Backlights for AC unit buttons

[kjrcag]

i posted last month about some of the backlights for the HVAC control buttons in my truck had burnt out.  monday i decided to take apart the dash and look for myself since i could not find a part number anywhere.  

 

The fix is easy:

 

1.  Take off dash cover by pulling it gently around the edges.

2.  Remove the HVAC control unit.

3.  Unplug wires in back of HVAC control unit.

4.  Remove 4 screws on corners of HVAC control unit.

5.  Remove control knobs from front of unit by pulling them.

6.  Remove 2 screws on small circuit board.  

7.  There are 4 of these lamps (i assume only 3 if you do not have the rear defrost option) that are located near the top of the board.  I took a soldering iron and held it to the posts where they were connected on the back of the board and simply pulled them out.  I replaced all 4 so that i maintained equal brightness.

8.  Purchase 4 of Radio Shack part# 272-1154.  It is a 12V, 50mA bi pin bulb.

9.  Hold the soldering iron on the back of the board near the holes for each of the bulbs.  There should still be some solder there.  The soldering iron should heat up the solder and the bulb's pins should slide right through.  I put some soldering flux on the pins of the bulb so that the solder would jump right on them.

10.  Trim off excess material from pin.

11.  Touch up soldering work if bulbs are loose.

12.  I hooked it back to the wiring harness to check and see if they worked before i put it back together.

13.  Put back together and enjoy.  

 

I hope this helps someone else out.  I know i had a hard time trying to find the right bulb to use.  

 

Sorry that i don't have any pics, but i don't have a digital camera.

 

Let me know if you have any questions.