Tore Bergvill

Console light fix

Light bulb failure

The Porsche 964/993 centre console is equipped with several switches as well as backlighted symbols over them. The lightbulbs are prone to failure.

These bulbs are 12V 1.4W, and Porsche does not have these as spare parts. The bulbs look like they are fitted within a sleeve or white socket. They are not, the white tubes are glued onto the glass and are lead guides. You don't need them.

New bulbs must be soldered on the PCB's in there. If you are not experienced with electronic repair, buy new complete PCB assemblies. Unknown cost.

Console disassembly

Easy, just pull it. Remove the PCB's by depressing the white snap locks in each end of the PCB.

New 12V bulbs

A cheap alternative is using normal instrument 12V bulbs bought at any auto supplier. Straighten the leads and solder them to the PCB as described below.

Change to LED's

LED's are brighter than bulbs, produce less heat and lasts much much longer. Use 3mm white ones, for example a 2.1V forward voltage type like the Elfa part # 75-001-69. Three of these can be connected in parallell on each PCB, and a series resistor must be fitted. Three LED's of the above will require a 470 Ohm 0,6W resistor, for example Elfa part # 60-592-06. Elfa is a Nordic electronics supplier, I'm sure Maplin or others have similar types.

Resistor installation

A 470 Ohm resistor value and using the LED's above set the LED current to below 10mA, for long life and adequate light intensity. You must cut the copper track to be able to fit the resistor, see the white cut on the PCB solder side for explanation. Be sure to place the resistor at the exact same location, otherwise you will have problems refitting the PCB into the white plastic frame in the console switch assembly.

LED installation

LEDs must be connected with correct polarity, I have marked the anode and cathode pins on the PCB. (A and K) If you have only two lights on one of the PCBs (no sun roof switch) you may use a 560 Ohm 0,6W resistor for two LEDs to obtain the same light intensity. The resistor do get warm, do not use a lower power rating than 0.5W. You may use two 1/4W 1kOhm in parallel if that's easier for you to get hold of. Beware the small space available for the resistor in the above mentioned frame.

If you plan using LEDs with other forward voltages, use this page to calculate the resistor value.

Use a 9V battery to test the LED's by pressing the battery against the connector. See my polarity markings on the PCB by the power connector in the pictures.

Remember, modern LEDs have very high intensity, set the current low, you don't want small white suns in the centre console. The last picture is the result of my LED conversion.

Good luck!