Problem with the climate control panel lights in a 1997 Toyota Camry?

[wdanlee]

Tried to make a more entertaining title, but it's hard to explain in detail about what is wrong with my car. Anyhow, it is more of a pet peeve of mine than anything to be concerned about. When I turn the lights on in my car I can only see one side lighting up on the control panel under my stereo. Here are some pictures:







The first picture is just to show where it is I guess. Really can't tell what's wrong with the flash on.

If you have any ideas what may be wrong I'm all ears...

I guess I just need to know where to start. If it is a replacement bulb I need, where would I start or go to find one?

[abew330]

im not sure on the size of the bulb but heres a site

http://www.superbrightleds.com/instrument.html

[wdanlee]

Thanks abew. Turns out it was a much easier fix that I had anticipated.



This was after taking off the plastic surrounding cover.



After removing the rotary knobs take the screws where the arrow is pointed at. The white markings up top are just to note that there are two clips that also hold the faceplate in. One should be able to take faceplate off easily after you release the clips and all three knobs and screws are removed.

There are two light bulbs on each side, obviously in my case the one on the left had burned out. They're simple bulbs to replace, but it may be difficult to find the exact one. I purchased Code number (74) from Advance Auto Parts and pulled the metal connectors out slightly from the bulb so they would be able to connect within.

Sorry I didn't post any pictures of what it looks like behind the faceplate, this was after I was putting it back together and I just remembered that someone might need it later. Fortunately, it is a very simple job to do.

Anyways, back to normalcy =)

[gcozmo]

I had the same problem and fixed it just like you did with the same bulb from the same place. I did the repair about 3 weeks ago and I have the same bulb out again so I guess I will be taking mine apart again. I hope that I just didn't get the bulb in there good and reseating it will fix it.

[islandboy57]

I just had to do this on my gen 5.5. Except it's some proprietary bulb

[metaled05]

Does the bulb for the cig light come out? Or is that all one piece? I broke the bulb trying to pull it out...

[wdanlee]

Yes, the bulb for the cigarette light does come out, although I cannot remember how I did it. I replaced the one for the cigarette tray as well, though that was not hard at all.

[rty]

I have the same problem except when I move around the temperature dial the light comes back on.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by rty

I have the same problem except when I move around the temperature dial the light comes back on.

The bulb is either loose or needs to be replaced.

[grandpapa]

i have the same problem but its on the right.
I haven't fix it yet and was thinking about replacing the whole AC control unit. Thanks for the info.

I think Toyota dealer carry the bulb, it is about $5.00 (I bought a few for my 04 sienna overhead console a few months ago)

will look into fixing this soon

[grandpapa]

ok, I tried but failed.
after removing the screws from the knobs, I noticed I couldn't remove the face becasue the switch from above (to switch between close and open for the cabin air) was on the way.

In order to remove the face plate from the AC unit. I need to take out that little switch. How did you do that?

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[grandpapa]

Just uploaded a couple pictures to my last post

let me know if you know how to remove that knob. Just pull it out with force?

[Chris Crash]

Yup. Grab and pull. There's two pieces that come out. The lever itself, then a clear plastic piece that transmits the light. DON'T LOSE IT and remember which way it goes.

[grandpapa]

Just fixed it last night, with some pictures and additional info.

be careful when removing the top switch (the one above the 3 big knobs). It has a long clear plastic in there so light can go through. Pulling by force may damage that part. If you look behind the switch, you can use a screw driver to slowly pull it (there is a little gap in between)

Here is the part number for the bulb


How it looks like, ($5.50 from the dealer) NEw one on the left, just reuse the green cap


Final result

[BMR]

grandpa - Thanks for that p/n! The dipstick behind the parts counter at a Toyota dealer near me couldn't find it. He tried to convince me I had to buy the whole assembly to get the light bulbs. I gave him my best "WTF!?!?!" look and said "you gotta be kiddin' me!!" and walked out.