Do Your AC/Heat/Fan HVAC Controls Light Up?

[paix247]

Sortly after buying my 2002 NB GLS TDI last month I noticed that the HVAC controls under the radio do not light up. They normally do, don't they?

[Lnzbug]

Yes they do. You need to change the bulb that is located behind the fan control. Turn it to the second speed and pull the knob straight out.Cover the knob with a piece of rubber to protect it. (I used a jar opener gripper) You need a piece of plastic tubing to pull the bulb straight out. I got 1/4 inch diameter vinyl tubing from menards($1). Push the tubing over the bulb then pull out. Bring it to the dealer and they'll know exactly which one to give you. They gave me one free The new bulb just gets pushed in with the tubing. Then put the control knob back in and you're good to go Good luck. If I can do it anybody can.

[paix247]

Cool thanks! I just ordered a LED replacement. I am not a fan of regular bulbs & change to LEDs whenever I can. I hope they work. According to a forum post on vwvortex that I found on google, it should be compatible.

[Lnzbug]

Yer welcome. Make sure you post how it turns out.

[GatorBeetle]

Good Job, L-N!!

[Lnzbug]

Originally Posted by GatorBeetle

Good Job, L-N!!

[iScott]

Nice. My mom's Jetta has the same problem. I'd imagine the process is the same. I'll give it a try. Thanks, Ellen!

[Lnzbug]

Yer welcome

[paix247]

I found the LEDs on superbrightleds.com
They are #74 & I got a white, a red, and a blue, just to see what looks best. Blue will hopefully make purple if its bright enough.

[GatorBeetle]

Keep us posted on that one...my wife would LOVE purple AC controls...she already has a purple lit budvase...and purple accents!

[paix247]

Sure, I'll take some pics as soon as I get it installed.

[ghis]

i got the same trouble, had an hour of useless disassembly to find... nothing
but u resolved the issue

[paix247]

Okay...
One thing about LEDs is that the Light comes out of the very tip of the bulb, rather than all over, like standard bulbs. Also, the red plastic surrounding the bulb blocked most of the light when using colored LED lights, so I ripped out the red plastic with a needle nose pliers & went with a Blue LED. I really like how it turned out.

[GatorBeetle]

hmmm, not going to make the wife happy...but my aftermarket HU is mostly Blue lights...and my accents in the car are mostly blue...I might get some of those!! Thanks for the pics!!

[beetlebug 99]

Yhanks for the Info, unfortunately I did not know you had to turn the know to the #2 position and now my fan will not work.Does anyone know how to change the fan switch? where to get one or how much it costs?

[GatorBeetle]

Here's the instructions...let me know if you need any help or advice, I've done this twice, once on my NB, and for a friend. Mine is still good four years later!.

How To Fix A/C Fan Switch

[alwysfresh]

Do you know if the bulb replacement is the same on an 00 golf? I've seen a similar description in other forums. I tried pulling the middle (fan) knob out in all of the positions but it does not come out. I'm scared to force it too much. How difficult should it be?

[Lnzbug]

I would think it was the same but I could be wrong. Go here and ask them
http://www.dub-tech.com/forums/index.php

[05yellowbeetle]

on my '98 it took quite a bit of effort, it was really annoying because you are trying to keep it covered so you don't scratch it, yet you want the thing to come off.

[Lnzbug]

Originally Posted by 98silverbeetle

on my '98 it took quite a bit of effort, it was really annoying because you are trying to keep it covered so you don't scratch it, yet you want the thing to come off.

That's why I used one of those jar opener gripper things. It worked like a charm, no scratches either.