Internal/panel light switch function

[bob_rich]

Hi Folks

rewiring the dashboard on my +2S 130 and trying to understand how the "Int Panel" switch just above the cigar lighter functions. Looking at my old dash I dont think it was wired properly and did not work.

could someone please describe what this switch actually does in each position please.

My car is wired as per +2S 130 Non federal ( from 72050732L 72050235M) and in this diagram it is not clear what the switch function positions are.

tHanks for any help cheers

Bob

[alexblack13]

If it is the same as the Elan then I can tell you how my one works.

The switch has a middle / neutral position and the dash is marked Int(erior) and panel. ... From memory!!

Puting the switch into 'Int' position switches on the interior light which in my case is a small light on the dash panel.

Using the 'panel' position switches off the instruments interior lamps allowing one to have the panel completely darkened for night time driving should one wish...

From memory....

Alex...

[Sea Ranch]

Yeah, mostly like my February 1970 +2S, Alex.

My switch goes, from top to bottom (top half of rocker pushed in, middle position, bottom half of rocker pushed in): Off, dash gauge lights on, dash gauge lights and ceiling courtesy lights on (both sides above door openings).

Not sure about possible changes to the 130 model, Bob.

Randy

[stugilmour]

Alex has it pretty much correct, but might be a bit hard to follow details. A minor difference is the Plus 2 includes three interior lights

• The switch has three positions
• Off position is flat switch pushed in at the top. In this position, the panel lights are off and the interior lights are off.
• Mid position is the, well, mid position. In this position, the panel lights are on and the interior lights are off.
• On position is flat switch pushed in at the bottom. In this position, The panel lights remain on and the interior lights are on.
• The two circuits are separate at the switch, The interior lights are switched to ground with the purple / white wire. The panel lights are red / white, powered at the switch with a red from the side light circuit (panel lights can only come on when the side lights are on).
• The interior light circuit includes the two rear lights and the one by the mirror. In addition to the dash switch, they can all be lit up by opening one or both doors, which switch the same purple / white loop to ground. In addition, the light by the mirror can be turned on independently by the integral switch in its housing. It can also be removed from the circuit using this same three position switch.

If you need the dash switch terminal positions let me know and I can dig them up.

Oh, I see Randy already answered while I was typing
HTH

[vernon.taylor]

Salut

Same for me. In addition on my early +2S 130 the gauge lamps only come on if the sidelights are on - logical but normal I don't know.

@+

Vernon

[bob_rich]

Hi Folks thanks for all the replies

I now see how it can work and I think there is an error ( at least on my copy of the circuit diagram) on the circuit diagram in the Elan +2 workshop manual. There should be an earth on the switch so that the door switches and lamp switches can be by passed to earth by the "INT/PANEL LT SW"

with this earth my switch should work as you all describe

Have attached what I hope is a diagram to explain what I think should be the wiring

Thanks for help

cheers

Bob

[rdssdi]

It appears that the power for the panel lights is taken from the side light circuit. That way they will only function with the side lights on.
If you get an Elan +2 workshop manual included are around a half dozen wiring diagrams illustrated.

Bob
1969 Elan +2
1968 TVR Vixen
1962 Jaguar MK2

[stugilmour]

Diagram looks good Bob. I did not check the switch terminals exactly, but sounds like you have function tested.

I don't have a thermal cutout, so not sure about that part. My red supply came from the side light circuit, which in the Federal model is a bit quirky so best not to go there. At any rate, if the red is hot when the side lights are on it will work fine.

You are missing the run to the front interior light in the diagram; assuming this is all OK? To elaborate if you need it, this sub loom has the following:

• Black (ground), This is used to turn on only this light with the integral switch.
• Purple / White (switch wire for interior lights). Easiest place to physically connect to the other purple / white on your diagram is the left side door switch; that's how it was in my car. This connection is required so the front light will come on with the other two lights when doors are opened or dash switch put to on setting..
• Purple (Always Hot - fused, power supply to lamp)

HTH

[bob_rich]

Hi Stu and other folks

Thanks for the comments. I know there are quite a few options for Elan +2 wiring diagrams depending on year, build options and export requirements.

I have attached the diagram which for my cars type and date pretty well conforms to. Note this drawing from the service manual does NOT have the earth wire that I think should be added. But as it as had a rebuild by one or more PO's some of the functions on the electrics were not as they should be-- or I could not figure out how they worked! It does not help that the electrical section of the manual does not indicate what terminals connect to what on the switches and the PO's earlier rebuild had in a couple of instances of not using the correct sequenced switches.

hopefully all understood now

Thanks for help

Bob

[billwill]

I believe that the reason you can switch off the panel lights is so that you can park the car at night with the sidelights on as parking lights, without incurring the additional battery drain of the panel lights, small though it should be.

[stugilmour]

Bob, let me know if you would like a couple of additional scans that I found useful during the re-wire. Not sure if you already have these in your Workshop Manual edition.

My Workshop Manual includes the Federal wiring diagram, which you may find handy. It is laid out a bit different than the traditional schematic you are using, and the wire runs and illustrations of the components relate more closely to the physical locations.

In addition, the book has some physical layout drawings of the dash that provide the wire colours at each component. I found these less useful with my earlier Federal car, but they may be just what you are after.

[bob_rich]

Hi Bill/Stu

thanks for additional info guys . The idea of switching off the dash lights to save power when parked ties up with rules years ago in the UK when I think it was mandatory to park overnight in some urban areas with lights on. I seem to remember simple parking lights white at front and red at rear could be clipped onto windows back in the early 1960's to save running down the battery. Some cars had switches I think to switch off half the side light to perform this parking light function. cant remember when this requirement was dropped.

Stu with regard to info I always think U cant have to much info when fixing up old cars so if it is convienent please PM the stuff. or PM me and I will send you my home email address.

Thanks cheers

bob