Lighting for fuel tank switch and trim/flap settings

[Me & 8883]

I have a 1977 M20J and I love it except that if I'm flying at night, I notice that I can't see the fuel indicator switch (under my legs) or the trim and flap settings without a flashlight.  I see a couple of very small post lights protruding from the center console (I assume to address these issues), but they are of zero help.  I'll still have the flashlight handy on night flights, but there has to be a better way to see these items at night.

Any thoughts?

[Ragsf15e]

Not sure about flaps/trim, but older models have a light dangling behind the panel above the fuel selector that (sort of) helps.  Lay on your back looking up under the panel and see if you can find a light bulb socket or burned bulb?  Or get an led finger light…

[Bartman]

I think mine has a bulb under the center of the control yoke.  If memory serves there was a thumb button on the yoke to turn it on when needed but have since had the yokes redone and now there is no switch. 

[Me & 8883]

Good suggestions.  My yoke has a map light button, but it is INOP.  I'll crawl under the panel to see if thee is a light up there that might have burnt out.

That would perhaps solve the fuel switch visibility issue, but what about the trim/flap settings on the center console (near the floor)?  I suppose I'll talk to a shop about it -perhaps they have dealt with that issue before.

[PT20J]

Not sure about a 1977, but I’ve owned a 1978 and a 1994 M20J and both had a light bulb in the console that backlit the trim and flaps indicator. The 1978 was a bear to replace as I vaguely recall since you had to get to it from the rear.

Skip

[steingar]

I wear a headlamp when I fly at night.  When not on my head the headlamp is plunged in and charging.  I see everything.