Instrument Panel Lights & Heat/AC Control Lights

Hello, I've a 1996 Grand Prix SE 3.1 (227K miles). I'm having problems with instrument cluster lights and heat/AC control lights. Initially, the light for the heat/AC control went dim on the side where you select the output or flow of the heat/air. The light for the air temp (where you select blue or red) still works. Now i noticed the light for the fuel gage has gone out and part of the light on the right side of the odometer is out. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this and if so, how did you correct it? Are there separate lights in the instrument cluster for the various gages and the heat/ac control assembley? Could the the problems with the instrument cluster lights and heat/ac control assembly lights be related to a problem with the alternator? I'm just curious as I have NEVER had this problem before. I would really appreciate any assistance for it is terrible driving around in the night or early morning with no instrument cluster lights/heat&ac control lights. The last thing I want to do is take this vehicle to a shop or dealership.Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays to everyone!

yes, sounds like just the bulbs. Its a 96 with 220,xxx miles. The bulbs have been on a long time. The instrument cluster bulbs shouldnt be a problem to replace. The one on the hvac controlls is most likely soldered to the pcb board and is most likely not a DIY job unless you have paitience and advanced soldering skills.

Thanks for responding, I will try to get around to replacing the bulbs once I figure out how to remove the instrument cluster panel and find some extra time to do so.


yes, sounds like just the bulbs. Its a 96 with 220,xxx miles. The bulbs have been on a long time. The instrument cluster bulbs shouldnt be a problem to replace. The one on the hvac controlls is most likely soldered to the pcb board and is most likely not a DIY job unless you have paitience and advanced soldering skills.