replacing bulbs behind temp controls

[gotsquat]

The Radio Shack bulbs work just fine for a whole lot less $$$. The only extra step is using the original bulb base with the RS bulb. I did mine about 6 months ago, and it was very satisfying to sidestep the dealer all together!

[nipper]

Originally Posted by soloz2

I found the instructions. I'll have to try and make it to a Subaru dealer to pick up the bulbs, I couldn't find a list with part numbers, so I'll have to trust the dealer to get it right. Unfortunately the nearest dealer is a but over an hour away.

The connnector is either loose or needs the contacts cleand, It is simple.

[soloz2]

Originally Posted by gotsquat

The Radio Shack bulbs work just fine for a whole lot less $$$. The only extra step is using the original bulb base with the RS bulb. I did mine about 6 months ago, and it was very satisfying to sidestep the dealer all together!

Do you know the part numbers of the bulbs I'll need? Radio Shack isn't a 5min drive down the road for me so I don't want to take everything apart, pull the bulbs put it together go to RS find bulbes come home and take everything apart again. For me I'd rather get the bulbs from the dealer come home and install IMO.

BTW, does anyone know if the display on the radio has a bulb behind it? all the buttons glow but the display does not. I'm just wondering if that bulb burned out too.

[gotsquat]

Originally Posted by soloz2

Do you know the part numbers of the bulbs I'll need? Radio Shack isn't a 5min drive down the road for me so I don't want to take everything apart, pull the bulbs put it together go to RS find bulbes come home and take everything apart again. For me I'd rather get the bulbs from the dealer come home and install IMO.

BTW, does anyone know if the display on the radio has a bulb behind it? all the buttons glow but the display does not. I'm just wondering if that bulb burned out too.

Originally Posted by djpadko

I just completed mine with Radio Shack part# 272-1092, the package contains 2 bulbs with long wire leads (the bulbs are a little smaller than EOM but they work) and I paid just $1.79/pk. The dealer (Loman Subaru) quoted $4.29/bulb.

The entire job took less than 1 hour including threading the bulbs into the old sockets. It's not as difficult as I first thought and I saved on about an hour of shop labor.

Tip: I magnetized the phillips-head of the screwdriver - no lost screws.

There are three bulbs for the HVAC control, and one for the hazard light switch (if that's out too). These bulbs will also work on the cruise, defrost, and other switches on the right and left of the steering wheel.

Go to this link for a thorough step by step pictoral:
http://www.scoobymods.com/legacy-hva...-t91.html?t=91

[soloz2]

Alright, Will try to head to RS today on my lunch break to see if I can pick up some of those bulbs.

[soloz2]

Well the RS bulbs go into the stock sockets just fine, by the time I did the 3rd one they were looking just as good as the factory ones. I'll have to wait until dark to see how it looks now, but the car was kinda dirty when we got it and taking it apart made things so much easier to clean so well worth it IMO. I also replaced the bulb in the hazzard switch.

However, I broke one of the little retaining clips holding the temp cable. Does anyone know what size I'll need to pick up? I can swing by Lowes today to get one.

[soloz2]

I just wanted to say that I loved being able to see the temperature controls and hazzard button last night! Before the dash was just dark ever since we got the car earlier this summer. Thank you to those who helped with the PN and for putting this thread together!
I was able to pick up a replacement retaining clip so I'll have to take everything apart later this weekend to replace the clip, but it works for now.

Now, if I can get the LCD backlight to work on the radio everything will work! Eventually I plan to put an aftermarket stereo in, but for now I'm stuck with the stock radio/tape unit.

[gotsquat]

It's funny how something so basic could bring so much satisfaction. I felt the same way when I got mine replaced. Congratulations!

[vanman]

Anyone look at getting LED's ??? would last much longer, yes I am that lazy Vanman

[hero2zero]

I've tried to follow this thread in order to replace the burned out bulb behind my temp control. But, the Radio Shack bulbs are too small and frankly do not fit my 2000. The dealer quoted me $10.30 each --and claimed there are three bulbs in my climate control cluster, but I only see two. I can't seem to find anyone other than the dealer who sells this item. It looks like this bulb, only smaller with a green coating. Any ideas on what fits or maybe a model number?