Centre Console Light dimming/replace

[dspace9]

Hi all,

My centre console's light is dimming. Like not 100% out, but faded to about 3/4 of its strength.

It's the light behind the manual knob hvac controls. Below, and to the right, of the stereo. The left side of the console is fine.

Also the speedometer etc. and all the rest of the interior lights is fine. Any suggestions? I wonder how easy it is to replace a bulb here. Thanks!

[Eggman]

Have you checked the area? It reminds me of a light fixture that either got dirty or got an insect trapped inside.

[dspace9]

Have you checked the area? It reminds me of a light fixture that either got dirty or got an insect trapped inside.

No debris from what I can see. Could be though. It's weird the light is dimmed, but not out out. You would think if it's a bulb, it'd be 100% off or 100% on. So, I wonder if something else is going on.

I should note that if you tap it, the light sometimes comes back on to full power.

It's the orange back light that lights up the 1-4 fan power dial, and the horizontal air flow.

[itschad]

I'm afraid I have no idea dspace9. Bravely though I'd suggest it's new Mirage time.. Go on, spoil yerself.

[Eggman]

I should note that if you tap it, the light sometimes comes back on to full power.

A-ha! That sounds like a incandescent filament that has parted, but the ends are still making contact.

Is it replaceable? I have no idea - I don't think the owner's manual makes mention of it.

[Cobrajet]

I'd be amazed if these cars still had the old school 'rice grain' incandescent bulbs anywhere in the instrument panel, since the instrument cluster uses LEDs. They are soldered right onto the circuit board, if I am not mistaken.

Personally, I suspect it is a connection issue on a circuit board or a failing/defective LED. Might be easier to replace it. Here is a used one for about $35.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-A-c-...temCondition=4

[Fummins]

You can see the back of 2 bulb holders in that ebay add. I don't know if 17' is the same as 14 though. Buttons are different I think, wouldn't doubt if plug is too.

I've been meaning to go find some heater controls in one of my crates oh parts but haven't got there yet.

[dspace9]

Thanks Fummins, Cobrajet, itschad, Eggman. Perhaps the easiest thing is to pop in a whole new panel. Without scratching the crap out of my interior.

Fummins, if you have the part for a 14-16 in your box of mystery Mirage items, please let me know, and we can work something out.

Or maybe I should take itschad's advice, and buy a new Mirage. I won't be buying another Mirage

[Fummins]

I took a look, there are 2 bulbs in the back of the controls. The bulb is likely replaceable and looks kinda like this: https://www.bulbtown.com/8640_Miniat...ase_p/8640.htm I can't copy the pic apparently is copyrighted?
It's got a red/orange condom on it.
To get the heater controls out you gotta start from the top, pull the bezel above the radio off, the unbolt radio, the fight with the heater control cables and the panel just pulls out away from the dash. I'll post pics later today
Managed to steal a pic from that site.

NOTE: this isn't the actual bulb I pulled out, it just looks kinda similar, the leads are fairly long and wrap around the bulb holder making contact with the control panel
Attachment 16975

[dspace9]

I took a look, there are 2 bulbs in the back of the controls. The bulb is likely replaceable and looks kinda like this

Thanks!