04-07 STI I/C water switch not illuminating? Quick and not so dirty replacement!
Since this repair doesn't take long let's get to the point! I cry common failure in 04-07 STis is the manual tmic sprayer button light. I recently found out they are supposed to illuminate, it was shocked by not knowing this. Anyways let's make it quick.
This started with me getting a Jdm switch and noted that it glowed. Which is something my Usdm switch never did, SO i decided to find out what was different.
Simple enough the USDM is a bulb and the filment is broken. Let's see how we can fix this
T3 Led lights
How to
We need to remove two screws to access the backside of the button to remove it. One of them is on the side of the dash and one is beneath the dash near the center console. With those removed we can pull the lower dash trim away.
A plastic screw holds the lower dashboard on here. One metal screw resides near the center console by the pedals.
The top mount sprayer wiring will likely hold the lower dash trim up and so we need to disconnect it. Next you can squeeze the tab and release the button from dash.
This is our culprit.
Remove the connector and then push from below to allow the switch to slide out
Now you will be able to see a red and blue circle on the side of the button. Taking your mini screwdriver and spinning it counter close wise should allow the T3 bulb to be removed. Now we just need to replace the old bulb, twist it clockwise to lock it in and that's that
Switch here, you can now see the tab you must press to release it from the dash
Taking these out can be tough without the right tools. First spin it counterclockwise and then use a small screwdriver or pick set to help pull it out
On the left you see the JDM led and on the right the USDM bulb. And now we know why the Jdm still lights up after 20+years.
We need to slide the bulb back into this hole and turn it clockwise to lock it in.
We can reverse our disassembly procedure to have everything back to normal. You can now turn the key on and turn on your headlights to check you work.
With a standard mini bulb, it will glow green as shown
On the other hand, the JDM led causes it to glow blue. This is a USDM button with a JDM led light. You could try many different color Leds to see what your favorite output color is.
There is nothing quite like a simple task to help make your day feel just a bit better. I would like to try other colors to see what it could do.