Instrument Lights

[mr.explorer]

I have an 06 Eddie Bauer and on my center console, the fan speed, and half of the temp gauge (for hot and cold) are a lot less brighter then the other half. Everything else works except this section. I was told that the lights are LED so i can't just replace a bulb. I took my car to a car audio shop and they pulled my center console(where the radio is) off and it started working. He said the wire was unplugged.
The next night i noticed it would go from bright to dim and depending on the fan speed. I would be it on four and go to 1 and back to 4 and i would eventually come on but as soon as i changed fan speed it would go off. when i turned my air off, it would turn on like normal.
I am going to attempt to pull the center console off to see if i can see any wires, my question is what wire should i be looking for? i don't have the money to replace the LED lights.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill

 

[mr.explorer]

Any suggestions?

 

[Bill Kemp]

I dont know what wire color you would be looking for but it sounds like the wire that should be for dash lights has been connected to the fan speed control. Find out which color wire lights the dash and make sure its hooked to the control lights.
Far as I know there were no LED lights used in a 96X.

 

[mr.explorer]

I have taken my dash apart several times trying to find the problem. I seems that the 3 dials (fan speed, temp) location of air) all have a group of wires that go to them. I have played with every wire and to no avail, I have not been able to find if a wire is loose and that's what causing my problem. It would be safe to say its not. My dad suggest that it may be a switch in the dial for the temp control and fan speed. Does anyone know how to check and see if the switch is bad? Also how would i go about and replace the switches in the dial.
Thanks in advance for you help!

Bill

 

[mr.explorer]

Help!!!

 

[Neil1750825]

You can just use a multimeter and check continuity between spades. By doing so, you should be able to identify which spades are part of the switching and which are involved with the lighting. Also, find a wiring diagram to assist you in keeping things organized.
Hope this helps.

 

[mr.explorer]

Neil thanks for the response. I have finally determined after pulling the whole damn dash apart that a bulb is bad. When you unscrew the part that hold all 3 dials the the console, you can pull apart the plastic box to see the bulbs and green board. Well on the board there are 2 bulbs. One was not always working and the other was. I pulled the bulbs, switched and the one that was not working, was not working in the other spot therefore i determine the bulb was bad.
question is where do i find a replacement. I have looked online and cannot find out the size of the bulb. My owners manual does not say anything. it says to see an authorized dealer about the bulbs.
i want to go to an autozone and buy one and put it in myself.
Does anyone know the size??

Thanks

 

[PedroDaGr8]

If it is a specialty bulb then autozone will direct you to the dealer. I know that from my current car. Hda the bulb in the cruise control switch go out, they sent me to the dealer because it was not a standard bulb.

 

[Neil1750825]

Man, I posted that exact comment almost this morning. Too bad. I wanted to look like the smart one, Pedro. Must not have been published. Must have clicked the wrong button or closed out too fast. HAHA. He's right though. Go with Pedro's process. My money is on the specialty bulb option though. Doubt they will have something that specific on hand. Good luck.

 

[Bill Kemp]

&/or try Radio Shack. They have some small bulbs that may work.

 

[mr.explorer]

Just wanted to update everyone. I replaced the bulb with a Sylvania 37 bulb.

I am looking to turn my gauges blue as opposed to the green. I was told that possible just swapping out the bulb for a blue one might do the trick. I was just informed by auto zone and advanced auto parts that that particular bulb is not made in blue.

any other suggestions as to how to get my gauges blue? I see green film and i am wondering if just putting say blue film there would do the trick? what is everyones thoughts. I am really interested in making the gauges blue so any help would be appreciated.