96 Camry heat/fan control knobs lights

[dfaragalli]

Anyone know why all my dashboard lights work except the ones at the tips of the heat and fan knobs? I can't figure out where the fuse might be (if there is one) for just these knobs.

[nhparrot]

Originally Posted by dfaragalli

Anyone know why all my dashboard lights work except the ones at the tips of the heat and fan knobs? I can't figure out where the fuse might be (if there is one) for just these knobs.

Probably the bulb in the switch/knob. Believe all the dash lights are on the illumination circuit.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by nhparrot

Probably the bulb in the switch/knob. Believe all the dash lights are on the illumination circuit.

You are correct.

[haroldo]

Hi there,
I am not comfortable 'messing around' under the dash board.
The heat knob (shows the line pointing to the temperature) and the surrounding temperature numbers fail to illuminate...most of the time.
For some reason, every now and then they illuminate (for a few minutes). Since dead bulbs and blown fuses (usually) don't come back to life and then die again only to come back again, I'm going to guess that the bulbs and fuses aren't blown (although I am not an expert).
The lights have illuminated two or three times in the last year.
Any clue on what could cause this behaviour?
Thanks!

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by haroldo

Hi there,
I am not comfortable 'messing around' under the dash board.
The heat knob (shows the line pointing to the temperature) and the surrounding temperature numbers fail to illuminate...most of the time.
For some reason, every now and then they illuminate (for a few minutes). Since dead bulbs and blown fuses (usually) don't come back to life and then die again only to come back again, I'm going to guess that the bulbs and fuses aren't blown (although I am not an expert).
The lights have illuminated two or three times in the last year.
Any clue on what could cause this behaviour?
Thanks!

First thing I would do is replace the bulbs. he vibrations will make them come to life now and then. (its also the cheapest thing to start).
The next thing I would check is the wiring to the bulbs while you in there replacing the bulbs.

[haroldo]

I'm pretty good at changing bulbs in the den and living room, but never did it in the dashboard, is there an easy way to do it...for the novice. Any online explanations? Thanks!

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by haroldo

I'm pretty good at changing bulbs in the den and living room, but never did it in the dashboard, is there an easy way to do it...for the novice. Any online explanations? Thanks!

Here is a pdf on how to take the dash out.
Only USE STEPS 1 -23
There are 2 bulbs for that heater knob control. (bulb # 90069-98004)
Hope this helps.

[haroldo]

Wow!
Thanks...would I need any special tools?

[mustang67408]

DO NOT REMOVE STEERING WHEEL (SKIP STEP 6) the dash will come out, just hold your tounge properly.
Some of the other steps may be unnecessary as well, use your judgement. If it says remove something on the passenger side and you see it does not interfere with the piece your after then skip that step. If in doubt then remove it, beats breaking things.
This is the only documentation I could find showing the heater control removal. It is really for the dash removal.

A phyllips screw driver, 8mm and/or 10mm socket and wratchet w/extension.

[haroldo]

Hey, I'm a little intimidated by some of this stuff, and can see my car in a hundred pieces!
There are a lot of instructions there...which ones should I pay attention to, and which should I ignore, I mean #8 Remove Console Upper Panel, is one that I can probably ignore.
I appreciate your help, but before I destroy my car, I thought I would ask you to hold my hand, thanks!

[mustang67408]

This should get you in the ball park.


7. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN COVERS

10. REMOVE COIN BOX

(a) Press on the sides of the box while pulling the box outward.
(b) Remove the box.

11. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL LOWER PAD

(a) Remove the 2 screws and the coin box bazel.
(b) Remove the 4 bolts, screw and lower pad.

18. REMOVE CENTER CLUSTER FINISH PANEL

Using a screwdriver, remove the panel then disconnect the connectors.
HINT:
Tape the screwdriver tip before use.

19. REMOVE CLUSTER FINISH PANEL

HINT:
Tape a screwdriver tip before use.
(a) Remove the 4 screws.

23. REMOVE HEATER CONTROL

(a) Pull of the heater control knobs.
(b) Remove the 5 screws and hang the heater control.
(c) Disconnect the air mix damper control cable.
(d) Remove the heater control.

[haroldo]

...and one more thing, I own a 96 Avalon...the PDF was for a Camry
I piggy-backed this thread because it was similar to my problem, before I realized that this is a Camry forum.

[mustang67408]

DOH!!
Do you have auto a/c?
This is a whole nother ball game.

[haroldo]

Sorry!
It is the Avalon with the thermostat twist knob.

[mustang67408]

AUTO it is. Good pic. THANKS
It is basically removing the same pieces as the camry.