Light switch issue

[jmlocklin]

On my last trip I went to turn on the bathroom light switch (lighted) only to find that the switch was broken. I decided to fix it in the low lit bathroom. I took the switch out to replace it. Problem: When I pulled the 3 wires off the switch I tried to keep them in the correct positions for the replacement. Not enough light to see the markings of +, - on the side of the switch. Found an auto parts store and thought I was getting the same kind of switch that I had. Now I just guessed at how to plug the wires back in. Switch works fine but the lighted part went out almost immediately. Question: Should I replace the switch again or just continue to use it as it is?

[flybouy]

Is your replace switch an illuminated switch? If you are replacing an illuminated switch with a non-illuminated switch then the negative wire (assuming it's 12 v dc) would not be used. It should be "safed off" (taped over or wirenuted and taped) to prevent it from hitting a positive terminal and shorting.

[jmlocklin]

Thanks. Yes the replacement switch was a lighted switch, but the light did not come on when I connected the wires like I thought it would. After turning it on the lighted part came on I turned it off and back on and the lighted part never came back on. But the bathroom light now works fine. Should I just leave it alone?

[jmlocklin]

Is there a difference in the switch for an RV and a car, since it came from a auto store? Is there an amp difference in switches?

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by jmlocklin

Thanks. Yes the replacement switch was a lighted switch, but the light did not come on when I connected the wires like I thought it would. After turning it on the lighted part came on I turned it off and back on and the lighted part never came back on. But the bathroom light now works fine. Should I just leave it alone?

That's up to you. If it worked, then I would think it was wired correctly. Two possabilities, either the ground wire became dislodged or the illumination part of the switch failed. You could just remove it and take a look at it. Matbe take a flashlight with you next time.

[jmlocklin]

Thank you. We live and learn, mostly from mistakes!