How to replace bulb behind temperature/fan speed controlson 2000 Camry

[TwistedE]

2000 Camry LE 4cyl 4dr.

I can't seem to access the bulbs at all. I've tried all the how tos on the internet and I'm still stuck. I removed all the three knobs (fan speed, temp, and the third one) and I removed the two screws...there were only two not three as I expected but I can't seem to remove the black faceplate off and access the bulbs. I can see the bulbs at an angle but I can't access them. The faceplace is still on there qutie well.

I have also removed the outside bezel, the double DIN radio. Do i have to unplug the wires at the back of the heating/air conditioning unit also?

Any help would be appreciated.

[fenixus]

you need to pry out the shifter's trim. then remove the ashtray and cig lighter and then the whole piece along with trim around radio and vents come out (it's held by tabs)... lastly you will get access to the HVAC module which is held in place by a few screws (bulbs should be behind it) ... unless your setup is different.

at least that's how I got access to those bulbs on my solara. I know that camry setup is a tad different by looks, so you may want to double check it.

[DM616]

You don't need to remove the shifters trim, or at least I did not have to on my 1997 Camry.

After you remove the trim/ashtray around the radio, remove the knobs, like you said, you removed those two screws. Did you also remove the ac vent head thing? I had to get some pliers with some grip to yank that out.

Then remove the 4 golden screws around the temp control (pretty sure you did this too)

Now, when you pull it out, you don't got much room to work with. There's two black tabs on top, you just lift them UP, and they slide over that bump.

Then you can reach the green bulbs.

This should help you too

Gen 4-4.5 DIY Changing your bulbs inside your center console

[fenixus]

^yeah, that's the diff between camry vs solara. the shifter's trim is one piece with radio/HVAC trim on solaras, that's why it comes off together.

one thing worth mentioning, do not discard that green rubber boots from old bulbs, remove them carefully and transfer onto new bulbs