How tough to get this off ?

[Already Gone]

So want to change the bulbs in my HVAC control to LEDs and can't get my fat fingers, and neither can a buddy, to get at the tiny bulb holder out to pull it out. So thought I could remove the 2 holding screws and push it back so it hangs to get better access to the holders. Tryng to push it back the knob on the bottom slide wont go far enough back, hits AC hose, so figure the knob has to come of the slide or does it ? I gave it a tug but it didnt wanna budge and don't want to break it so do I just need more force to pull it off and wil it goack on tight if I have to use more force to get it off. ?

[Rich72C10]

I can't answer your questions, as I switched those two bulbs to LED when I was replacing the radio and all of the hoses. I also had the glove box out at the time, which is a must if you are messing with the radio/hoses. Getting the two bulbs replaced was still a pain with all that out of the way.

Anyways, once you get them replaced with LEDs - it is a worthwhile change or at least for me it was.

If I ever have to get into that area again, it will be to soon. With AC, as you know, it tight in there!

[dmjlambert]

I don't recommend taking the knob off the slider. The whole unit will come out by sliding it back and tilting it just right, and moving any offending hoses. Those bulb holders are indeed difficult to work with, even with the unit completely removed from the dash and in your hands. Another option may be to remove your seat or seats, and enjoy the spacious cab to lay on your back and work on the stuff up under the dash. At a certain point you have to figure LED bulbs don't gain you anything worth going through that much trouble. I recommend arrive at that point quickly and save changing of those bulbs for when they actually burn out. I put in all LED bulbs, and then took them back out and put in regular bulbs. The LED bulbs just weren't worth it, but that's just my opinion.

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

I don't recommend taking the knob off the slider. The whole unit will come out by sliding it back and tilting it just right, and moving any offending hoses. Those bulb holders are indeed difficult to work with, even with the unit completely removed from the dash and in your hands. Another option may be to remove your seat or seats, and enjoy the spacious cab to lay on your back and work on the stuff up under the dash. At a certain point you have to figure LED bulbs don't gain you anything worth going through that much trouble. I recommend arrive at that point quickly and save changing of those bulbs for when they actually burn out. I put in all LED bulbs, and then took them back out and put in regular bulbs. The LED bulbs just weren't worth it, but that's just my opinion.

Thanks for your response. One of the bulbs is already burny out and I've had LEDs in the dash for 4/5 years now and love em and have tried to remove the HVAC bulbs before with no luck but because one of the bulbs burnt out I figured time to get it done and I will without removing the seats.

[dmjlambert]

Well I would say get a teenager to do it, but they might damage something. So it will take patience and gentle work and a little bit of bodily and facial contortion.

[Getter-Done]

I just took some pictures of one I have.

Here is 1 picture and 5 more on the way.

[Getter-Done]

If you need more Pictures I can send them

[dmjlambert]

Why are you showing those tabs? I don't think they are related to doing anything with the bulbs. I may be missing the point, sorry if that is the case.

[dmjlambert]

Can you show a picture of the back of the controller, where the bulb holders are?

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Attachment 2285469

Attachment 2285470

Attachment 2285471

Attachment 2285472

Attachment 2285473

If you need more Pictures I can send them

Thanks for the pictures and yes as DJ said the tabs are not problem. Once the big phillips screw that hold it in are removed its trying to push it back far enough so the control hangs down so then maybe have an easier time getting the bolb holders out. Yes, a picture of the back of the controller would be great.

[dmjlambert]

I got confused about who was helping who. So the pictures are not from the problem truck, they are just for helping get an idea of what's going on.

[Getter-Done]

One of the bulbs is beside the switch.

[Getter-Done]

The drivers side bulb is beside the switch

[Getter-Done]

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Attachment 2285554

Attachment 2285555

Attachment 2285556

Thanks for the pics.

[dmjlambert]

Those round holes are where the bulb holder pushes in. Pull or pry the bulb holder out of that round hole to gain access to changing the bulb. On mine if I can recall correctly, the bulb holder has a bayonet bulb socket for an 1895 bulb, and the perimeter of the bulb holder has many (or several) fingers that hold the assembly in the round hole of the controller, and those many fingers provide the ground for the bulb. I don't have the original bulb holders for mine, I bought new generic ones, so I'm not 100% sure on how the originals would have worked.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Thanks for the pics.

You're Welcome.

Did you have luck getting those sockets out?

[Casper42]

another option, remove the glovebox innards which will allow you to get your fatty fingers back there a bit easier. this really is an any replacement with "normalish" fingers and recommend just finding someone with small fingers. good luck