95 Corolla climate control lights not working

[rmaltz]

Folks,

I'm having a hard time finding an answer to this problem. My 95 Corolla's upper console bezel, with the climate control levers and indicators, does not light up. The dimmer dial is working as other indicators brighten or dim appropriately. Behind the upper console bezel is a clear plastic piece, which I believe distributes the light across all the climate indicators. Is there a bulb associated with this plastic piece that I can replace?

Also, the hazard and rear window defroster indicators on the respective switches do not light up, though the switches work. Is there a light bulb within the switches that I can replace?

Thanks very much,

Ron

[diver9000]

Should be some instrument panel lights behind the dash.

[thisxstyle]

In my experience, usually it's just one or two bulbs in the climate control unit, the clear plastic thing should have a bulb at the end of it on one side (maybe both), just change those, but trace it back, it spreads light, kind of like a halo or angel eye on a headlight.

[diver9000]

yep

[rmaltz]

Thanks. First chance I get I'll pull out the upper bezel and look around. Do you know if the hazard and rear window defroster push button switches can be pulled apart and a bulb replaced in each?

[thisxstyle]

I know you can pull out the bulb on my honda for the hazard and defrost...I haven't had to do the one on my corolla. Should be the same if it lights up I'd imagine.

[rmaltz]

Just an update on what I've done so far. What I called the bezel is actually the "Center Cluster Finish Panel" (thanks Haynes). After pulling that off, I removed the clear plastic piece on the front of the heater control by gently pushing out on the right side of the heater control until the clear plastic piece was freed. Behind the plastic piece is a small bulb with a blue rubber cover. I pulled out the bulb and replaced it with a Sylvania #74 bulb. Works wonderfully.

I also removed the hazard and defogger switches, and pulled off their front covers. I can see bulbs within the switch but I'm not able to get them out, yet.

Does anyone have any advice for me at this point? Can I get two replacement switches cheaply?

Thanks!

[rmaltz]

This should be my final post and hopefully this will help others in the future.

Based on another post in these forums, the bulbs in the hazard and defogger switches have slotted plastic bases which screw into the switch housing. Simply turn/unscrew the base and remove it. Unwrap the bulb's wires from the slotted base and replace with Radio Shack 272-1092 bulbs. The Radio Shack bulbs are smaller than the originals but they work.

Good luck and thanks to all!