How to change lightbulbs

[SteveC7010]

The title really should read: "How to open up light fixtures so I can change the bulbs." So that's purpose of this thread. I'd like to see it converted to a "sticky" at some point so if we could keep the posts to either "How do I open up X fixture?" or "How I open up Y fixture.", the whole thread could be saved for posterity.

I am going start the thread with a series of posts, each devoted to a different light fixture.

[SteveC7010]

This is the most common light found in our Keystones and they are very easy to open up if you know the trick.


If you look carefully, you can see two slots along the edge of the lens. There are two more on the other side. Notice that the slot is narrower where it is closer to the switch. There are corresponding tabs on the lens for each slot.


Insert a fingernail in between the lens and the body of the fixture right by the switch. You should be able to move the away from the switch by about a 1/4". It might have a bit of a detent feel to it, but it will move. That will line up the tabs with the larger part of the slot.


Now just give it a little wiggle and it should come free. Don't yank on it! Just be sure that all four tabs are clear. You may have to slip them out one at a time.

To install the lens, fit the each of the four tabs into the wider part each slot, making sure that the lens is seated properly and then slide the lens toward the switch.

That's it. The trick is knowing how the tabs work and how to free up the lens.

[hankpage]

It sounds like a plan to me! I thought is was going to read something like "How many moderators does it take to change a light bulb???"

[SteveC7010]

There's not much to opening these up. The trick is to figure out how to grab the outer edge of the gold flange. I use one of the helpers for opening bottles and jars. Just give the flange about 1/8 of a turn (no more) counter clockwise and the flange and lens assembly should come free. When you feel it loosen, you may have to GENTLY slip a fingernail between the flange and the ceiling to pull it free.

[SteveC7010]

These are about 8" in diameter. Just get out your #2 square driver and pull the four screws. Don't pull the white screws in the metal flange. Just pull the four that are in the holes around the perimeter of the plastic lens. The lens and gasket should pretty much fall off although sometimes the gasket sticks a bit. (If you need to pull the whole fixture, just undo the four screws in the metal flange. You'll need a plastic putty knife or similar to break the caulk seal when you do that. Use fresh butyl caulk or putty tape when reinstalling the fixture.)

[SteveC7010]

Another easy one but still good to know. There's a slot around the perimeter between the colored lens and the white body of the fixture. My fingernails are strong enough to use to pull the lens off. If yours are not, use a flat blade screw driver and gently pry it off. It should just snap back in place when you are done.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by hankpage

It sounds like a plan to me! I thought is was going to read something like "How many moderators does it take to change a light bulb???"

That's worthy of its own thread!

[SteveC7010]

This fixture comes with either amber or clear lenses and also with or without a switch. They're used as a porch light right next to an entry door, as a illumination fixture on the street side of the trailer, and as a compartment light in some cases. They all open up the same. Usually they use an 1156 bulb.

The fixture is tapered so that the lower side is not as wide as the top side. Grab the lens with your thumb right by the switch. Press the lens with your thumb and rotate it away from the body.


With the lens out of the way, you can see where the two tabs on one side of the lens fit into the fixture. Where my thumb is in the first pic, there is only a single tab. If the fixture is on a vertical wall, the tab will always be on the down side.

[SteveC7010]

These come in several different versions, but the assembly/disassembly is all the same. Just use a screw driver and depress the white tab in the center of the side of the lens just enough for the lens to come free. Don't push too hard. If you break the tab, you've got to replace the entire fixture.

[SteveC7010]

On our Cougar, these fixtures are all the same style and the globe is wide open so they are easy to clean and just as easy to swap the bulbs. I did try to take one apart, and they appear to be kind of permanently assembled. Not a problem with these particular fixtures, fortunately. These pendants use #1142 bulbs, and the sconces and overheads use the #921's.

[SteveC7010]

Several folks have wondered about removing or repairing the pendants. The base up on the ceiling has two screws that hold it in place. Pull the screws, and fixture will drop away. There should be two wires coming out of the fixture and they'll be connected to other wires right there where the base mounts. They should connected with wire nuts which screw on and off. They may have used crimp splices which need to be cut away.

[gwvwadc]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

These are about 8" in diameter. Just get out your #2 square driver and pull the four screws. Don't pull the white screws in the metal flange. Just pull the four that are in the holes around the perimeter of the plastic lens. The lens and gasket should pretty much fall off although sometimes the gasket sticks a bit. (If you need to pull the whole fixture, just undo the four screws in the metal flange. You'll need a plastic putty knife or similar to break the caulk seal when you do that. Use fresh butyl caulk or putty tape when reinstalling the fixture.)

Just a note about the outside scare light. We had another brand TT in for maintenance a couple of years ago. The service "tech" stated that he had changed the bulb in this type of fixture. It worked for a while and then I noticed water had built up inside the lens. When I took it off, I found that the lens actually has a small opening at the edge which will allow condensation to drain out. When the "tech" put the lens back up, he had the opening up instead of down - therefore rain and condensation had built up. Be sure if you take it down to repair, you put it back correctly.

[kimanderson98642]

Great Info, Definitely going to help keep from breaking a lens or two.

Thanks Steve

[Bugsmema]

Have you taken the glass off the sconce? If you have, how did you do it? I have sconces similar to these, and can't get the glass off. I've pulled, turned, twisted, and all but kicked it. Hubby wouldn't let me do that one. Hope you have an answer so I can stop messing with these!

[jsmith948]

Originally Posted by kimanderson98642

Great Info, Definitely going to help keep from breaking a lens or two.

Thanks Steve

X-2! Great info Steve, for time and effort!

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by Bugsmema

Have you taken the glass off the sconce? If you have, how did you do it? I have sconces similar to these, and can't get the glass off. I've pulled, turned, twisted, and all but kicked it. Hubby wouldn't let me do that one. Hope you have an answer so I can stop messing with these!

As I said in my original post on the sconces (and the pendants and overheads):

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

On our Cougar, these fixtures are all the same style and the globe is wide open so they are easy to clean and just as easy to swap the bulbs. I did try to take one apart, and they appear to be kind of permanently assembled. Not a problem with these particular fixtures, fortunately.

Let me say this a different way: Since these particular globes in our trailer are open enough for easy cleaning and even easier access to the bulb for replacement, I see no need for dis-assembly except to replace a broken globe. (See next paragraph.)

I did take a closer look at them and to remove the globe, you have to drop the fixture off the wall or ceiling and disassemble it starting at the base, working towards the globe.

I don't have access to other fixtures with different globes so I can't be 100% sure on how to take them apart. The ones with full globes would almost certainly have to have a way to remove just the globe for bulb replacement and cleaning. Usually the globe is held in place with three screws or is easily removed with a counter clockwise twist.

If no one here knows the trick, then I'd suggest a phone call to the service desk of your dealer would be the next best resource.

[Bugsmema]

Thanks for all that info Steve. The only reason I need to fix this one sconce is the bulb base inside is tilting, making it hard to get the bulb out so I can change to LEDs. The glass part is loose and I can't tighten it up. It just keeps spinning around and around. I thought if I could get it off, then maybe straighten up the bulb base, I could change the bulbs out, then tighten the glass. Good idea on contacting the dealer. I'll try that. Bet they will say to bring it in. Not under warranty now (of course) so don't think it will happen. Just thought maybe someone had an idea. Thanks so much!!

[Ironryders]

Light switch is broken on light under cabinet in the kitchen. I borrowed one of the switches from a light in the garage. Any idea where I can buy a switch to replace the broken one? Nothing wrong with the light just need the switch.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by Ironryders

Light switch is broken on light under cabinet in the kitchen. I borrowed one of the switches from a light in the garage. Any idea where I can buy a switch to replace the broken one? Nothing wrong with the light just need the switch.

Kinda hard to make a suggestion without knowing what the fixture looks like. There are several different manufacturers of these light fixtures.

If it is one of these guys like I have in my Cougar:


They are marketed by Command Electronics. (I found their name and model number when I removed the lens. Then I did a google search and found their website.)

The single units are part numbers 001-902 with some choices of switch or no switch and either black or white switches. The double units are #001-902 with the same choices.

And yes, they do sell the switches: http://www.commandelectronics.com/la.html

[Ironryders]

Thats the one. I hate to replace the entire light when all I need is the switch. Thanks for the info. Happy Camping