How to change lights on centre console?

Bumpa

Bumpa

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Jun 23, 2017
Points
69
Location
Troon
Model of Z
Z3, 2.2 litre Sport
On my 2002 Z3 2.2 litre, sport, I have two lights out on the centre console - the heater distribution control and the air conditioning switch. How do I get to the light bulbs to replace them?
 
One way of getting to the heater bulbs is by removing the head unit and going in that way. You may need a mirror to see what to do. You'll also get cuts and scrapes on your hands......ask me how I know:whistle:

Not sure about the AC switch, thought it only lit up when you had the AC on...
 
Yep, got those battle scars too @Mint

If you release the whole panel that holds in the heater and fan controls you can angle it back to get a better view of the bulb locations. Taking the radio out is the best way too.
 
Thanks for the link. Very helpful. Does anyone know what sort of bulb that is?
 
The other question is how many heater control lamps are there? Two or three? I might as well change them all once I'm in there.
 
Bumpa said:
The other question is how many heater control lamps are there? Two or three? I might as well change them all once I'm in there.
Click to expand...
There are 2 bulbs on the heater control panel
 
@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??
 
pgunter said:
@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??
Click to expand...
Not seen any. I did change just the bulb on mine by cutting off the old one from the holder and soldering in a new bulb. It worked but was very fiddly and required quite some soldering skill. May be able to do the same with an LED...
 
pgunter said:
@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??
Click to expand...
I haven't ever really looked for them to be honest but no I haven't come across any.
 
Thank you Niall... The search shall continue.
 
All your comments are much appreciated. Next question is - how do I remove the radio? It is a Sony face-off unit as shown in the photo.

Radio.webp
 
s1.webp
I have highlighted the bits where you will need to insert the Sony release keys here

They look like this:
s2.webp

Once in, they will click into place. You then just pull on both at the same time to slide the stereo unit out.

You will then be left with a metal cage. This should just be locked into place by metal tabs that have been bent outwards. Just bend these back in towards where the stereo should be and then the cage will just slide out.
 
Thanks Jjim. I have just ordered a pair from Amazon for 99 pence! With free postage! They are a fiver in Halfrauds.
 
I've always found it easier to undo the 2 screws on the side flap and pull it back out of the way to change the bulbs. You can get a torch in and see what you are doing and it saves scrapping your knuckles or getting your hand stuck in the radio cut out. It quicker as well as the radio doesn't need to come out. You can pop the switches out this way also, or go in under the gear knob gaiter.
 
pgunter said:
@Mint I wonder if we can get LED ones that might last longer.... Anybody come across them ? @Nodzed ??
Click to expand...
I have looked as my ashtray light out couldn't find a direct led replacement.
So i am intending to do plan b which is to break out the bulb and solder an led in its place . Stephen.
 
No probs. I must admit, it goes against the grain having to go to Halfords, and only do when I need something straight away and can't wait for delivery!

Just found this on YouTube about the removal of the heater dials to get to the bulbs - go to about 2mins in.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su0AlvU3Wd4
 
g8jka said:
I've always found it easier to undo the 2 screws on the side flap and pull it back out of the way to change the bulbs. You can get a torch in and see what you are doing and it saves scrapping your knuckles or getting your hand stuck in the radio cut out. It quicker as well as the radio doesn't need to come out. You can pop the switches out this way also, or go in under the gear knob gaiter.
Click to expand...

I've had a look through the side cheek on the left (passenger) side and as far as I can tell one bulb plugs in from behind between the temperature and fan knobs, and the other plugs up from underneath between the temperature and distribution knobs. Am I looking at the right things?
 
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