HELP! Selling 4runner but have Climate control LCD Backlight Issues!

[dannycwu]

First of all thanks for viewing my thread!

I purchased some Radioshack 12V Microlamps (recommended from this post) to re-illuminate my A/C control center joystick knob, and it worked like a charm. However when I replaced the center A/C control unit, the LCD backlight only had half of it working. I removed it to see if one of the two bulbs was burned out--which one was, but when I replaced it the whole LCD backlight went out--even it only looked like one bulb was out when I inspected them.

No problem I figure...I went to the local Toyota stealership and bought a new bulb part# 9001009017 and although it looked identical from afar, the bulb differed from the original because it had two filaments instead of just one.

Reinstalled the good old one and good new one and still no backlight. :cry2:

Could this be a problem with the circuit board power or? The unit was working fine until I replaced the joystick control with the Radioshack replacement bulb.

I read somewhere that you could replaced the LCD backlight with a 6V bulb from Radioshack, and a different post recommending you replace the joystick one with a 12V one. Could this be the problem?

Please help me as I am in the process of prepping my 4runner for a sale. It's been great to me but I need more MPG. I have an 05 4runner Sport V8 4WD.

Thanks in advance!

:guitar2:

 

[cdoyle]

First of all thanks for viewing my thread!

I purchased some Radioshack 12V Microlamps (recommended from this post) to re-illuminate my A/C control center joystick knob, and it worked like a charm. However when I replaced the center A/C control unit, the LCD backlight only had half of it working. I removed it to see if one of the two bulbs was burned out--which one was, but when I replaced it the whole LCD backlight went out--even it only looked like one bulb was out when I inspected them.

No problem I figure...I went to the local Toyota stealership and bought a new bulb part# 9001009017 and although it looked identical from afar, the bulb differed from the original because it had two filaments instead of just one.

Reinstalled the good old one and good new one and still no backlight. :cry2:

Could this be a problem with the circuit board power or? The unit was working fine until I replaced the joystick control with the Radioshack replacement bulb.

I read somewhere that you could replaced the LCD backlight with a 6V bulb from Radioshack, and a different post recommending you replace the joystick one with a 12V one. Could this be the problem?

Please help me as I am in the process of prepping my 4runner for a sale. It's been great to me but I need more MPG. I have an 05 4runner Sport V8 4WD.

Thanks in advance!

:guitar2:

Are you sure the bulb leads are making good contact to where it twists into place? Not sure about the dual filament bulbs, seems odd but maybe found it cheaper to just use that 1 bulb for multiple purposes.

 

[00328]

I recently replaced both bulbs in my LCD screen with Toyota 90010 09017 same as you. One side of my screen was dark (this is the second time) and this seemed to be a common complaint.
It looked to me like Toyota changed the contacts in the bulb, but I didn't notice if it had 2 filaments. Because of the new contacts, the bulb does not twist all the way in like the old bulb, but it twists in good enough.
I would ditch the Radio Shack bulbs and get the Toyota stock bulbs for the LCD and also replace the bulbs behind the fan control, A/C control, and vent postion control.
Just bite the bullet and do it, you start mixing stock bulbs and bulbs of questionable quality, you're just asking for problems.

 

[crazeazn]

How do you take apart the console to reach these lights? one of my bulbs went out and half of the display is dim.

 

[dannycwu]

4runner sold in August...I'll try to remember...

I sold the 4Runner in August, but from what I remember open up the compartment directly below the radio that you push to open. While it's open pull up on it gently to take it out of it's slot. You will then see one philips scew there that you need to take out. Next grip under the climate control and pull straight backwards to "pop" out the connectors. You may have to pull hard, but it's ok because the console is set this way with compression type connectors. Then disconnect the electronics harness and whoala it's out.

The bulbs are inserted with a twist mechanism. You need to turn them counterclockwise if I remember correctly, and when you replace the bulb you need to transfer the "bulb condom" from the old one to the new one. You'll understand when you see the bulb.

I made the mistake of trying to save a few bucks with Radioshack bulbs. Just get the factory bulbs (much more expensive) because they work fine.

Also, search the forum for this topic. I think someone has pictures of this.

Good luck. I loved (miss) my 4Runner!

 

[Jeff T]

I made the mistake of trying to save a few bucks with Radioshack bulbs. Just get the factory bulbs (much more expensive) because they work fine.

QUOTE]

I replaced all the center dash bulbs with ones from Radio Shack, no issues whatsoever... Same bulb in everyone...

Dealer is such a PITA as they never stock any.