01 T & C Climate Control Illumination

[Cntrysthbst]

I took the unit out and took it apart to find all the bulbs blown. They are soldered on. I can resolder but it's just finding them. Does anyone know where I can get them? The dealer said I'd have to buy the whole unit. Maybe radio shack? I need the bulb output if thats the case. Any ideas would be great! Thanks

[MNGolfer]

We have a 2002 Dodge Grand with the digital climate control. Ran into the same problem and this is what I posted from a previous thread.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...e+control+2002

Found a suitable replacement bulb. The bulb is a Chicago Miniature Lamp Type 7646. 14V lamp. I paid $0.55 a bulb. The bulbs are slightly longer than the original, but the diameter is the same and the extra length is not a problem. Replaced all 5 lamps on the A/C control circuit board. The solder on the board appears to be lead free, so it takes a little care to remove the solder and the burned out lamps because lead free solder requires more heat to melt. To remove the bezel around the A/C controls and radio, you first need to remove the trim piece directly above the cup holders. This trim piece is held with clips and simply snaps out. Remove the two screws on the bottom of the bezel. The bezel is also held inplace with clips, so you can pry the bezel off. I used a wooden paint stir stick. The two large connectors on the climate control have a locking tab that must be slid back towards the wires. Then you can depress the tang on the connector to remove them. Torx screws are used to mount the control to the bezel and for the enclosure.

I bought the bulbs off the internet. Paid more for shipping/handling than the bulbs.

[Cntrysthbst]

Good info, will search next time. Thanks, Rob. Will update if I come up with anything else.

[Cntrysthbst]

Ok, how did you find out they were 14 volt bulbs? being theres 4 or 5 total did you find out if its a looped curcuit or 14 supplied to each bulb? Just wondering before buying these bulbs. Seems like on a looped curcuit if one went the others would follow shortly after. Am thinking of pulling 12 volts from the plug/light wire and running the small 12 type. I just dont want to have to do this again. Thanks for your help so far.

[Cntrysthbst]

The reason I ask about the 14 volt bulbs is because I only get 1.10 volts running to all 5 bulbs on the board. In a loop. I don't think 14 volt bulbs will work. Any ideas? Thanks

[MNGolfer]

[quote=Cntrysthbst]The reason I ask about the 14 volt bulbs is because I only get 1.10 volts running to all 5 bulbs on the board. In a loop. I don't think 14 volt bulbs will work. Any ideas? Thanks[/quote

Is your climate control similar to what I described? I doubt the bulbs are wired in series. You might want to check your dimmer control to make sure you have it turned up all the way to bright. On ours there is a detent just before you turn on the dome lights.

[Cntrysthbst]

Will go check

[Cntrysthbst]

Hmmm, got 1.1 or so with dimmer on high, I turn it down to low and I get 5.62 volts, and yes everything dims fine. Theres only one board strip that goes to the bulbs, and that strip supplies the 1.1 volts to the one side of all bulbs, the other side of the bulbs just loop with the right side of the bulb.

EXP- take 2 circles, supply power to the outer circle, 1.1 volts. One side of all bulbs attach to it. Then connect the other side of the bulbs up to the inside circle. Remember, nothing is connected to the inside loop.

Does this help?