Temp Control Panel Lighting

[polvadis]

How is the temperature control panel lit from behind? Half of mine went dim over the weekend. I haven't taken it apart yet, but it seems since the left side is lit there must be 2 bulbs located behind there and one went out.

Also, the funny thing is my girlfriends 2001 Celica has had this problem for about a month now and the panel closely resembles that of a 4Runner, should it be the same "bulb" change?

Thanks for any info.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

if you have manual controls, just pull off the knobs and fan speed piece and then pull the bezel off. No screws to remove.

 

[azacher]

How would I do this on a 99 with climate control?

 

[MTwEeZi]

How would I do this on a 99 with climate control?

http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=70183

 

[azacher]

Dude, thanks! That is an excellent article...



P.S.
Go Astros!!

 

[polvadis]

Well, mine was an even easier fix. I decided to go for the "Polish" way of fixing things and just gave it a good bump... and it lit back up. I figured maybe I moved something the wrong way while messing around with my CD player wires.

I did however have to take my girlfriends apart and found the same two led-like bulbs as shown in the article posted above. Turns out taking a Celica apart is just as easy as the 4Runner.

 

[nserpa9248]

yea they are just simple little bulbs with green sleeves over them to give them the green color..

 

[p nut]

Yeah, I had to get 2 new bulbs for my 02. They were $5/bulb from the dealer. You cannot get these from an auto parts store, because the plastic mounting piece does not separate from the bulb.

I do remember that when one went out, I tapped on the knob and the light came back on. But it went out again a couple of days later...for good. It's not hard at all to change out, thankfully. I did it from start to finish in 10 minutes. (if that).

Here is what I'm wondering. I think the green backlighting is uuugly. I wonder if the amber bulbs from the 4th Gen's fit? (which would be the most ideal) Or if there is a place where I can get red/amber "condoms" to fit over the bulb. The green ones just pop out. I'd like to do that with the instrument cluster, too. Anyone do this?

 

[nserpa9248]

im almost wondering if there is a way to "dip" the bulb in a semi transparent plastic or paint and have it do the same effect in the color of you liking.....Im thinking about getting some cheap clear 12v bulbs and testing out how to make the color different..

 

[ruinit3]

im almost wondering if there is a way to "dip" the bulb in a semi transparent plastic or paint and have it do the same effect in the color of you liking.....Im thinking about getting some cheap clear 12v bulbs and testing out how to make the color different..

let us know how that turns out. i'm very interested to see if that works since i'd love to get rid of the ugly green backlight. although i do have a single din nav system with the flip up screen that blocks my ac panel but still

 

[4runnersurf]

Some of the members over at yotatech changed their ac panels with #74 bulbs and their instrument panel with 194 bulbs. Looks good, I'm going to do it when I get a chance

 

[nserpa9248]

yea..ill try it when im done doing a RAP (retained accessory power) system in my car..