Did I lose some dash lights?

[Skibum1989]

hey guys,

I was driving home from the mountains last night when I realized that none of the climate control buttons/knobs were illuminated. This is that little panel below the radio which has the 'fan' dial, temperature control dial, and 'air direction/defrost' dial. Its a 2nd gen explorer. All the buttons around it are illuminated (4wd dial, rear wiper control, rear defrost) and work fine.

Am I crazy or did those lights die on me? I could swear that before they would light up when I turn on the headlights, but I guess its one of those things you dont notice until its gone.

So if I've gone completely insane, let me know. If those dials should be illuminated when the headlights are on, what do you think the problem is? blown fuse? broken circut? dead bulbs?

thanks,
-zach

 

[kfkodiak]

Those should light up. Start with bulbs, then go from there.

 

[Skibum1989]

Ok just checked the fuse, its fine. But thats no great surprise considering the other dash lights work just fine.

Anyone know how to open up that panel so I can access those bulbs?

 

[dogfriend]

 

[dogfriend]

 

[Skibum1989]

wow THANKS!!!
thats really helpful, i'll do this as soon as I have some spare time. The procedure sounds simple enough, but if the bulbs are the problem, are these bulbs widely produced/sold or do I have to get them special from somewhere?

 

[dogfriend]

The dealer will have them; you might also be able to get them at one of the better auto parts stores (e.g. Napa).

 

[Skibum1989]

I tried and could not remove the instrument finish panel. I unscrewed those two retaining screws but it would not budge. Are you sure I'm not supposed to remove the radio as well? If I pull any harder on the finish panel, I feel it will break in half.

 

[dogfriend]

I went out and pulled mine off so you can see what is happening.

After you remove the two retaining screws, there are four "pegs" which snap into holes in the dash. I worked my fingers around the outside edge until I was able to snap them out. I marked the locations in red on the two pictures below. At this point, you have access to the screws that hold the heater controls.

You don't need to remove the radio, but you could do that if it is easier for you. If you want to remove the radio, you will need the tool that goes into the four holes to release the clips that hold the radio in .

 

[Skibum1989]

Are these pegs pulled strait out, like the pegs retaining the mud guards on the front upper wheel wells? or is there some fancy retaining clip? it would be unfortunate for me to pull with all my might only to achive a broken console...

 

[dogfriend]

The pegs are very similar to the ones on the door panels, if you have ever taken those off. They pull straight out.

 

[Skibum1989]

alright I managed to take off the covers and panels and get the bulbs out.

They both have a dark gray coating on the inside tip of the bulb, an indicator of a blowout. The filaments look in tact but tangled and curled.

I'm gonna head to the auto parts store today and see if I can buy some replacements. Thanks for all the help guys!