97 backlight for heater /ac CLUSTER..

[giguchan]

Hey all,
I need to replace the blub that backlights my heat /A/C cluster
What i would like to know.. is the black trimplate(beige inerior) that has the radio/EQ in my case.. does it just un snap? or are there any screws that i have to remove? or does the HEAT/AC cluster by it self just come out?
Thanks.

 

[Rosspbig]

When i replaced my bulbs on my HVAC backlight i had to remove quite a few trim pieces. I started at the center console storage and just un snapped everything working my way towards the radio and HVAC controls. the HVAC control unit is seperate from the radio and is removed by unscrewing 2 (or 3, i cant remember) phillips head screws after you get all the trim pieces removed.

 

[bill9009]

To get to the Climate Control Cluster bulb all you have to do is;
1. Remove the 4 knobs off the ends of the levers, just pull them off.
2. Take a small flathead screwdriver and pry around the outside of the rectangular climate control panel inside the bezel. it will pop right off.
Remove the clear plastic light diffuser and the bulb will be right behind it, there is ONE bulb.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE WHOLE CENTER CONSOLE TO REPLACE THE HVAC LIGHT.

If you have any questions about doing this send me a pm.

Changing this bulb should take no more than 60 secs assuming you have the bulb on hand.

See pic attached, remove things with yellow, the use screwdriver where you see green outline.

 

[giguchan]

Bill,
Thanks for the info. I dont know why i did not get the notification that you sent me this.I'll check my settings. I was able to find out what i needed another buddy helped me out.Everything was just as you said. there was a question as to which bulb i should buy but i was able to narrow it down to 2 bulbs they both work, So i'll keep them both for spares.

Ross,
Thank you for your reply. It was cool of you.

 

[bill9009]

Bill,
Thanks for the info. I dont know why i did not get the notification that you sent me this.I'll check my settings. I was able to find out what i needed another buddy helped me out.Everything was just as you said. there was a question as to which bulb i should buy but i was able to narrow it down to 2 bulbs they both work, So i'll keep them both for spares.

Ross,
Thank you for your reply. It was cool of you.

What bulb numbers did you find for replacements?
I took my old one out but have not found a replacement yet.

 

[Sloan]

can you replace the the backlight on the newer digital cluster? or would you have to replace the whole thing.

 

[Rosspbig]

can you replace the the backlight on the newer digital cluster? or would you have to replace the whole thing.

This is what i was refering to in my first post. I have the digital cluster and Yes you can replace just the bulbs on that.

 

[session_road86]

What bulb numbers did you find for replacements?
I took my old one out but have not found a replacement yet.

I have the same problem on my 97 4Runner. Can you tell me what type of bulb is behind there? Is this any bulb you can pick up at Advance Auto or Kragen or Pep Boys? I've not taken it apart yet without knowing the bulb to replace.

 

[giguchan]

I know what this post is older than the person posting it... but believe it or not the same bulb is out-again... Gonna check the fuse this time. I recently had the Head Unit changed my the Tech Popped the fuse.

 

[laingman]

To get to the Climate Control Cluster bulb all you have to do is;
1. Remove the 4 knobs off the ends of the levers, just pull them off.
2. Take a small flathead screwdriver and pry around the outside of the rectangular climate control panel inside the bezel. it will pop right off.
Remove the clear plastic light diffuser and the bulb will be right behind it, there is ONE bulb.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE WHOLE CENTER CONSOLE TO REPLACE THE HVAC LIGHT.

If you have any questions about doing this send me a pm.

Changing this bulb should take no more than 60 secs assuming you have the bulb on hand.

See pic attached, remove things with yellow, the use screwdriver where you see green outline.

Thanks for the instructions. I manged to find and replace the bulb with one from auto parts store. It was easy enough to pop it out, but I can't for the life of me pop it back in, its an awkward position to work in and I don't think trying to take out the whole thing would work since the wire is so short.

I ended up just let it hang there in in front of the socket, it works OK, but dont know so hard to install bulb into socket.

 

[giguchan]

I'm sorry,
I thought that I updated my last post... I did in fact replace the bulb thanks so much for the reply. I have gone thru 2 bulbs since I drove it off of the lot back in 97'. I just forgot how I replaced it. I hope that the infoyou provided will help someone when it is their turn to replace the bulb.

I just wish I could replace the WHOLE HVAC cluster to the "rotary" controls...
think that started in the 98, 99 models...
Thanks again.

 

[JB_Runner]

Bulbs still not working

So I switched out my bulb with an LEd because it wasn't working. And when I went to check it still didn't work.

Does anyone have an idea on what the problem could be?

 

[StreetCreeper]

So I switched out my bulb with an LEd because it wasn't working. And when I went to check it still didn't work.

Does anyone have an idea on what the problem could be?

Reversed polarity perhaps?

 

[giguchan]

Could be polarity.
I never knew there was a LED fix for that. when my Bulb went bad I just replaced it with the OEM and was done with it.

Let us know how it works out.

 

[Daretofish]

Good info!

To get to the Climate Control Cluster bulb all you have to do is;
1. Remove the 4 knobs off the ends of the levers, just pull them off.
2. Take a small flathead screwdriver and pry around the outside of the rectangular climate control panel inside the bezel. it will pop right off.
Remove the clear plastic light diffuser and the bulb will be right behind it, there is ONE bulb.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE WHOLE CENTER CONSOLE TO REPLACE THE HVAC LIGHT.

If you have any questions about doing this send me a pm.

Changing this bulb should take no more than 60 secs assuming you have the bulb on hand.

See pic attached, remove things with yellow, the use screwdriver where you see green outline.

This helped me big time! I want to buy you beers!

*one thing to avoid is the center bulb socket on mine ("98) pushed through the housing when I was installing the bulb, some very careful work got it back without pulling everything out.

 

[LifeIsStout]

I just replaced mine the same way, but I did use LED lights. And I had put one in 'backwards'. You just have to flip them around. I was able to test to make sure they were working by just turning on the Headlights.

 

[Velasqs93]

i need help

im not 100% sure if the bulbs are blown but if it were to be the fuse i need to know which one is it im not sure which fuse should i replace

 

[giguchan]

I would kill for ROTARY HVAC controls...

 

[Daretofish]

Replaced bulbs, still won't work

Hey guys, this worked for my 4Runner, but my buddy's is still not working after bulbs. I used the Toyota OEM, he used #74 as mentioned on another thread. any Ideas?