console backlights

[randersaur]

I drive a '97 Grand Am.
The bulbs behind the fan/heater controls in the center console have gone dark.
I have dismantled the console and found two small bulbs that I assume have burnt out.
These bulbs are wired in parallel, using a yellow and grey wire.
Has anyone experienced something similar???

Is it correct to assume that these bulbs have burnt out?
This are the only lights that are out - I doubt that a fuse is the problem.
Or is there something else that could be causing the problem?

Do the bulbs pull out of the casings? Or does the 'socket' and bulbs need to be replaced together?

Any help would be much appreciated please!!!

[skibum1111]

Welcome. On my 95, the bulbs are replacable, wrap them with tape and gently pull them out with pliers. Take one into the parts store with you as none of the guides I looked in list the part number for the bulb.

[grfnkl]

If the bulbs are real tiny, they are probably the number 94 bulbs, do not confuse them with the 194 which are the sidemarker bulbs, Also becareful with these tiny bulbs they break very easily, and are a pain to get out when this happens.

[randersaur]

I've got my center console all fixed up, with the backlights working like new!

For anyone who experiences the same problem, all I did was dismantle the center console until I could access the 2 bulbs that provide backlighting for the heater controls. My bulbs had both burnt out.

I used pair of pliers to pull the bulbs out from their black plastic holders.
The first bulb broke because I squeezed it too hard - but I simply pulled on the remainder of the filament and I was able to extract the bulb. I was more gentle with the second bulb and it slid right out.

I purchased a package of two #74 bulbs from Canadian Tire for about $4. These are an exact replacement. All you need to do is install the two new bulbs, and then reassemble the console.

I can actually see my heater controls at night now!

Cheers,