a/c panel lights

[mjb]

On my D8 the temperature, recirc, and a/c buttons on the centre console aren't illuminated. Is this by design or due to a dead bulb? It's something I only noticed the other day despite the fact I've been driving this car for over a year now... It's the digital panel btw.

I've looked on the parts cd but unlike the trip computer display (wish it had the trip comp wiring!) it doesn't seem to mention any bulbs... D8/IB67E01A

[Captain Jack]

Hmm I don't have the digital readout, but I do have illumination on the AC and air recirculation buttons

[Blue406]

On my D8 the temperature, recirc, and a/c buttons on the centre console aren't illuminated. Is this by design or due to a dead bulb? It's something I only noticed the other day despite the fact I've been driving this car for over a year now... It's the digital panel btw.

I've looked on the parts cd but unlike the trip computer display (wish it had the trip comp wiring!) it doesn't seem to mention any bulbs... D8/IB67E01A

Dead bulb(s)
Its not too difficult to sort, you just need to know how to first.
If you can wait a week or two, I'll try and get a photo tutorial sorted for you.

You have to take the top part of the console off before you can get at the air control panel.

[mjb]

Cheers. From what I can recall the stereo/fascia needs to come out as well.

Electrical stuff I'm not too bad with, even if it's a surface-mount LED I'd still be happy changing it, I really just wanted to know before I attack it if those buttons were actually supposed to be lit and if I can simply get a new bulb from the stealers like i did with the dash/trip comp lights or if I'll have to botch something together from Maplins, a soldering iron, and a big hammer

[Blue406]

Cheers. From what I can recall the stereo/fascia needs to come out as well.

Electrical stuff I'm not too bad with, even if it's a surface-mount LED I'd still be happy changing it, I really just wanted to know before I attack it if those buttons were actually supposed to be lit and if I can simply get a new bulb from the stealers like i did with the dash/trip comp lights or if I'll have to botch something together from Maplins, a soldering iron, and a big hammer

They're the mini bayonet type bulbs like the dashboard uses.

As a matter of fact you don't need to rip everything out. The fascia of the Air con panel clips onto its housing. Remove the dial handles and the little nob for the fan speed and once you've removed the mutli functional screen and the hazard, etc, buttons, you should be able to unscrew the aircon unit enough to manipulate the 3 hook and eye clips on the top and button edges of the fascia.

Once you've done that, unscrew the perspex light distributer and you now have access to the bulbs which you carefully pull out with bottle nosed plyers. I think its 6 bulbs altogether, but grab 8 or 10 so you have enough.

The bulbs are connected on such a circuit that should one fail, 1 or 2 others go with it as it distrupts the circuit. So its best to replace them all at once.

[mjb]

Another issue's forced my hand on this...

I note your description is for the analogue a/c panel. It's evidently not so easy with the digital one. Firstly, the lot has to come out. Stereo fascia needs pulling out to get at the 2 lower screws and the upper button panel to free the top side. For those who've not taken it off before, there's 2 screws on the half-button to the left of the button panel which just pops out and 2 more behind the large LCD panel, which can be eased out (no clips on that one).

The a/c panel will then pull out. You don't have to disconnect the 2 connectors going into the back of it (which incidentally need some "persuasion" since they're a damn tight fit!) but you'll thank me for it if you do!

The lights are underneath a little clip-on cover on the top.

Pictures with the cover removed:





You'll need incredibly small yet strong fingers to deal with the awkward access you have to the bulbs, so make sure you've got a decent pair of pliars handy! Whatever you do watch out for the ribbon connector too!

I did have a look at attacking it from the front but it's a no-go. There are 6 thin plastic clips which want to break themselves, and then generally no clear access to the bulbs.

Sorry for the crap pictures, they were taken with my phone where the only illumination was an incredibly bright spot-lamp I keep in the boot...

[neildavies]

Do yourself a favour and change all of them while it's all out.

[mightymouse]

hey mjb, i am hoping to change mine too where did you get them bulbs? also is it ok to change it to a different colour? Mine works fine but when i turn on the headlights it goes off. every now and then it comes on but i think its gone.

Any other pics will be helpful too


Cheers

PS Thanks for the note

[Mandalinci]

Hi...I've just done this job and it really is pretty straight-forward.
1. Remove the clock and left hand switch cover (alarm LED). I used a couple of ordinary dinner knives. Remove the 4 torx screws that are revealed. Best to disconnect the multiplug on the clock.
2. Remove the radio console. Release holes are under the tape flap. I used a couple of precision screwdrivers to release the security clips. This allows access to remove 2 further torx screws which should now be removed.No need to disconnect the radio.
3. Centre panel will now lever out easily.
There are 7 bulbs in total and these simply twist out ( long nosed pliars needed unless you're very nimble fingered). The bulbs then just pull out of the holders. From memory the bulbs are BB 286 and are about £3 for a pack of 10 from any decent motor factors. (probably £10 from Halfrauds).
5 out of 7 of the bulbs on mine were blown yet the display was still sort of working.

[mjb]

hey mjb, i am hoping to change mine too where did you get them bulbs? also is it ok to change it to a different colour? Mine works fine but when i turn on the headlights it goes off. every now and then it comes on but i think its gone.

See viewtopic.php?t=1707

Changing to a different colour would be ill-advised since the bulbs are white, and pass through a red/orange filter.

Any other pics will be helpful too *SNIP*

Don't put your email address in forum posts, it'll land you a stack of spam (PMs are ok though). If I were you, I'd edit it out of your post ASAP...