240sx Climate Control and Dash Light Replacement

by qat727

Overview:

I’ve been putting off this write-up for some time now. I took most of the pictures a while back but never got around to posting them. I kept waiting to get the rest of the pictures but it hasn’t happened. I figure it’s better to get most of it out there and add to it later than continue to wait for motivation. That said, I’ll add to it later as I see fit. (Namely a proper diagnosis of what causes the HVAC lights to work intermittently and how to remove the switches and HVAC unit.)
After extensive searching on my part, I’ve determined that if a write-up on HVAC/switch bulb replacement already exists, it’s been titled incorrectly or is hiding from me. I did find this article pertaining to LED conversion: http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=223981

I spoke to the writer and was informed that the dimmer no longer works for the HVAC. For those that want to retain dimmer function and the same color as the rest of the dash, bulb replacement is the best option.

*NOTE*

On the S13 HVAC, button indicators and slider illuminators are LED’s. Backlighting is handled by 2 incandescent bulbs.

On S13 dash switches, indicator lights and backlighting are all handled by incandescent bulbs.

I don’t have the part numbers for the bulbs, but they are expensive. I will provide an alternative for those with more time than money.

Disclaimer: All information is provided for reference purposes only. I will not be held responsible for any personal injury or property damage incurred as a result of following these instructions. I would suggest that you apply a degree of finesse to the plastic, considering its age. The write-up currently assumes you can get the HVAC and switches out by yourself. I may add additional instructions later.

Difficulty: ***

Time: 2.5-3 hrs

Cost: $5-10

Tools:

– small screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
– wire strippers
– small pliers or tweezers

HVAC backlight bulbs: Radio Shack P/N 272-1141 $1.29 each

Switch bulbs: Radio Shack P/N 272-1092 $1.49/pair

Procedure:

= Climate Control Lighting =

First, remove the slider switches

Gently pry up on the tabs on either side of the HVAC. You’ll need to release the bottom portion of the unit and slide it off.

Remove the screw holding the top cover on. Pull the tab back and slide the cover off.

Now you can see the two bulb holders.

Remove them with a screwdriver and a set of pliers. The holder is a type that only needs to be turned ¼ turn to release.

*NOTE* At this point, you have two choices. You can buy another bulb and holder from the dealer, or go the Radio Shack route. It’s your choice, but the dealer route is more expensive but less time consuming. The Radio Shack route follows.

Here’s the bulb you need from Radio Shack:

properly cut down:

OEM bulb in holder. (Sorry about the blurry pictures. It’s the best I could get with my camera. It hates macro shots.)

Pull the bulb out of the holder. There are two little wires curled around the holder that you will need to undo to get it out.

Trim the top edge off of the holder with a set of nippers or the like. It should look something like this.

Strip the majority of the insulation off the wires of the replacement bulb and insert it into the holder.

Cut the excess wire to length and rewrap the wires around the holder.

As you can see, the replacement is a bit bigger, but it still fits fine. Reinstall the bulbs and reassemble the HVAC.

Make sure you get this wire plugged back in properly, as it likes to come loose.

If you did everything right, your backlight bulbs and HVAC should work properly now.

= Dash Switch Bulb Replacement =

These are the Radio Shack bulbs you will need:

– Defroster Switch –

Remove the bulbs with a screwdriver and a set of pliers. The holders are a type that only needs to be turned ¼ turn to release.

Unwrap the wires from the bulb holder and remove the bulb. Be careful with the holder, as you’ll need to reuse it.

Carefully remove the bulb condom. You’ll need to reuse it, so make sure to get it off without ripping it. Match up the new bulb to the old one, and cut the wires to length.