Flaps Bulb Replacement

[CoachTom]

Any one have an "easy" way of changing the bulb behind the Flap Indicator? Seems to be almost impossible to get at...

 

Thanks in advance!!!

 

Tom McDermott

1980 M20K 

[DonMuncy]

Tom,

Are you are certain it is the bulb? I had the fuse blow on mine and replaced it. That was several years ago, and it has worked well since. I don't remember exactly where it was, but it is close to the area. It is one of those expensive, hard to find ceramic fuses (1/4 inch cylinder, 1/4 inch long, with 2 prongs. If I am remembering right, it has a conical black plastic, screw on cover).

If you want to pursue it, I think I have some sort of better source than the $15 I paid Cutter for mine. It is the same type fuse as the two which protect the shunt for the ammeter under the panel above the co-pilot's knees.

[CoachTom]

Thanks Don... Going to look into the wiring diagram again, must have missed the ceramic fuse.  Then after the eye test the wiring diagram gives to me, i believe i will be on my back looking for the fuse...

 

Any clue where it might be? there are a few fuses under that panel.

 

TMcD

1980 M20K

[DonMuncy]

Tom, Sorry, I just don't remember. But my light was out also, so I probably found it looking for how to get to the bulb, just like you. Are you a MAPA member. Someone on that list probably knows. If you are not, let me know and I will inquire over there for you.

[DonMuncy]

Incidentally, Tom, I took my Mooney manual flash drive to one of the nicer copy places in town and for a few $ they printed out the wiring diagram on a sheet about 3 x 4 feet. You can actually lay it out on the dining room table and use it.

[fantom]

 

Any clue where it might be? there are a few fuses under that panel.

 

 

 

In my J, it's under the passenger side footwell, IIRC.

[flyboy0681]

In my J, it's under the passenger side footwell, IIRC.

 

Ours has been out for a couple of years and we always assumed it was wired directly to the lighting circuit breaker and rheostat fuse, so the assumption was that there was a problem within the wiring itself. Now it sounds like I should try something as simple as checking the fuse. Whata you know.

[CoachTom]

Don,

Did that years ago when we had all that fun trying to send files in those emails a few years back.  I have it rolled up in the hangar and unfurl it on a wing and read it with a magnifying glass... some of those numbers are too small.

 

If it is the bulb, how does anyone get at it? I have a part number of WI7046.

 

TMcD

1980 M20K

[DonMuncy]

Since I found and replaced the fuse before I got to the light, I never got around to figuring out how to get to the bulb. Sorry.

[CoachTom]

Thanks Don,

Going to look for the inline fuse.  Wonder why it has to be a "ceramic fuse" and cannot be replaced with a regular inline fuse???  

 

I have attached the wiring diagram of the indicator light, but do not see any fuse???

 

As always, thanks for the support and help!

 

V/R

 

TMcD

 

[flyboy0681]

Going to look for the inline fuse.  Wonder why it has to be a "ceramic fuse" and cannot be replaced with a regular inline fuse???  

 

I have attached the wiring diagram of the indicator light, but do not see any fuse???

 

 

 

Let us know how it goes. I just looked at the wiring diagram for my J, serial # 24-1356, and following the wire from the trim/flap bulb I don't see a dedicated fuse either. If I'm following it correctly, the wire passes through a connector and then feeds into the rheostat. The rheostat does have a fuse and powers all of the post lights, which are working.

[DonMuncy]

Tom,

It is not an "in line" fuse. The wire goes to a stationary fixture, with the fuse inside, under that conical cap. That is why it isn't feasibly changeable to the ordinary type. I'm going to the hangar this afternoon. I will see if I can find it and give you better help

[DonMuncy]

Tom,

Went to the hangar. For the life of me, I can't find that fuse. I know I changed it, as I made a note of it about 8 years ago, and remember having to pay about $15 for it from Cutter.

However, I did find the bulb. Right above the plastic lens with the flap pointer behind it is a round button with 4 little projections on it. Use your fingers and unscrew it by the projections. After 3 or 4 revolutions, use your fingernails to pull the button out. the bulb is

glued(?) to the button. Hope that is what it is. Let us know if it is or isn't the bulb.

[bumper]

You have to disassemble the airplane to replace that bulb. When the factory built the 201, they started with that particular bulb and built the airplane around it.

 

Sorry.

 

bumper :c)

[CoachTom]

Don,

I will take a picture and show you that there isn't a bulb apparent. Just 4 screws on the clear plastic that holds the indicator.

 

Thanks again!!

 

TMcD

[laytonl]

That little ceramic fuse is a Cooper - Buss 125V FM01 5A fuse and it is an expensive bugger.  I believe they are around $15.

 

On the 78J that I previously owned, I had to drill out the rivets on the side wall of the center console to get to the flap lamp and even though it was a bear.  On my 92 MSE, the flap lamp is under the cover that Don mentioned.

 

Lee

 

 

[DonMuncy]

What year is your K Tom. From what Lee posted, it appears that in 78, they were doing it like yours, and by 1982 (my plane), they were doing it like Lee's MSE.

Don

[flyboy0681]

Don,

I will take a picture and show you that there isn't a bulb apparent. Just 4 screws on the clear plastic that holds the indicator.

 

Thanks again!!

 

TMcD

 

If the clear plastic window mentioned is the same type as the one on my '83, I would definitely think twice before removing the plastic. In an attempt a few weeks ago to fix our broken flap indicator, my partner and I removed the four screws and the trim indicator came out of its guide. It took me an hour to coax it back into the guide using safety wire through a little hole on the side of the console, but not before scratching up the decal which has the trim/flap setting positions printed on it. I was able to order a new decal from Lasar ($3.50) but I'm going to have to have my A&P install it when he fixes the flap indicator, which I'm not going to attempt again.

[CoachTom]

Don, It is a 1980 M20K.  I believe i am going to have to do what Lee has had to do and drill out the rivets.  The console is tight and no way in...

 

Appreciate the help, but will still get you that photo so you can see it Don...

 

V/R

 

TMcD

1980 M20K

[flyboy0681]

Don, It is a 1980 M20K.  I believe i am going to have to do what Lee has had to do and drill out the rivets.  The console is tight and no way in...

 

Appreciate the help, but will still get you that photo so you can see it Don...

 

V/R

 

TMcD

1980 M20K

 

Please take copious pictures, including closeups, I need to see what that whole mechanism looks like.

[DonMuncy]

Tom,

You may want to consider adapting your console to the newer version. I looks like it may involve punching a hole and maybe a bulb socket. It won't help this time, but may be worth it in the future.

[CoachTom]

 

 

Here is what the front looks like, attached a picture.  The back seems to have a twisted pair of wires disapearing into the abyss of the indicator.  No bulb is apparant...

 

Any clues to where this bulb might be or how to retrofit to the "newer" style???

 

Thanks,

 

TMcD

1980 M20K