S1/S2 number plate lamp?

[groucho]

I need to replace the lamp for my rear number plate (or license plate for us Yanks) on my S2 and I'm not having any luck. I'm talking about the lamp/bulb itself, not the enclosure.

For reasons too embarrassing to explain, the burnt-out lamp is gone, along with the two screws holding on the lamp cover (I'm trying to find those, too, but that's a whole different problem), so I can't look for numbers on the old one. I went looking for a description of the lamp. There's nothing in any of the aftermarket service manuals that I could find, no mention of the light itself in even Brian Buckland's book. Finally I found a reference in the Lotus service manual, saying that it should be a "989" 6watt lamp. It's not the same as the dash light, which is a little shorter and lower wattage. It looks like the S1 and S2 used this

I can't find any good reference for a "989 6w" lamp and what I do find shows a different style lamp. I'm no lamp expert so I don't know the real names, but that shows a bulb-shaped light; what I need is the tube with the leads on both ends.

I'm sort of resigned to having to mail order the lamp but it would be nice if there was some sort of cross-reference to one that might be carried at your average local parts store.

I'm running out of time to get this sorted as the car needs an inspection this month and this was brought up at last year's inspection... I want to get it all legal before LOG!

Thanks!

[rcraven]

If it's the same as or similar to what later models have then it's some kind of festoon lamp. They come in slightly different sizes and wattages but you can sometimes get a slightly different one to fit by bending the lampholder's contacts.
For some reason the exact link won't copy but look at the Elan, electrical, lamps, interior section of this parts manual: http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html

PS my records show that when I last replaced one I used a 239 festoon lamp.

PPS these sites have some pictures and dimensions for various bulbs:
http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product/513/category/94
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/239~lucas.html - no end of details about lamps on this site.

[groucho]

If it's the same as or similar to what later models have then it's some kind of festoon lamp. They come in slightly different sizes and wattages but you can sometimes get a slightly different one to fit by bending the lampholder's contacts.
For some reason the exact link won't copy but look at the Elan, electrical, lamps, interior section of this parts manual: http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html

PS my records show that when I last replaced one I used a 239 festoon lamp.

I did see that - the direct link is here:
http://www.rdent.com/manuals/elan/electrical/mf.htm

The lamp in question looks like Lotus p/n 036M6275, but that's the only mention of that number on the internet that I could find (not a big surprise there.)

The only 239 bulbs I can see are a different style:
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/t.pl ... bclick.y=0

At Amazon and eBay, the closest I can find is LED replacements, usually in wacky colors.

[rcraven]

Here are some more lamp dimensions and details: http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/82819.pdf

[groucho]

Here are some more lamp dimensions and details: http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/82819.pdf

Thanks Robert. It looks like 254 is the proper one - at least, it's the only 12v 6w lamp! I'd have to double-check the length when I am next to the car.

I don't see anywhere selling a 6w 254 but there are places with 5w versions, which should be OK I would think. That PDF indicates that the 239 should be the 5w version. It's all very confusing!