Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Does anyone know the type of build used in the +2S warning lamps on the dash? They look like little christmas tree bulbs (see picture). I found a bulb at a local auto parts store, but the base was just slightly too wide.

Thanks in advance.

TMR,

I own an Elan, not a +2, so can't be specific. I use two suppliers here in the UK "Automotive Electrical Supplies Ltd" and "Vehicle Wiring Products". Both suppliers list bulbs that look like your photograph, and are described as "capless" or "wedge type".

The catalogues both then describe the bulbs as W2 x 4.6d, or something similar such as W5 x 16d. I think that 4.6d refers to 4.6mm diameter as 16d is shown in a photograph as 16mm wide at the base of the wedge, which looks to be the same as the diameter of the bulb. I am guessing that W5 means a wedge that is 5mm wide.

I am not suggesting that you buy these things from the UK, but rather that you try the description with an automotive electrical supplier in California, and hope that they understand what you need.

Happy New Year

Richard Hawkins

Thanks Richard, I appreciate the thoughtful reply. I'll try again with the new information.

Regards,
Mike

The lights which you shared in this thread was really a unique model. I am interesting to know some more info regarding these bulbs.





parabolic mirror

They look like 286 capless bulbs which are 1.2 watt, there are others such as 501 which are 5 watt.

Just tried to fit N286 12v 1.2w w2 x 4.6d ( which are 4.6mm in diameter and althought they fit are loose and do not make a good connection.....going to try and find a larger diameter bulb...and maybe brighter?

John

P.S. maybe these in 3 watt ??

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/p ... 2-1-x-9-5d

John

P.P.S.

Going to try these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-504-Capl ... 19e7413fda

John

Couldn't resist this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10x-Wedge-Bas ... 4d052caecb

John

Thanks to Richard, I did find exactly what he specified on Amazon.com ("Connect - 30568 Lucas Side & Instrument Bulb 12v 1.2w Wedge OE286 Box 10"), and ordered them.

As soon as they arrive, I'll post how they work.

Regards,
Mike

A bit late to the party, but I see in the workshop manual for the Elan (not +2):

Panel (instrument) lamps 987 (2.4W)
Interior lamps - Facia 254 (6 W festoon)
- Roof (Coupe only) 256 (3 W festoon)
Warning lamps 281 (2 W)
Reverse lamps (where fitted) 273 (21 W festoon)

Maybe there is better info in the +2 manual. However, what you showed is not a 281 which has a metal cap. It looks a lot more like a 286, which is 1.2 watt. My opinion is that using higher wattage lamp is not a good idea as they will run hotter and may damage things like plastics and paint.

Regards

Richard