Heater control illumination

[Pootz]

My heater controls lack illumination so I presume that the bulbs have packed up.
Is this an easy fix or is it a pain in the arse to do?
Also is there anything else that could stop it lighting up ?

All other switches, knows and dials light up as they should.
Many thanks in advance

[Lowrider Dave]

There is only one bulb behind that panel and it's a bit of an arse to do.
It is on my list of 'How to's...' to do and I have the photos, just need to write it up.

I thought someone already mentioned how to do it, somewhere on the forum, perhaps someone can jump in with instructions or a link.

[Pootz]

Cheers.
I'll have another look and see if I can find any mention of it on the forum.

Do you know what bulb I need to.get?

[Lowrider Dave]

Capless T5 I think

Edit: 286, 1.2 Watt wedge (push fit)

[Pootz]

Cheers

[Lowrider Dave]

1. Remove steering column shroud, two screws in face of shroud concealed by steering wheel. Turn wheel full lock left for one (you'll see it) and then right for the other. Three screws underneath shroud - all five are phillips screws
2. Remove shroud and rubber ignition gaiter
3. Remove bottom dial trim - this is very bendy and pliable so don't be afraid to give it a good old tug, it won't break
4. Remove screws for upper dial trim - this definitely isn't bendy but shouldn't require any brute force anyway
5. Left hand screw (again phillips) for upper dial trim also holds heater switch bank in place, you will only need to remove the lower heater switch bank screw (concealed by lower dial trim) on that side
6. Remove clock/DID/MFD/FC - whatever you've got; trim first and then the unit itself
7. Remove two heater switch bank screws behind clock
8. Extract heater switch bank carefully - this doesn't like moving at all so be careful you don't snap anything
9. With a torch if necessary, look inside slightly to the left of behind the heater switch bank, you will see two purple wires - these are attached to the bulb housing unit, I use a long pair of tweezers to extract it, if you have more deft fingers than me then good luck
10. Replace bulb FIRMLY (no sense in putting it all back together and finding it's either intermittent or worse, not working, because it's not secure in the holder); make sure the bulb holder itself is pushed fully home in it's housing and then work your way out ie reverse up the list

Edit: Don't forget to replace your ignition barrel gaiter - you need to take it off in the first place as it's difficult to get it to sit flush when you put the shroud back together

[Pootz]

I think I may just put the torch in the car or leave the heater controls set to hot.
I was hoping it was an easier job than that

[VectraGoVroom]

The job spooked me at first too, but it was really easy once I finally got around to it. Takes maybe twenty minutes. Pull the heater unit forward as far as it'll go, around an inch or two, then use some scissors to pull the bulb holder out. Just get a screwdriver and some scissors and go do it, it's a satisfying fix.

Also, get an LED bulb. The stock bulb is barely visible, at least you'll see something with an LED in there.

[Pootz]

I'll try it but may end up getting someone in to do it due to the old arthritis

[Robsey]

It is a bit of a fiddle and a faff.
Agreed - with your hands, I am certain you will struggle.

Anyway - here is a pointer to get the instrument cluster surround out of the way, so that you can access the screws on the right edge of the heater panel.

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=14748

[Pootz]

Cheers.

[Lowrider Dave]

LOL - that was link I was looking for - well done Robsey!

[Steven715]

It is a bit of a fiddle and a faff.
Agreed - with your hands, I am certain you will struggle.

Anyway - here is a pointer to get the instrument cluster surround out of the way, so that you can access the screws on the right edge of the heater panel.

viewtopic.php?f=70&t=14748

Nice one I will be doing this soon