Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

Ok did some searching and seems there are some issues with dash lighting in some 4th gens but they usually involve all lights. All of my lights seem to work except for the ones in the A/C control unit. Does this piece take bulbs? If so what bulbs? Is there something I should look for or a particular fuse? The A/C works fine but it sucks that I can't even see the thing at night. I can pull the radio out and check but wanted to see if anyone had a similar problem. I do find that my dash lights are particularly dim but that's just my feeling but that could be how they are.

Thanks for any input and help!

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

No one has this issue?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Yes, there are two bulbs in there. Check out the sticky in this section for the details.

You can also put LED's in there, but if you go that way, be sure to get the 180* units with three led's soldered to the board.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

Ok I'll look into it. Have any idea about bulb size? I don't really care to put in LED's.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

not sure - all the numbers are listed in the sticky, though.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

I looked in the sticky and didn't see the numbers. I was just trying to save some time since I pass the store on the way home instead of going home to pull the thing out and then go to the store lol. I did see there are two bulbs.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

Nevermind I went to the sylvania site and it looks like it is bulb 161.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Taking the old bulbs is a good idea. The 161 is a big bulb, used in the ashtray, etc. I think the HVAC bulbs were something like a 74.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

Yea it listed both 74 and 161 so not sure which one. I guess I'll be taking them out. I also think the dash lights are replaceable but you have to buy the bulb holders/retainers? Is this true or can I reuse the holders? I think mine are dim because a few are black or went out.

THanks!

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The bulbs fit in sockets, which are re-used. You just need the bare bulb for the HVAC panel.

There are similar bulbs in the instrument panel behind the steering wheel that have special integral holders. Those are "PC" bulbs, but not what are needed here.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

OK can someone explain how the hell I get the bulb out lol. I tried different methods, wontt budge.

Pic:
http://db.tt/UZRidNXw

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Yea, that's why I loved going to LED's. I never have to pull that thing out again!

My recommendations:
1) Take a deep breath and get comfortable with the possibility that you may brake the bulb and have to pry the thing out with pliers and dental tools...
2) I recommend doing this over a towel or paper towel in case the bulb crushes so you don't get bits everywhere.
3) I first try using a tiny piece of duct tape, fold it over in half to make a "tab" on the end, and then attach the ends to either side of the bulb. Then pull slowly.
4) If that doesn't work, I go to pliers - but that has to be done very carefully, otherwise it will break. (Its very easy to crush the bulb.)

I recall that someone else had a really good idea for this in another thread, but I don't remember what it was.

If the bulb crushes, you can pull the shards/bits out with needle nose pliers. Once the big pieces are out, the flat socket of the bulb will need to be pried out with a dental tool, needle, straightened paper clip, etc.

Mike96z

iTrader: (78)

Sounds like a pain. The bulbs don't look bad to me though but I guess they could've wen tout but don't see how two bulbs would blow at once. They weren't working when I got the car.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The panel is built so that one bulb can light the whole thing - so when one goes out its hard to notice. (When that happens, just one side is a little dimmer than the other.) Is really easy to miss. I have only noticed them blown out when both are gone.