Rear Defroster Button Backlight

brainfry35 · 07-05-2008, 12:18 AM

Hey Guys,

I just noticed the backlights on 4 of my buttons are out. They are the auto, off, defroster and circulate air.

I am thinking there must be a light that controls all 4. What do i need to do to fix this? Is there a fuse for it, or would i need to remove the center dash out?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

highmath · 07-05-2008, 12:30 PM

Yes, there is 1 long bulb that is in the back. To get to it, you need to remove the wood bezel and detach the connectors. Check this webpage out for the part number... its number 4.

CLICK HERE FOR PART #

brainfry35 · 07-07-2008, 09:06 AM

Thanks for the reply highmath. It is highly appreciated.

Sinecure · 07-07-2008, 02:11 PM

Didn't you know that's the new Stealth Mode option from Acura? At 180K miles, my interior gets darker all the time. The fog light button barely works (hasn't had a light in ages, but now it has trouble staying engaged), cruise light gone, temp backlight gone, radio lcd acting up, what's next? One of these days I'll need to take the whole dash apart and I'll fix a bunch of those things all at once. But for now it seems crazy to spend bucks to take the dash apart just to replace a couple light bulbs that are cheap and not necessary.

brainfry35 · 07-08-2008, 04:54 PM

Its not a big deal of course, i just get annoyed that its out. I might just buy the part and do it myself, i dont know hard it can be.

Sinecure · 07-08-2008, 10:34 PM

The hard part is taking the dash apart and putting it back together. Once you do that, the rest should be easy. I just don't relish the idea of all that work to get it apart. I'm one of those guys who always ends up with an extra screw or two and can't figure out where it went. Either that or I destroy an access panel or other pop-off part because I didn't know the right/easy way to get it free. I did that with my replacement mirror. What should be a 5 minute job took me over 1/2 hour and I still didn't get it quite right when I was done. Oh well.

Jupiter · 07-25-2008, 07:43 PM

brainfry35 or highmath,

Any suggestions or hints for a DIY person? I have had this light out for some time and did not find replacing it immediately cost effective. If this replacement is relatively simple to do then I may reconsider.

hammermdx · 09-04-2008, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the great tips, my temp control lights were out and I came across this thread. Ordered the bulbs, followed the instructions to pop out the trim, unscrewed the bulb from the back, screwed the new bulb in and snapped the trim back in place and all done in under 15 minutes!!!!!! Here is the thread to remove the trim: http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...ight=blitzsafe

Jupiter · 09-10-2008, 11:07 PM

hammermdx,

Thanks much for sharing your findings and attaching the thread link. It was very useful. I ordered my bulbs and replaced them fairly quickly as well.

I just can't believe that a service desk clerk a year ago stated that the entire dash had to be removed costing over $100 for the replacement work. This just reinforces the theory of getting a second opinion even if it is within the same service center.

hammermdx · 09-11-2008, 07:39 AM

Glad to be of service.......that's why this forum has lasted so long......

brainfry35 · 09-27-2008, 03:38 PM

Hey Guys,

I am trying to take apart that front part to replace the bulb. When i make my little hook and i stick in the vent about 3 inches deep, where should i be pulling?

Are there clips i need to push on or what?

Jupiter · 10-03-2008, 01:16 PM

Brainfry35,

I placed my hook end close to the back side of the perimeter of the faux woodgrain panel and pulled gently. As one side comes out, you may try pull the panel out by hand or using a tool to gently pry it out working your way around.

Hope this helps.

BTW, did you purchase 2 bulbs? If not, I would highly suggest picking up another one before starting the project. There is a high probablity the other bulb will go with the work you will be doing.

brainfry35 · 10-03-2008, 02:58 PM

Thanks Jupiter,

I will give it a try.

I only did buy one bulb as that's the only one that's out.

Thanks for the tips!

bnesti · 01-23-2009, 07:11 PM

To those that have done this... could use some help.

OK, I need to replace this bulb... read thru this post, bought the bulb, made the coat hanger hook...

Well, when I look in the vent, a couple inches back, there is what looks like a plastic mesh screen?? I don't see anywhere to pull... do I need to push thru that mesh screen? FYI - 2004.

Thanks.

Bryan

**midnightMDX** · 01-23-2009, 07:26 PM

This shows pics of the back and how he pulled it out.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...threadid=23167

07-05-2008, 12:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
brainfry35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 18	Rear Defroster Button Backlight Hey Guys, I just noticed the backlights on 4 of my buttons are out. They are the auto, off, defroster and circulate air. I am thinking there must be a light that controls all 4. What do i need to do to fix this? Is there a fuse for it, or would i need to remove the center dash out? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

07-05-2008, 12:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
highmath Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 553	Yes, there is 1 long bulb that is in the back. To get to it, you need to remove the wood bezel and detach the connectors. Check this webpage out for the part number... its number 4. CLICK HERE FOR PART # __________________ 2004 NBP/Saddle Base

07-07-2008, 02:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
Sinecure Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Carlos, CA Posts: 1,438	Didn't you know that's the new Stealth Mode option from Acura? At 180K miles, my interior gets darker all the time. The fog light button barely works (hasn't had a light in ages, but now it has trouble staying engaged), cruise light gone, temp backlight gone, radio lcd acting up, what's next? One of these days I'll need to take the whole dash apart and I'll fix a bunch of those things all at once. But for now it seems crazy to spend bucks to take the dash apart just to replace a couple light bulbs that are cheap and not necessary. __________________ 4 wheels: 2001 Black MDX - Over 200,000 Miles, 2 wheels: 1987 Original Fat Chance, 2005 Giant VT-One MidnightMDX's Awesome FAQ for the '01-'06 MDX

07-08-2008, 10:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sinecure Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Carlos, CA Posts: 1,438	The hard part is taking the dash apart and putting it back together. Once you do that, the rest should be easy. I just don't relish the idea of all that work to get it apart. I'm one of those guys who always ends up with an extra screw or two and can't figure out where it went. Either that or I destroy an access panel or other pop-off part because I didn't know the right/easy way to get it free. I did that with my replacement mirror. What should be a 5 minute job took me over 1/2 hour and I still didn't get it quite right when I was done. Oh well. __________________ 4 wheels: 2001 Black MDX - Over 200,000 Miles, 2 wheels: 1987 Original Fat Chance, 2005 Giant VT-One MidnightMDX's Awesome FAQ for the '01-'06 MDX

09-04-2008, 09:15 AM	#8 (permalink)
hammermdx Super Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 11,120	Thanks for the great tips, my temp control lights were out and I came across this thread. Ordered the bulbs, followed the instructions to pop out the trim, unscrewed the bulb from the back, screwed the new bulb in and snapped the trim back in place and all done in under 15 minutes!!!!!! Here is the thread to remove the trim: http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...ight=blitzsafe __________________ 02 SS Touring Package with 7 year/75K Acuracare Extended warranty (from Tim)

07-07-2008, 09:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
brainfry35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 18	Thanks for the reply highmath. It is highly appreciated.

07-08-2008, 04:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
brainfry35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 18	Its not a big deal of course, i just get annoyed that its out. I might just buy the part and do it myself, i dont know hard it can be.

07-25-2008, 07:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jupiter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 104	brainfry35 or highmath, Any suggestions or hints for a DIY person? I have had this light out for some time and did not find replacing it immediately cost effective. If this replacement is relatively simple to do then I may reconsider.

09-10-2008, 11:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jupiter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 104	hammermdx, Thanks much for sharing your findings and attaching the thread link. It was very useful. I ordered my bulbs and replaced them fairly quickly as well. I just can't believe that a service desk clerk a year ago stated that the entire dash had to be removed costing over $100 for the replacement work. This just reinforces the theory of getting a second opinion even if it is within the same service center.

09-11-2008, 07:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
hammermdx Super Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 11,120	Glad to be of service.......that's why this forum has lasted so long...... __________________ 02 SS Touring Package with 7 year/75K Acuracare Extended warranty (from Tim)

09-27-2008, 03:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
brainfry35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 18	Hey Guys, I am trying to take apart that front part to replace the bulb. When i make my little hook and i stick in the vent about 3 inches deep, where should i be pulling? Are there clips i need to push on or what?

10-03-2008, 01:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jupiter Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: PA Posts: 104	Brainfry35, I placed my hook end close to the back side of the perimeter of the faux woodgrain panel and pulled gently. As one side comes out, you may try pull the panel out by hand or using a tool to gently pry it out working your way around. Hope this helps. BTW, did you purchase 2 bulbs? If not, I would highly suggest picking up another one before starting the project. There is a high probablity the other bulb will go with the work you will be doing.

10-03-2008, 02:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
brainfry35 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 18	Thanks Jupiter, I will give it a try. I only did buy one bulb as that's the only one that's out. Thanks for the tips!

01-23-2009, 07:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
bnesti Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8	To those that have done this... could use some help. OK, I need to replace this bulb... read thru this post, bought the bulb, made the coat hanger hook... Well, when I look in the vent, a couple inches back, there is what looks like a plastic mesh screen?? I don't see anywhere to pull... do I need to push thru that mesh screen? FYI - 2004. Thanks. Bryan

01-23-2009, 07:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
midnightMDX Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chi-town Posts: 10,568	This shows pics of the back and how he pulled it out. http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showt...threadid=23167 __________________ *2001-2006 MDX FAQ* 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon 2004 MDX Touring - Midnight Blue Pearl

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