1995 Ford Escort LX 1.9L bulb behind heater control panel

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iamdrumming - 23 Jan 2007 00:54 GMT

One of the bulbs behind the heater control panel burnt out, and I need
to replace it. Specifically, the bulb on the left, the one closer to
the A/C switch. How do I pull out the heater control to access the
bulb? I tried prying it, but don't want to break anything. Also, what's
the number on the bulb I need to replace it with?

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Fordfan - 23 Jan 2007 08:44 GMT

> One of the bulbs behind the heater control panel burnt out, and I need
> to replace it. Specifically, the bulb on the left, the one closer to
> the A/C switch. How do I pull out the heater control to access the
> bulb? I tried prying it, but don't want to break anything. Also, what's
> the number on the bulb I need to replace it with?

The heater/AC control assembly has to be pulled out from the dash to
access the three light bulbs. Start with removing the glove box
compartment. This will give you access to the two heater/AC control
cables. Disconnect both of them. Don't tamper with the passenger side
air bag system which is also in that area. It would probably be a good
idea to disconnect the car battery so the air bag can't accidentally go
off in your face. Next remove the trim frame which surrounds the front
of the heater/AC control panel by prying it carefully around the edges.
This will expose the four screws that hold the control assembly in the
dash opening. When those screws are removed the assembly can be pulled
out far enough to disconnect the two electrical wiring connectors for
the blower switch and lights. Now you can pull the assembly all the way
out and change the bulbs, which are #194. If you need more details just ask.

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iamdrumming - 27 Jan 2007 01:39 GMT

Thank you VERY much for the reply! Would it be possible to just
disconnect the car battery, then pull out the heater control to access
the burnt out bulb? Or do I absolutely need to remove the glove box
compartment? I don't want to do any unnecessary steps. Of course I
would think by disconnecting the heater control cables it would allow
me to pull out the heater control right out, but would I still be able
to access and replace the bulbs without having to disconnect the
cables, and taking apart the glove compartment?

Thanks in advance!

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Fordfan - 27 Jan 2007 03:39 GMT

> Thank you VERY much for the reply! Would it be possible to just
> disconnect the car battery, then pull out the heater control to access
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance!

The procedure I gave you is from the Ford service manual, regarding how
to change the bulbs in the heater/AC control assembly on your Escort. I
think you'll find that the control assembly can't be pulled out far
enough to access one or more of the bulbs without disconnecting the two
control cables. The bulb which illuminates the round combination switch
on the left side (blower/AC) is particularly difficult. You have to
remove the switch from the control assembly to gain access to that bulb.
This means the front panel has to be removed from the assembly, along
with all the knobs, to get to the two screws that hold that switch.
I suggest you first try to remove the control assembly without
disconnecting the cables to see how far it will come out. If this
doesn't work, you haven't wasted any time since all you have to do next
is disconnect the cables. Let us know how it goes.

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