Re: LED Switch Failures

[jmorgan@cnj.digex.net (Jeffrey Morgan)]

>I saw this on the net earlier ...
>

>> Are there any known fixes for replacing the LED's.
>> 
>The reason why LED's are not easily replaceable is because they rarely 
>burn out.  If you have an LED that is not illuminated, the problem is 
>probably that the LED is not receiving any power.  You didn't say what 

Understand I am an electrical engineer who works for a television station
and repairs computers on the side.  I fix almost everything in my domain
(mom's tv to son's RC car)  The main reason I love Audi/Vw is the way most
things on the machine can be repaired or replaced.  I rewired the fuse box
on my old coupe 
(head lights only).  Now During warrantee I had the heated seat, Sun roof,
and a  window switch replaced because the LED's went out.  I asked the
dealership machanic if there was a way to repair the switch and he said NO.
I didn't take him for his word but he could not give me the old switch so
that I could play and I always follow the premise if it aint broke don't
play with it.  So Thank you for sheding some light on this for me.  I have
never known a led to fail except when fried so I will remove the heated seat
switch shortly and investegate.  Cold solder joints are a common problem in
pc's.

I can't thank you enough for you info it has paid for my first month of
access on the internet.

Those darn switches are $30 or 40 bucks!.. 

OK 10min later with the switch apart.  Ah Ha it is not an LED but just a
normal filement bulb.

When I removed the red lens (which is the main internal housing for the
switch 3 of the posts that act as guided and retainers stems broke off in
the pc board.  I dont think this will be a major problem. I will use a glue
that hold but won't make a major bond (the white stuff) since the switch is
then housed in a case that presses firmly on both sides.

I will visit my local model train hobby shop and pick up some 12v mini lamps.

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