ac/heater knob lights not working.

[jbhvr6]

I've got a b4 passat wagon and for some reason the lights for the ac/heater knobs don't work, along with the ashtray light, and half of the radio lcd backlight :... I've checked all the fuses and not one of them seems to be blown I guess it could be the bulbs, but what are the chances of all of those being out at the same time? I guess its possible but I was just wondering if anyone has had this same issue and if they were able to fix it.

[Venkman]

probably wiring, bad ground or something. my jetta lights would only work after i punched it.

[izzo]

The light for the whole HVAC panel is only one bulb, right behind the middle knob.
You pull that middle knob straight out, squeeze it well and pull hard.

The ashtray light is on a light bar, you may have to remove the ashtray and the HVAC panel front plastic cover/trim
to get easier access to it. The bar is held on a clip, you just pull it out.



The green part is where the bulb is; use a straightened paper clip or a needle to push the bulb out;
once you remove the connector, you will see the tiny hole behind the bulb.

[koolkevin43]

The light for the whole HVAC panel is only one bulb, right behind the middle knob.
You pull that middle knob straight out, squeeze it well and pull hard.

The ashtray light is on a light bar, you may have to remove the ashtray and the HVAC panel front plastic cover/trim
to get easier access to it. The bar is held on a clip, you just pull it out.



The green part is where the bulb is; use a straightened paper clip or a needle to push the bulb out;
once you remove the connector, you will see the tiny hole behind the bulb.

I hate that little ashtray light bar... it never wants to stay in place.

You said only one bulb lights up the HVAC controls? what would cause just my fan speed switch not to light up?

[izzo]

Yes, only one bulb for all the HVAC knobs; light is being distributed by bars similar to the one above - except round.
Pop the bezel around the knobs and you will see what I am talking about.
Bulb is in a holder attached to the back of the the center knob.

[jbhvr6]

oooookayy, I've seen this little guy before. are the bulbs pretty readily available?

[izzo]

IIRC, I got the bulbs for both my B3 and le girlfriend's MK3 from RadioShack.
Just bring the old one with you.

[jbhvr6]

So I just took the bulb out and tested it with the lighter socket, and whaddya know it lit up nice and bright... Soo I assume I must have some kind of wiring issue back there... guh

[izzo]

I hate that.