Bulb Recognition

CSpaced · August 4, 2010

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of bulbs I need to replace the burnt out ones in my heater/ac control panel? It's from a 2005 Silverado, see pics.

Thanks!

CSpaced · August 4, 2010

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of bulbs I need to replace the burnt out ones in my heater/ac control panel? It's from a 2005 Silverado, see pics.

Thanks!

Pic of the second bulb...

digitalembrace · August 5, 2010

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of bulbs I need to replace the burnt out ones in my heater/ac control panel? It's from a 2005 Silverado, see pics.

Thanks!

Pic of the second bulb...

If not mistaken the two you show are the same, only one has a blue silicone sleeve over it to give a different color, similar to the ones in my 2004. Actually I am using a head from a 2005 in my truck now as one of the slide resistors got damaged, I just removed the defog button and put in the blank on the face from mine and the harness plug is the same. They obviously are not meant to be user serviceable, as they are soldered to the board. I don't believe the lamps can be had from ac delco, or the dealer, only by getting a new unit or getting a used unit from your local salavage yard or if someone has a unit that failed, you can unsolder and change out the good lamps. Otherwise, I did see someone selling them new in a package of 10 on ebay in case your interested.

CSpaced · August 5, 2010

If not mistaken the two you show are the same, only one has a blue silicone sleeve over it to give a different color, similar to the ones in my 2004. Actually I am using a head from a 2005 in my truck now as one of the slide resistors got damaged, I just removed the defog button and put in the blank on the face from mine and the harness plug is the same. They obviously are not meant to be user serviceable, as they are soldered to the board. I don't believe the lamps can be had from ac delco, or the dealer, only by getting a new unit or getting a used unit from your local salavage yard or if someone has a unit that failed, you can unsolder and change out the good lamps. Otherwise, I did see someone selling them new in a package of 10 on ebay in case your interested.

Thanks for the reply. The bulbs are actually physically different in size, the blue sleeve is on the bigger of the two bulbs. I tested the voltage running through the bulbs, and they are 12v, so a quick trip to Radioshack and I had a couple of replacement 12v lamps (or you could use 12v LED's). If you've soldered anything before then it is pretty quick and easy to remove the old bulbs and attach the new ones. It didn't take long before all the lights were working again.

Now the catch.

In order to open the unit, you have to remove the two plastic knobs that are on the sliders for the dual climate control (none digital version). These things are a bear to remove, and if you are not careful you can damage the actual slider. I think the best method would be to put the slider in the center and use a flat head screw driver to carefully pry off the knob. I used a little more brute force than was necessary, and (you guessed it) I damaged the slider. I tried to repair it, but unfortunately it was toast so I ended up having to buy a new unit anyway. Most expensive light bulb ever!

My suggestion if you have lights go out on this unit, just live with it - its better than having heat only blasting at you when its 110 degrees out!

digitalembrace · August 5, 2010

If not mistaken the two you show are the same, only one has a blue silicone sleeve over it to give a different color, similar to the ones in my 2004. Actually I am using a head from a 2005 in my truck now as one of the slide resistors got damaged, I just removed the defog button and put in the blank on the face from mine and the harness plug is the same. They obviously are not meant to be user serviceable, as they are soldered to the board. I don't believe the lamps can be had from ac delco, or the dealer, only by getting a new unit or getting a used unit from your local salavage yard or if someone has a unit that failed, you can unsolder and change out the good lamps. Otherwise, I did see someone selling them new in a package of 10 on ebay in case your interested.

Thanks for the reply. The bulbs are actually physically different in size, the blue sleeve is on the bigger of the two bulbs. I tested the voltage running through the bulbs, and they are 12v, so a quick trip to Radioshack and I had a couple of replacement 12v lamps (or you could use 12v LED's). If you've soldered anything before then it is pretty quick and easy to remove the old bulbs and attach the new ones. It didn't take long before all the lights were working again.

Now the catch.

In order to open the unit, you have to remove the two plastic knobs that are on the sliders for the dual climate control (none digital version). These things are a bear to remove, and if you are not careful you can damage the actual slider. I think the best method would be to put the slider in the center and use a flat head screw driver to carefully pry off the knob. I used a little more brute force than was necessary, and (you guessed it) I damaged the slider. I tried to repair it, but unfortunately it was toast so I ended up having to buy a new unit anyway. Most expensive light bulb ever!

My suggestion if you have lights go out on this unit, just live with it - its better than having heat only blasting at you when its 110 degrees out!

What did you do with the old one? $5.00 plusI pay full value for surface postage says it's mine unless you are keeping it for parts yourself.