2002 T&C Limted - Climate Control no show!

[ALUVSR]

Hi All,

I have a 2002 T&C Limited AWD with the three zone digital climate control. My problem is that the lighting for the back of the controls on the climate control are not illuminating. The digital readout is fine but the backlighting does not work.

I just installed another used unit, but it has the same problem. Is this a common problem with these units and does anyone know an easy and inexpensive fix?

Thanks

[MNGolfer]

I have the same problem with our 2002 Grand Caravan with the digital climate controls. The background lighting for some of the graphics is gone. The bulb life has probably been reached. Pulled the control and found the lamps are soldered on the board. There are 5 lamps on the board and in the past week, I've had three of the burn out. The lamps are not listed for replacement. Called customer assistance at Chrysler and they said the complete control head needs to be replaced, but they would split the cost with me and my share would be $250. That makes a lot of sense for replacement of a $1 bulb. Not sure if the bulb is a PC74 or not. Great engineering by Chrysler. My local dealer parts guy said the newer climate controls have replaceable bulbs. What a novel engineering idea. Told Chrysler Customer assistance that to even offer splitting the replacement cost of replacing the controls was an insult and they should be embrassed for even offering it. Imagine going out an purchasing a $500 5 bulb light fixture for your home and then find out that if one of the bulbs burns out, you need to replace the complete fixture.

[ALUVSR]

Thanks,

Misery loves company! I am also going to call Chrysler customer service. Wish me luck.

[RIP]

Yup, that's PFTC for Chrysler. Buy some small 12 volt bulbs and a soldering iron. You'll have a big grin on your face when you're done.

BTW - Might want to verify there's not a seperate power feed to the board for the lights. Probably not but, there's one of those little guys sitting on my shoulder whispering "make sure". Might not be the bulbs. Could be a seperate power source at fault. Did all the lighting on the panel go out at the same time?

[ALUVSR]

I bought the van used and did not notice the problem right away. I bought a used unit but it has the same problem. Maybey its not the bulbs? Do you know how to check or what to check for?

Thanks

[MNGolfer]

PC74 is not the correct bulb. Appears to be a T 1 1/4 type bulb 14V. I have ordered some samples to see if they will work.

[MNGolfer]

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.