Light out in heater/AC control panel

The lights are out in my "fan speed" dial and my "blower temperature" dials, but not my dial that controls which vents are open. I checked all my fuses. Any ideas where the problem might lie?

 

It's a common problem. Tap on the panel..... it'll probably come back on.

I would take the panel out and check the plug. Make sure the main 'plugs' are fully engaged. Unplug them and plug them back in again.

I think I'm the only one on this forum who's experienced a major setback with this. See the thread here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...climate-control-pod-burnt-connection-fyi.html

Overall, I have a used climate control panel. It does the same thing as yours / my previous one....but not 'as bad' as the original one and my connections are 'new'.

 

Update:

My used panel is also going out. With a little tap, it comes back on and stays on for longer periods than my previous unit. And not to mention, my connections are newer.

It is what it is.....$730 is WAY too much to spend for a new part. And even so...how long will that last before it goes out?

 

Jan, I work on things like that at my shop all of the time. If you are up for it, would you be willing to send me your old one and let me take it apart to see what I can do? I used to deal with those micro ribbon cables all the time on small electronics like laptop screens and other LCD screens. If this is a common problem, I may be able to come up with a fix. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks.

 

Sure its not the bulb?

 

If you're willing to take the time - for the sake of finding a 'fix' for the community - I'm up for it.

I have a feeling - if you find a fix - it won't be something your average DIY'r is gonna be able to tackle.

I'm predicting a solder joint - similar to the poor quality in the overhead consoles. They probably used the same electronics manufacturer for both.

When bulbs are burnt out....they're out. If you tap on the panel and the lights come on again - it's not a bulb.

It's a poor connection somewhere.

 

I have the same problem. A light tap and it comes back on

 

Do a led bulb switch.

 

As far as it being the bulbs, did he mention anything about tapping the panel and the lights coming back on? If not, I'd inspect the bulbs first- those control panel mini bulbs are pretty notorious for going out, especially on a first gen that's 10 yrs or so old. I just replaced one in my '04 tacoma and two in my '98 camry.. just my thought..

 

well..sometimes that can be the bulb.tapping on it wiggles the filament around and when it makes contact it can weld itself back together for awhile.see them here at work do it all the time..

 

Mine has been out since 09 lol

 

^^^That.
i see alot of bulbs doing this also.not sayin this is your problem,but bulbs can do this

 

So here's the question.....if my blower motor switch doesn't light on on the Heating/Air Conditioning control panel, the solution would be to pull the panel, disconnect the electric plug connections and reinsert the panel? I have already ordered new bulbs, a set of two from Amazon at a "dirt cheap" price. So again, replacing the bulb is not the solution? If all I have to do is tap on the dial and it lights up, could be a simple loose bulb? Is that even possible?

 

Mine did this and it was the bulbs. Dealer wanted 30 bucks for the two bulbs that go behind there. I got led's instead

Edit: That panel is easy to pull out, it just pops out. Take it off and check the bulbs. There will be two of them that require a flat head. Its like a quarter turn to the left and theyll come right out

 

Very possible, but more likely a bad filament than the bulb actually being loose.
Bad filament = bad bulb.

 

where can i find LED lights for this?

 

Bulbs are the easiest thing to check. If the is a computer board (I've never checked), a cold solder would also cause the problem. Still easy to fix with a soldering iron and handheld gem scope or magnifying glass.

 

to change the three bulbs on an 01-04 you have to take off the back of the HVAC unit (black part) to remove the bulbs and replace. they are Neo4 (4mm) type: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/221/1002/

I need to bite the bullet and buy some since I have shit tore apart right now

 

What kind of lights do I need for My 2010 Tacoma. One of my AC bulbs are out and I just need to get one.

 

might want to check the 2nd gen forums/posts/DIYs