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Old 01-04-2002, 02:54 PM
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ACC Illumination?

Does the Temperature Selector on the Automatic Climate Control illuminate when the lights are turned on? On my '88 300E the pushbuttons will light up when selected, but the Temperature Selector (wheel) does not light up. If there is a light bulb behind the Temperature Selector how do you access it to make a replacement? I have removed the wood panel to gain access to the ACC and can not find any obvious access to the inside of the ACC to locate the bulb. This is not a big deal, but if it should light up I would like to replace the defective bulb.

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Old 01-04-2002, 03:18 PM
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I have a 1987 300D so my model should be similar. Once you take off the wood-grained cover to the climate controls, there are two tiny holes (like 1/4 inch or smaller) for access to very small light bulbs. In my situation they were both burned out, so I had no lights at all. They shine through a clear plastic that is designed to diffuse the light to all the buttons.

In your case, I expect the left bulb is burned out, so you don't have light behind the thumbwheel.

There is probably an easy way to get these bulbs out - but I don't know what special tool could do it. I was going to disassemble the unit anyway to resolder internal connections, so I changed out the bulbs while it was apart. This seems like an excessive amount of work just to change the bulbs.

Hopefully someone can tell you how to change them easily. I can at least tell you where they are.

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Old 01-04-2002, 04:22 PM
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Ken300D

Thanks for the prompt reply. I did notice two small holes on the front of my ACC unit. They were covered by some black tape. You may be right that the left one is out. This evening I will check it out.

When you replaced the bulbs in your ACC unit did you notice the type of bulb used. I assume that they are the same as used in the three vents on the dash. If so I already have a spare. Earlier I replaced all three in my vents.

The dash vents used a small bulb that simply pushed into the base. However, in the case of the vents the bulb could be held by your fingers to remove the bad bulb and press in the new bulb. It would appear that in the case of the ACC the bulb is recessed entirely in the small hole. Perhaps a piece of hose could be used to grip the bulb. I just want to make sure that the bulb is pushed in rather than screwed into the base. Any idea?
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Old 01-04-2002, 04:55 PM
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It is a pushed-in bulb. I believe it is often referred to as the "small dash illumination bulb" and is on the order of 1.2 watts or so.

Yes, I do remember the holes were covered by tape. I think I forgot to put the tape back on, but I'm not sure it matters all that much since the woodgrain cover goes over this area anyway.

Quite simple to test with the woodgrain cover off and the tape removed.

Removal would just about have to be with some kind of hose-looking tool, but it would have to work like a Chinese fingerlock, because it does take some "grip" to be able to pull the bulb out.

Replacement through climate control disassembly is hardly recommended, because it pretty much requires complete dissassembly, including some desoldering.

It was annoying to have the climate control bulbs out, and I needed the control unit disassembled anyway to resolder all the pushbutton switches. In just a case where the bulbs need replacement - unless somebody here has an idea or experience - might be best left up to the dealer. Try to get them to show you the tool they use!

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Old 01-05-2002, 01:42 PM
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Success!!

The left bulb was indeed out. Being very careful I was able to remove the bad bulb with some needle-nose pliers.
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Old 09-29-2004, 02:32 AM
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I guess it's my turn to try the "needle-nose" pliers trick... my left-side ACC bulb is working intermittently at this point in time...
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Old 09-29-2004, 02:55 AM
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Using needle nose pliers can be a bit tough! I prefer to use a small piece of plastic tube with a dab of superglue on the end. I press it against the bulb until the glue bonds, and then pull the bulb out. To press the new bulb in, I use another piece of tubing, without glue of course.
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Old 09-29-2004, 06:05 PM
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Well.... thanks for the good advice! I tackled this during my lunch hour and was successful. I used a small piece of vaccuum tubing and slipped it over each bulb and pulled them out! Funny enough.. it worked perfectly!

Great advice guys!!!

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