Can't replace light bulb (nope, not a joke ;-/ )

[mikemcphail]

Alright, this is going to sound ridiculous, but I can't figure out how to get to the bulb. These light fixtures (2011 Komfort 3530FBH 5th wheel) are round, almost flush with the ceiling with a little bulge for the bulb. But the surface has no holes! I can pull the fixture out a little more than an inch, but it feels like it's held in by a spring.

Anyone familiar with these fixtures? How do I get at the bulb?

Thanks very much,
Mike

Mike McPhail
Troy, Michigan
2011 Komfort 3530FBH
2005 Chevy 2500 diesel

[jillie]

If they're the pancake lights, the covers twist off.

[JimM68]

You need 3 more pollacks....
(sorry, couldn't resist)

[NLOVNIT]

Ditto what jillie said. If you can post a pic of one, we can confirm.

Lori-

[Chickadee]

Yup,...try unscrewing that lens.

Steve

[mikemcphail]

Thank you all very much! I just pulled it down & twisted the glass cap off (wish this was in a book somewhere).

Now if I may impose upon you again...how do I identify this bulb? There are no markings that I can see - and I used a magnifying glass!

Here's a photo (see attached):

Thanks again!
Mike

Mike McPhail
Troy, Michigan
2011 Komfort 3530FBH
2005 Chevy 2500 diesel

[LVJ58]

It appears to be a 10w halogen the part # will vary by manufacturer. Phillips lists G4 Base T3. Arcon #JC102w and on the packet it comes in has a #16747.

When you install the new one, be sure to use a cloth or surgical glove to hold it as if oil from your skin gets on the glass it will shorten bulb life.

The warning on the packet reads: "Make sure when replacing Halogen bulbs, not to touch with bare hand, it will decrease the life of the bulb."

Good luck

[MrIguana]

If you do get fingerprints on the bulb, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol before use

[JimM68]

It is a 12 volt bulb, too. Identical bulbs come in 20 watt, not recommended, the additional heat will melt the socket and discolor the lens. Very similar (but larger)bulbs also come in much higher wattages and in 120 volts, so read the labels.

They are used in a lot of household undercabinet lights, all the home centers have them.

A new twist is an Xexon bulb. Available as replacements for the above, and said to produce less heat. Expensive. I've been gradually swapping them in in my stick and brick house, we have like 20 of them, trhe halogen bolbs run very hot and are hard on sockets.

[336muffin]

There are LED replacements for these.

[mrschwarz]

I bought a LED replacement for it at Lowes for about $8. Runs cooler and uses less power.

[Cousin Ed]

I found LEDs on eBay for $2.09 including shipping. They are not as bright as 20W but close to the 10W. Of course the come from China but so do the $8-10 ones.

[JimM68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 336muffin There are LED replacements for these.

tried several a few years ago, they were unbeleiveably expensive then, and the light was terrible. I've heard they have improved

[mikemcphail]

Hey, thank you all so much! Got the fixture off, replaced the bulb, & even found & replaced the fuse that was preventing my slides from working...all thanks to the members of these forums. What an invaluable resource!

Gotta tell you, though, I'm not real crazy about this Komfort 3530FBH. Every time we've taken it out at least one problem has popped up. Some day I'll write a review!

Thanks again,
Mike

2005 Chevy 2500 Duramax
Komfort 3530FBH