2002 Corolla - Replacing Light Bulb or Fuse (Indoor Light A/C Control)

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Askic

New Member
#1
#1
Hello to all,

I have a toyota corolla 2002 2.0 D4D (E12). Last night I noticed that part of the board with manual A/C control is without light. This part is marked in the attached picture. So basically like some light bulb behind this manual round button is not working.

Parts that are not "shining" are marked within red circle (this is partly middle control button and right button). All other lights on the car are correct (audio controls inside as well as front and rear light outsides)

I guess there is a light bulb behind these controls. So I have two questions:
1. Is it possible that fuse is bad and if there is a separate fuse for only parts of controls?
2. How to remove the plastic cover to check the light bulb behind?

Thank you.

P.S. I need to do this , but only on newer series of corolla (2003-2008). I guess the procedure is similar but need someone to confirm it and what exactly light bulbs are going inside so I can prepare and buy it in advance.
 

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A

Askic

New Member
#2
#2
I think I have found the bulbs:
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Corolla-Heater-Climate-Control/dp/B00COMENSM[/ame]

can someone help me to specify what are these bulbs and their equivalents (for example Philips), since I'm sure Toyota doesn't manufacture light bulbs.

What other bulbs can be used?

Thank you
 
Donabed Kopoian

Donabed Kopoian

6 Speed Master
#3
#3
Stick with the bulbs types that Toyota recommends (usually they use Sylvania). Others may be significantly brighter than the other ones installed.

It isn't a fuse. All interior lights are tied to one fuse.

I believe on those years, you pull the air speed knob off straight out, and should have access to a screw. The rest is clipped in. I'd look at a manual to be 100% certain though, but it isn't that tough.

Just remember to wrap a screwdriver in electrical tape or invest in body panel removal tools, or you can damage the surface of the panels.
 
A

Askic

New Member
#4
#4
Donabed Kopoian said:
Stick with the bulbs types that Toyota recommends (usually they use Sylvania). Others may be significantly brighter than the other ones installed.

It isn't a fuse. All interior lights are tied to one fuse.

I believe on those years, you pull the air speed knob off straight out, and should have access to a screw. The rest is clipped in. I'd look at a manual to be 100% certain though, but it isn't that tough.

Just remember to wrap a screwdriver in electrical tape or invest in body panel removal tools, or you can damage the surface of the panels.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much Donabed.
First, I'd like to stick to what Toyota recommends but it is very hard, because I would need to drive a lot to get to the official service to buy the bulbs and it's not that worth. Unfortunately, on this web page there are no data what is the voltage, wattage and the base of the bulbs as well as the name of the manufacturer so I need this info to buy the bulb that will fit. It would be good to have the bulbs already prepared so I don't have to pull out existing ones and go to search for similar in stores. Also, the name of the manufacturer is not stated in the toyodiy web page.


Second, it is very valuable info for me that all bulbs are on the same fuse. I'll save time not to check the fuses.

On this video I saw how it is done so your info is correct.

I also found a plastic clips and small levers that can be used in order to avoid damage on the plastic so I think I'll be good.

Right now, only one information is missing and that is the type of the bulbs. Anyway since I'm doing this I'll replace both bulbs (even the correct one) since probably its end of life is also near. On amazon link that I found I cannot see the base and type of the bulbs and since there is no more data I'm not sure what bulbs to buy. I'll try everything tomorrow, and I hope local stores will have the bulbs that will fit.

Right now, for the bulbs I have only this info:
90069-98005 and no more data.

Thank you once again.

P.S.

Maybe the bulbs are need are listed on this web page, but not sure what are he dash board panel bulbs
 
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A

Askic

New Member
#5
#5
Ok guys, status update.

First of all I want to say that I solved my problem. I managed to replace the bulbs (I replaced immediately both of them because it is very likely that the other one will fail soon).

First step was creation of special tool to open the plastic cover without damaging the plastic cover. Tools are shown in this pic


One tool is regular knife wrapped with insulation band and regular tape, a nd the second is plastic holder for the computer hard drive.

So with the help of these tools and you tube video about car stereo removal I managed to open open the plastic cover and this is shown in the following pic.


Then I had very unpleasant surprise, it was almost impossible to take out the bulbs from the front. There were some plastic parts that are redirect the light from the bulbs and it was impossibly to reach them by hand.
Removal of that white plastic part was also out of question because I had to remove the steel cords from manual controls of all three knobs.

Also left and right knob cover didn't want to take off easily so I didn't forced it because I was afraid it might break.
Here you can see the position of the light bulbs


So after cca one whole hour experimenting with different I managed to pull out both of the bulbs. I want to the nearest store and found similar but not exact. I bought 12V, 1.2W T5 bulbs which were approximately 20 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter, while original ones were 18 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter.

I tried to put these ones and somehow after another hour playing and after one light bulb dropped in the area below of manual gearshift not to be found anymore I managed to put two new ones.
For a whole job I spent almost three hours and approximately 4$ and a lot of nerves but I manage to do it. Next time for something similar I'll go the the service.

I hope someone might find this experience useful.

Regards


P.S. Later. I have found this pic on the Internet
. But I couldn't figure out how to dismantle it because it was behind the plastic part with the knobs and it was secure buy the clip system below and somehow on the upper part but couldn't figure out how. So it is possible to take out the part with bulbs for an easy replacement without tweezers but it's not an easy and obvious task.
 
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