attached the magnets (using JB Qwik) to the light and housing (between the PB switch and 12V terminal). I found a normally closed PB switch from Digikey (C&K EP12SD1SA1BE) which was a good replacement.


It isn’t the most elegant solution but works. I need to take it for a spin to see how well the magnets hold after going over bumps.

​
Hope this is helpful.
 

Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
2,282
522
164
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Aug 24, 2018
#2
  • Aug 24, 2018
  • #2
Not a Hack if it looks good & it works. Mine still works, but always have to "flick the switch" to turn it on. Replace the incandescent bulb with an LED in case you forget to turn it off (latch it back up).
 

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
2,607
1,094
184
stl
Aug 24, 2018
#3
  • Aug 24, 2018
  • #3
When I fixed mine I did away with the power through the screw crap, just added simple push connectors
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,167
17,862
224
Massachusetts
Aug 26, 2018
#4
  • Aug 26, 2018
  • #4
In the past, I found all the electrical connections like to oxidize preventing a good connection. Used to disassemble and sand up everything good and it would work
 
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