Replacing bulbs in HVAC unit

[jharvat]

In another thread, a poster mentioned that, to switch out the bulbs in a 2000 Corolla's HVAC Unit, you simply needed to pop-off the trim piece and unscrew a couple of screws. I tried this and got a far as freeing the bottom of the trim piece but it seems to be stuck at the very top - between the top of the dash and the HVAC unit itself. I'll admit I'm a chicken - I didn't want to pull too hard on the trim piece for fear of breaking it or the HVAC unit. Is there some trick to working the top part of the trim free?

Also, where exactly are the screws that hold in the HVAC unit?

Any assistance on this would be greatly appreciated!

J

[all2baka]

Deja Vu

I and several others posted in another thread that all one needs to do is take out the stereo and then there is easier access to the HVAC bulbs

[jharvat]

Thanks - let me try searching again and see if I can find it.

[captaincorolla]

I just posted posted a thread on how to do this. See my thread called "I fixed it! And pictures too"

[gold94corolla]

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...71#post3044471

[jay0016]

I understand that removing the radio is probably easier for some but in getting the trim panel off if your afraid of bending it and snapping it just use a flat head screwdriver to pop it off personally it takes two seconds to get mine off and unscrew 2 screws rather than taking out my whole radio but its all personal preference.

[captaincorolla]

jay, have you already done this? Because I really don't know how you'd reach in and remove the bulbs with the radio about 1 inch about the sockets. I wouldn't, for a second, worry about removing the radio. It slides out as a complete unit, you don't need to unplug it or anything. Same with the trim. The vents/clock/everything pulls straight out. It's not one of those panels that you need to wrestle with hidden clips or anything. It's an easy DIY, for both pieces! Good luck everyone that does it.

[jay0016]

Yes i have done it more times than i can count if you tilt the left side of the HVAC unit out first and pull it past the bracket it sits in and follow with the right side you gain a good 6-10 inches of clearance.

However i do know the radio does slide out easy but maybe because i have an aftermarket radio i installed the wires do not give me enough length to set it ontop of my dash so i would have to unplug the radio and also it always kills my fingers getting the top trim peice off, granted i prob dont pull at the right spot lol

Good luck to anyone doing this its easy either way just have fun with it.