Just above the interior rear view mirror is a cluster of four switches and three lights. The central light has stopped working so I want to check the bulb. I've removed the small hatch over the mirror bracket and the two bolts holding the mirror but can't get any further. Is there a way to prise the lens out? or to spring the whole fitting away from the ceiling? - (#1327) Dave Mason, 31 Oct 01

the whole thing unclips from the headlining, it isn't attached to the mirror. The clips are at the rear edge, I recall. - (#1329) David Miller, 31 Oct 01

For the record, I found that there is a black plastic "baseplate" above the light assembly. The light assembly hooks on to the baseplate at 4 points. The baseplate is clamped to the roof by the mirror bracket which has 3 bolts - one concealed by the light assembly, 2 visible once the small plastic hatch is flipped out.
One (passenger side) of the two bolts visible in the mirror bracket must be removed because it also secures the light assembly.
Then the light assembly must first be unhooked from the 2 hooks at the front (i.e. towards the front of the car). They can just be seen immediately next to the mirror bracket. Press the light assembly moulding backwards and downwards hard at those points. It may help to prod at the bits of baseplate visible there.
The light assembly then hinges down on the 2 sturdier hooks at the rear edge and can be completely removed. The lens appears to be glued in so I just washed the whole assembly in hot soapy water! There are two round 8W bayonet bulbs and one 10W festoon bulb, same as in the door lights. No reflectors, lining the baseplate with foil might brighten things up. - (#1363) Dave Mason, 5 Nov 01

Thanks for the comprehensive information on this item. I am sure that, as the dark evenings come along, many of us will be saying "I realy must get that interior light working".
My problem is that the festoon bulb, ie, interior light with manual and door operated switch, only works intermittently. I have had it out many times, cleaned all the contacts, checked the bulb etc etc. It will work for a few days (the "spotlight" bulbs, either side of it, never give trouble)and then fail to operate. There is some form of resistance wired between the switches. Could anyone tell me why this is there and what purpose it serves ? I am tempted to bypass it as I feel that this might be the problem.
Any help/guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks - (#1368) John Davis, 6 Nov 01

Hi John,
Your problem isn't a result of the door contact switches by any chance? I've not had them off on the Townace but they are usually of the type either with one wire and earth thru the backplate to the chassis or all plastic and two wires. Usually either, the contacts themselves need a clean with emery/wire wool or the earth to backplate has rusted and needs rubbing down.
HTH
Ian - (#1369) Ian Dunse, 6 Nov 01

"Wired between the switches" I noticed a diode, not a resistance. It only lets current flow one way. I didn't specifically check but I'm sure it's there so that when you switch the interior light on manually the current does not flow back towards the door switches and so put on other interior lights.
The lights in the doors should indicate whether the door switches are working correctly. - (#1370) Dave Mason, 6 Nov 01

Thanks Ian and Dave for the helpful information.
My unelectrical mind looks at all these devices and decides they are resistances. Of course, a diode would restrict the flow of current and is probably essential in this situation. The door lights still work and that made me feel that the swtiches were not the problem but, with your helpful advice I can investigate further. Thanks - (#1374) John Davis, 6 Nov 01

John, these things have a relay/ controller for the interior light. I believe that it's disabled for the UK market. Does the door open light on the dash work? The "room" switch on the light has to be depressed, also. If the door switch is OK, the light beside the ignition switch will light... - (#1382) David Miller, 7 Nov 01

Thanks David for further advice. On my vehicle, the door "open" light, on the dashboard, is always on and I put this down to one of the door switches being faulty, as on a previous vehicle which I had. The delayed ignition switch illumination light works OK. Yes, I have had the "room" switch depressed and still no joy with the main (front)interior light. With yours, and others advice I will investigate further because, as the light seems to have a mind of it's own, ie, sometimes it works and sometimes it does'nt
I feel that the fault may, perhaps, lie with a faulty door switch. Thanks to all for the advice - (#1383) John Davis, 7 Nov 01

The indicator on the dash will turn off if you turn off the room switch. Have you replaced the bulb? - (#1391) David Miller, 7 Nov 01