The manual is not clear on how many bulbs are needed of what kind in order to replace the bulbs for the three rotary knobs for temperature, fan and heat/defrost. Has anyone done this? I don't want to remove the whole unit again just to see what bulbs to purchase. Thank you.

 

https://estore.honda.com/honda/parts...n=&b=B++17&dl=


Bulb #7, (T5), parts catalog says qty 4 in this image

 

Thanks, and if you can show me where quantity 4 is listed in the parts catalog, I would appreciate it. I can't find that.

 

I only found that in the real dealership parts catalog.

 

There is no substitute for dealership input...bulbs on order.
A/C clutch kit should be here for the w/e.

 

The light bulbs come with a blue condom - I assume this is to dim them down. I took the condoms off and I have to say I like the nice bright heater control lights for the first time...

 

But, what if they make babies and you end up with more bulbs?

Wonder if the blue was meant to change the color? Either way, glad you are happy with the results!

Where did you order the bulbs from and how hard were they to change?

 

I get all my Honda parts from Majestic Honda - aka hondaautomotiveparts.com. Changing the bulbs is a PIA. You need to remove the lower trim piece below the heater knobs (one screw) then get up in there from the bottom with a 5/16 socket and extension and remove two screws that hold the center console in place. A mirror can help depending on how dexterous you are. Then you pull the center panel with stereo out and one by one remove the electrical connectors to the panel, and after removing the glovebox you d/c the three HVAC cables from their destinations so you can pull the center panel out enough to get at the lights, that are twist-locked into the white unit at the bottom. It is really worth it to use the Honda '07-'08 service manual, or alldatadiy.com. for diagrams and step-by-step. Don't try to pry that center panel out, it is held in by the screws and comes out easily once they are out. Good luck.

 

 

Bulb (T5) (14V 100MA)

79555-SLN-003

This is #7. The diagram on the Honda parts sites, as well as alldatadiy and the Shop Manual, are really weak in showing this. It appears on the top left of the Honda diagrams and shows just one instead of the 4 needed. And the diagram that comes up when you select it is really moronic. The other bulbs are used for the A/C and rear defroster switches. The bulb comes with a blue cover that will provide a mild light for the dial, or you can just peel off the blue as I did; of course it provides a brighter light, then. Good Luck!

 

 

Glad to hear it. I've used Majestic Honda for years, great folks, good prices and good service.

 

Why so complicated? Grrrr, Honda...any idea how much this will cost at a dealer? Thanks!!!!

 

You can bet it will be too much at today's labor prices. But I wouldn't trust anyone else, if you're not up to it, if you have had good results from your dealer thus far

 

Thanks. I'm not taking my car apart. I'm a 62 year old woman with zero training. The big idea is bulbs should be easy to replace and not require the dismantling of the entire console. I was HOPING there was a way to just unclip, pop off the dial mechanism and replace the bulb easily. Stupid design. Thanks.

 

One thing that I've repeatedly heard on YouTube channels is that today's cars are designed to be easy and cheap to assemble in the factory where they are built, but nobody cares about the costs of maintenance - repairs and the like. If it's very difficult to install replacement parts the manufacturer just doesn't care because usually the warranty will be over and it's the customer's problem. Manufacturers now are only looking after number one - themselves. The increased complexity in modern cars makes the situation worse for owners.

 

truth. we need a new brand of car with plug-n-play features for easy replacement of bulbs and fuses (etc) for owners. LOL.

 

But then if if repairs are so easy for the owner to do how is the poor dealer going to make his money?