[StinkhornPress]

The HVAC panel doesn't have lights behind it.

Q1. What am I looking for here (attached pic)? How much deeper do I need to go, how do I get there?

Q2. I managed to get the HVAC area wood trim piece off (2 screws lower, pull off fan setting knob, pull trim bottom edge out, wiggle/finesse it off the fan setting) .... the reverse of that isn't working, feel like I'm about to break something - any special tricks, knowledge? did i skip a step?

 

[dolucasi]

You've already gone too far. None of those pieces are meant to be removed before the center console is removed.
Probably broke the plastic tab behind the fan control.

You should remove the center console before any further damage. There are plenty of instructions on that on youtube.
It is a 5 minute job. Once taken out you will need to most likely replace the bulbs in there.

 

[partnumber187]

I've removed the HVAC controls to change a bulb w/o completely removing the console. While I don't remember the locations of the screws required to get it out, I do remember that everything was pretty obvious. My only disclaimer here is that my car had a 2-din stereo kit installed when I got it, so I'm not positive that something hadn't been modified near that area but I don't think so. Start by removing those screws by the fan switch and the cassette holders and look all around and underneath for any other visible fasteners. There's a cover on the top of the HVAC control unit that needs to be unlipped to expose the two bulbs.

Funny also, one of the other reasons I was in there was to place the same piece of elec tape on that area that light creeps out from behind the wood next to the three vertical buttons on the right.

To get the wood fascia piece back in takes a bit more finessing than the removal. But I've done it a couple times successfully, so be confident. Oddly the first time it just went in effortlessly, but the next time took some doing. The kinda flange/lip thing that goes into the fan switch needs to be positioned in there first as you stick the top in under the vents or else it won't go in flat. Be mindful of what position the fan switch is in while you do this. It needs to be towards the side of that piece I'm talking about is shortest to get the most play.

 

[dolucasi]

pn187 is absolutely correct, the console does not need to be completely removed, just moved forward to get to the back of it.

This guy shows you how in 3 minutes flat, very clearly.

I've done it about half a dozen times as I changed my pre-90 console to a post-90 version, replaced airflaps behind there, replaced the entire dash, etc. etc. It is really easy after you do it the first time.

The tricky part is to be careful when you are pulling out the vent pieces. The spring loaded plastic in the corners (behind the vents) tend to break after so many years of use. Miraculously mine are still in tact after so many removals but every junk car I attempted to remove had the plastic either broken or they break when I pulled them.

Cheers!

 

[partnumber187]

Yeah, that would definitely make it easier to get that piece on and off. To remove the vents I use a pair of pick tools and pull both sides out at the same time kinda upwardly. The first time I tried to use covered pliers I marred the slats, but that vent was loose and needed changing anyway.

 

[StinkhornPress]

You've already gone too far. None of those pieces are meant to be removed before the center console is removed.
Probably broke the plastic tab behind the fan control.

You should remove the center console before any further damage. There are plenty of instructions on that on youtube.
It is a 5 minute job. Once taken out you will need to most likely replace the bulbs in there.

i thought i had replied to this. apparently not.

yes, doing what i did should have broken the 2 large plastic tabs on either side of the fan speed control. somehow it didn't.
It's been in and out a couple of times now. shoulda you tubed it first.

there are 4 (?) bulbs back there (including the cigarette lighter bulb). I bought 2 so I'll needs get back in there again. are any of the tiny bulbs that fit ok, or do i need a specific one?

TO PULL the vents - an L shaped allen wrench is WAAAAAAy easier than a rag and pliers. insert horizontally, turn vertically, pop one side out at a time.
most of the little bits of wire that act as a spring are missing on mine, so they all flop down at different bumps

 

[partnumber187]

You could probably put a small dab of JB weld or some other durable epoxy on the side of the vent to give it some grab.

The bulbs are all the same as far as I know, except the PRNDL specs a frosted bulb. I bought and installed one, then went back to the regular clear type because I felt it was too dim. I always try to replace lights in sets so that there is no difference in color or intensity in addition to the while I'm in there factor. They're kinda expensive from AutoZone, PepBoys, et al if they even stock them, so throw some on an online parts order when you can.