An interesting note: According to the Mazda factory manual for RX-7s, the door locks are supposed to have door lock cylinder lgihts in them. I've owned 4 RX-7s now and have never seen a light operating in or around the door lock cylinder. Has anyone seen these things on?

 

nope

 

Yep. Only the Driver's door. Standard on the GS, GSL, and SE for 1984 & 1985.

 

I think my GSL (85) has that.

 

I've had 2 GSL-SEs and still haven't noticed them *LOL*

 

I've never noticed either. As in like outside the car where the lock cylinder is? I know that the ignition key hole lights up. I don't know if its the 12 hour work day today or what, but I'm not following what is supposed to be lighting up.

 

Yep, lift the handle and it's supposed to light up. I haven't found one that works yet.

 

Ditto here. I've seen the wire lead to the lock cylinder on mine but it doesn't work. I don't even see how it would light up, unless it's supposed to be constantly lit, which then, mine is not.

 

Yes, when you lift the door handle a small light illuminates the key slot (if the bulbs not burnt out). I don't know if all models had this feature, but it still works on my '84 GSL. This comes in handy at night when you've got to unlock a black car with black lockset, without scatching the paint.

 

I'll have to take mine apart and see if it's a burned bulb. What style of bulb does it use? 194?

 

Damn, in all my years in auto parts/service, I should KNOW that bulb number. I THINK it's a 128. Or, a 132. They're the real tiny tiny bulbs, usually meant for instrument clusters. A real tiny version of a 194.

 

same tiny as in the ignition light?

 

Well, I don't know what the ignition light is, but I remember seeing the tiny bulb on the lock cylinder when I had my door panel off, and recognized off the bad what it was. Hell, the bulb could be a 98. There are so many bulbs out there that are tiny 194 versions. Just go to an auto parts store and look at the........shoot, now that I think about it, it just might be a 112.

You know what a 194/168 bulb looks like. Look for a REALLY skinny tiny version. Should be around the lines of a 112/128/132. It's been a long time since I've done the auto parts thing.

 

I would like to know which bulb the ignition light uses. It worked ten years ago when the car was parked. Now nothing. I miss it, once the little things like ignition lights and defrosters go............
I dunno, I just like all the switches to work, hehe.

 

Is it on all of them through 1979-1985?

 

Mine was burned out. It's what they call a "wheat lamp". I used to do some stereo repair and it's the same type of lamps used to illuminate the front panel on some older stereos, so I had some around and replaced it. There are some pictures of mine in this thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/what-part-511251/

Rich

 

Most auto parts stores SHOULD list all bulbs. It may not be listed directly as "Ignition Lock Light" but more along the lines of Interior/Interior Light, followed by multiple listings of random numbers. While it may seem random, those numbers ARE in the car, you just have to match them up. That's the best that I can offer for you. It's been about 5-6 years since I was in that sort of thing, so I can't give much more info. Hell, they might've upgraded their systems, but I highly, highly doubt it.

Or, you can manage to pluck the bulb out and check to see if a number is printed on the side of it. And/or, bring it in and match it up.

 

Nope

 

I seriously doubt that this light will be listed in any auto parts store. It's really not meant to be replaced...not the bulb itself anyway. As I said in the other thread I referenced above, I would think that the Mazda delear might sell the whole assembly, including the rubber mount and wiring back to the connector in the door. I could be wrong, but I just can't see any auto parts store selling this lamp.

Rich

 

My door lock cylinder light still works, but my headlamp washers have decided not to work anymore.

 

The bulb is soldered onto a harness. it is called a 'grain of wheat' bulb. Take it out and go to the local electronic supply company. Ask for one that illuminates with 12V. Cut off the old bulb, solder and heatshrink the connections. Reinstall and yay, the keyhole glows green when you lift the handle.

 

Thanks for the info I'll have to keep this in mind if and when my light goes out.

Now can you fix my headlamp washers? J/K

 

As I said, I've worked in the auto field for 3-4 years. I've SEEN the bulb before. Many times. And, handled it. And, seen its number listed in the selection screen. Same bulb for my old pickup for the gauge lights that had the same bulb. Unless auto parts stores now are limiting their stock (I wouldn't doubt it) but during then, they had all sorts of bulbs to choose from. Trust me, it's listed. If it's not, then the auto parts stores of today are a sad excuse for what they were yesterday.

EDIT: The bulb (altho I have not taken it apart) resembles a 98-112 so closely, that's what it's lead me to believe that a parts store would carry it. Looks so identical. However, if one were to yank it out and compare it to one at a parts store, and they are not identical, don't flame me. It's been awhile since I'd dealt with that stuff, so my memory can be a bit foggy. Hey, I have other things to remember. ^^ But, I can still tell you the Borg Warner part number for a Ford solenoid. *L*

 

yea mine still works, its pretty cool, i have a spare bulb at home i can get the numbers off sometime

 

The auto parts stores of today are a sad excuse for what they were yesterday. So are electronics suppliers. One of the huge ones in our city closed down about ten years ago. They could get you a belt for an eight track player if you needed it, lol.