LED Below Climate Control Burnt Out?

[arw321]

Hi guys,

This is my first post. I have a 2006 GT GFX that I bought new.

I've noticed that the little blue LED below the climate control is no longer working (and probably hasn't been for quite some time).

I have looked into what is involved in removing the climate control panel to access the bulb (which I assume can be replaced?) but it seems to be quite involved.

Has anyone done this before, or does anyone know if the bulb can actually be replaced?

Thanks!
Adam

[FLIPDADY]

Very easy to replace Adam. I think you just need to remove a couple of screws but someone can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. Then you should be able to pop out that ashtray panel.

The bulb is like $4. This would be a good opportunity to replace it with an LED bulb.

[Noisy Crow]

I have the shop manual. If you can describe where the bulb is a little better I can tell you for sure how to get to it...

[arw321]

Thanks for the quick responses, guys!

FLIPDADY: I was concerned as I had read that something needed to be disconnect under the hood prior to being able to actually remove the climate control unit. I could be wrong?

Noisy Crow: The bulb that I'm talking about is just below the three climate control dials. It doesn't really serve much of a purpose other than illuminating the area around the shifter in blue.

Any further help would be much appreciated!

Thanks again.
Adam

[06Touring3]

i'm confused...i drive an 06 and there isn't a blue LED shining light around my shifter

[Noisy Crow]

Thanks for the quick responses, guys!

FLIPDADY: I was concerned as I had read that something needed to be disconnect under the hood prior to being able to actually remove the climate control unit. I could be wrong?

Noisy Crow: The bulb that I'm talking about is just below the three climate control dials. It doesn't really serve much of a purpose other than illuminating the area around the shifter in blue.

Any further help would be much appreciated!

Thanks again.
Adam

Okay this sucker does NOT look like it is easy to get to! The light is inside the climate control unit. And I can find no specific instructions on this bulb! However, it is clear that you need to get access to the climate control unit's backside, so...

You have to remove the cigarette lighter panel, remove the audio console, and then you will be able to get at the screws that hold the lower edge of the the climate control unit and you will be able to get at the tabs (from below) that are at the sides of the climate control unit.

Here is what I would suggest: Go to the TWM website and grab a copy of the short-shifter installation instructions for the 3. Follow the instructions until you get the cigarette lighter panel out. This is really easy to do. Then grab a mirror and see if you can get at the bulb. If not, get the instructions for installing an AudioLink (e.g. from the RPMStore) which will tell you how to remove the audio console. Again, very easy to do. Just becareful not to scratch anything. (Use a a towel or coat to cover the unit when it tips forward into the sharp top of the shifter lever) Then pull the screws and unlclip the clips that hold the climate control panel in place. You should be able to pull it out far enough to get better access to where the lamp is.

If you can't pull it out far enough... well, if you have automatic climate control there will be an electrical connection. Easy to disconnect. If you have manual climate control--- then you have to disconnect the control rods. Not easy to describe here! I did post instructions to that around here for someone else though...

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Pretty sure it looks kinda like this..

[mit-gee-mui]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ad.php?t=11997

I may be WAY off, but there is something about a light in this link (steps 15-19). Are you talking about this one?

[FLIPDADY]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ad.php?t=11997

I may be WAY off, but there is something about a light in this link (steps 15-19). Are you talking about this one?

Nope, he's talking about the blue illumination that built into the heater control panel.

[mit-gee-mui]

Take 2:

Please tell me it's this one!

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...96&postcount=6

[FLIPDADY]

Take 2. Please tell me it's this one!

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...96&postcount=6

Yes but only on previous model 3's. I know the 08.5 with piano black trim don't have the small lens under there.

[cwp_sedan]

I don't have that led on my '07 either I think.

[Noisy Crow]

If you can't pull it out far enough... well, if you have automatic climate control there will be an electrical connection. Easy to disconnect. If you have manual climate control--- then you have to disconnect the control rods. Not easy to describe here! I did post instructions to that around here for someone else though...

Take 2:

Please tell me it's this one!

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...96&postcount=6

Yep, you found the right post! Not that the instructions are a whole lot more useful (I was the one who transcribed them )... the auto climate control panel is a piece of cake to remove, while the manual climate control panel is such a PITA to remove that it is probably not worth fixing the lamp if it has to be removed to do so.

[cwp_sedan]

I say take it in for a warranty claim

[arw321]

Thanks alot guys! Your efforts are much appreciated.

Believe it or not, I actually did mention this at my last oil change, hoping that it would be repaired under warranty. They told me that things like bulbs are only covered for 1 year.

I believe that all 3's have this little light, including the 2008.5 models, as I showed the service guy the same light on the car in their showroom, which I believe was a 2008.5 (chrome door handles).

The HVAC control panel in my car was actually replaced once but I believe it was about 1.5 years ago. I had taken my car into St.Catharines Mazda for a warranty claim (radio display went out on me) and in the process of removing the radio they scratched up pieces of my dashboard and the climate control panel. I have a feeling that this light hasn't been working since then, I just didn't realize it until recently. Needless to say my car hasn't been back to that dealership.

Anyway I'm getting off topic. By the sounds/looks of it it's probably not worth me replacing unless there is a trick that I don't know about.

Thanks again,
Adam