Need HELP!!! the light for my a/c went out How do I fix it???

[SuperSpeedWagon]

Ok check it out about a 2 months ago my light began to flicker where the nobs for the a/c control is (the one where you want the air flow to go) and about 2 weeks it blew out I took my whole thing apart and I saw the bulb and it was blow out. Well I was wondering do I have to buy a whole new set up or can I take it 2 Pontiac and they will replace the bulb, oooorrrr is it an easy 1,2,3 thing I myself can do please I need your info it bugs me at night that one side of my a/c controls is out thanx

[ColonelPanic]

I'll be honest with you, I'd take it to the dealer and just let them do it. This job wasn't fun for me, maybe you'll have some luck, who knows.The bulbs are ~$9 each. The best way to replace them is to remove the entire assembly which is a complete pain in the (removed) to do and I wasn't able to successfully remove the thing without breaking it. The clips broke off so nothing held it in place anymore, and those silly cables that control the airflow and temperature were impossible to remove. The Toyota service manual was worthless for this, for me at least.Rear shot, the sockets are the two circular dark brown parts:Maybe you can get the bulb in there without taking that stuff out (you replace the entire socket, the bulb has to go in from behind, push in and turn sort of thing) but it is risky considering the cost. I dropped one down behind there, there goes ten bucks. It requires A LOT of force to get twisted in there so you'll need some sort of tool to push it in and turn to get it to lock in place.Good luck. In the end, I just ordered that whole piece you see above (that's my broken one.) The thing was $90, well worth it to me to get good clips and good bulbs and I couldn't direct my temperature or airflow properly anymore anyway. It was also nice since I had so much trouble getting the old assembly out, since I had a new one, I could use brute force to remove the old one. That felt gooood!

[DavidPIL]

hey...ugh! The light behind my temperature dial went out 3 days ago too. Was wondering the same thing about replacing it. I think I will take it in. Seems to be too much of a hassleDave

[ColonelPanic]

Try just smacking the crap out of the affected area for a while and see what happens. That would make mine come on every time there for a while. lol! It would be fine until the car sat for a while, next time I got in it the lights would be out, thus requiring further spanking to engage illumination. (removed)!If you're handy, you can probably get this taken care of provided you've got enough patience. I know a couple around here have replaced theirs but can't recall who. They didn't seem to have the same problems as me.

[SuperSpeedWagon]

Thanx alot man maybe I will take it in or even put my own light behind that way i know if that light goes out I can do it myself. lol oh well thanx again take it easy.

[DavidPIL]

Hey Colonel,Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Try just smacking the crap out of the affected area for a while and see what happens.I actually did that and ended up with a bruised knuckle. A light went out in my radio this Winter and the knocking worked there, it didn't work here.Dave

[DavidPIL]

Hey...I'm being told that I can't replace just the bulb - that I have to have the entire assembly replaced, at a cost of around $140!!!You said the bulb was $9, do you have a parts number? They're gonna charge me $70 for labor anyway so I figure I'd try it myself, if I can get the bulb. Let me know!Thanks!Dave

[SuperSpeedWagon]

ITS A MIRICLE!!!!! My light turned back on after a whole month. Last night I was getting in my car and then boom it turn on HECK YES DOGGY lol and it hasnet turn off ever since SWWWWEEEEEEETTTTT.

[DavidPIL]

Hey all...I finally got my bulb from Toyota today... Actually got 2. I figured I'd replace both at one time if it was going to be such a pain to get out. I ended up taking out the stereo along with the panel that houses the plug and the cig lighter and which goes around the shifter.Well, just like CP, I dropped the bulb. Decided not to take the whole HVAC thing out, thought I could reach it through the hole where the stereo was.Luckily, I had the 2nd buld so I decided to try again... and again I dropped it. I was trying to be very careful but while I was trying to get my little screwdriver bit in place, it excaped. UGH!Got a flashlight, say it sitting on what looked to be the piping for the underseat vents. Then I tried a different tactic and yay, got it in! But it just didn't seem to fit quite right. The buld and the plastic housing was different, slightly smaller, but it worked and I am happy...Now, onto looking for the bulb and my screwdriver bit which dropped along with it... Didn't see em anywhere so I thought maybe they got caught in some of the wires. Started looking closely and there they were, both together.... behind the temp selector dial thing. So, I managed to work my fingers behind there, got em out and also found the bulb the Toyota place tried to take out. They apparently dropped it too.Compared the 2 bulbs and they were definitely different though similar enough to work. I didn't replace the other bulb because it was behind the wire that turned the Defrost/AC on. Will save the bulb till I need to change it, I guess...Dealer Est. $140 for AC control unit + $70.99 for laborMy cost . $1.75 x2 for a bulb and an hour of my time.Savings changing a lightbulb myself $207.48 (plus tax)Dave

[Imonaride82]

I have the same problem... not that money or skill to do it either... lol. The AC and fresh air button don't come on, and once in a while, when I move the dial, the air flow one flickers.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by Imonaride82 »The AC and fresh air button don't come on, and once in a while, Here's something incredibly stupid to try but it worked almost every time: Grab the radio bezel from the bottom (right above where the three climate control knobs are) and pull it up, like you would be if you were going to remove the bezel. Then snap it back into place. That was enough to jar mine back into lighting up again, but after a few months that trick stopped working.

[Imonaride82]

Thanks, I will try it!

[lmhansen]

Anyone tried finding LED lights that'll fit? They're supposed to last forever. They may cost a little more, but still more affordable than $200+ at the stealership for such a minor job. I'm having the same problem with the light on the temp. controller. I just give it a whack or two on the side, and it usually comes on...

[DavidPIL]

hi...These are ones that found though still got mine through a Toyota dealer. Not LED though I think there are some LEDs on the page. I think the ones that fit the Vibe are like the 4th one down... http://autolumination.com/74.htm Dave