Heater control panel light bulb change, pictures included.

[Doctor J]

During the cold winter nights driving, many generation 2 members are faced with “blackout” of the heater control panel due to the burned out light bulb, that is inconvenient at least.
Time required 38 minutes
Tools required:
· Phillips screwdriver number 2
· Woodwork chisel [or similar tool]
· Mirror
· Flashlight
There is only one light bulb used for panel illumination, it wired up to the fan speed switch, and is NOT controlled by panel brightness control rheostat, that’s why it burns out faster then others


Here the process how to change it:

1. Pull out ashtray and lighter;
2. Remove 2 screws on the top of the finish panel
3. Using BOTH hands pull the panel out and unplug electrical connector
4. Remove 4 screws and pull the radio out; do not disconnect it
5. Move heat valve control slider to the middle position;
6. Insert the woodwork chisel as shown; get it between the bulb socket rim and the vertical surface below it inside the panel [use mirror as necessary]
7. Pry the light bulb socket from its hole [Note: the socket has push–in, NOT twist and pull lock]
8. Replace the bulb, use same one like in glove box; if possible transfer the green ‘sock’ from old bulb to the new one; try not to pull the wires during the procedure
9. Turn the parking lights on to make sure the bulb is working, then press it back in, use mirror as necessary to see what are you doing
10. Slide heat valve lever while watching the bulb wires using the mirror to assure correct installation
11. Reinstall the radio, turn it on to make sure it is working and antenna is in place
12. Connect and reinstall finish panel, install lighter and ashtray.
13. All done.

Note for junkyard light bulb pullers: use one from glove box to assure the longest life, do not use one from the same location, it going to burn out right away!!









the inside out view

[joeykrim]

This is perfect. I've been wondering for so long how exactly to get at that light bulb! Thanks!!

[zppeacock]

Doctor, do you happen to know the bulb number?

[Doctor J]

Its TSD 74 oem number but I am sure these bulbs are standard [except they are clear].
Additional info: this is #74 bulb; also available #73 bulb with 20% less wattage.

[zppeacock]

I just ordered the leds http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=380099276220

I need them for the cig, ash tray, glovebox and heater

[JMSports]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

During the cold winter nights driving, many generation 2 members are faced with “blackout” of the heater control panel due to the burned out light bulb, that is inconvenient at least.

Mine isnt burnt, just decides to stop working and i have to push the H & C lever back and forth a few times and it comes back on, pain in the ass.

[zppeacock]

Does the PRNDL2 on the shifter supposed to light up?

[Jimnist]

Stolen from? Just kidding! nice write up.

[nuron]

Originally Posted by zppeacock

Does the PRNDL2 on the shifter supposed to light up?

Yeah it's supposed to. I just bought some LEDs for the cluster but still trying to find one for the climate control that will disperse the light evenly.

[zppeacock]

Originally Posted by nuron

Yeah it's supposed to.

The one on the floor? If its that one sweet.

[nuron]

Yeah the one directly next to the actual shifter.

[zppeacock]

Cool, Guess that need a new bulb then. Do I take the counsel out to get to that one?

[nuron]

Yeah, you have to take out the whole center piece--I believe it's four screws on the side and two inside of the armrest compartment. You'll have to maneuver the handbrake around to get the piece up just enough to squeeze your hand underneath the bulb. I will do a write up as soon as I can get another shifter surround and my camera.
I just changed by climate bulb to an LED and I found that taking off the sticker was easier than the chisel method. Once the sticker was off, I tried to push it out but it was really stuck in there tight. Just used some regular glue stick to paste it back on. Let's see how long it lasts in summertime.

[nuron]

I like it, it matches my cluster! Will do the shifter surround soon.

[JMSports]

Looks sick. Mine are just red. =[