By bryan on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 01:29 pm: Edit

97 Discovery:

I posted earlier under the Subject: Interior Light Bulbs regarding replacement of a light bulb for the binnacle mounted switches (i.e. remote switches for the radio, etc.)

I was able to get a bulb from the dealer and upon attempting to replace the bulb, when I pulled the switch out I heard a twanging sound. Sounds like something broke and I am not sure. How else can you get the buttons out to change the small bulb??? If anyone knows what may have happened, please let me know. I am at my wits end on this vehicle for other reasons and this little stuff might take me over the top.

By jim on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 03:37 pm: Edit

Did the buttons still function after pulling them out?

By bryan on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 02:42 am: Edit

The buttons seem to function fine. But as I said when I pulled the button out from the binnacle I heard a loud snapping (twanging) sound. Sounded like a metal bracket breaking. I was afraid to keep pulling out the button. Don't know where this bracket or ? went -- maybe it fell down and will probably cause a short in the electrical system.

Thanks

By Bill B on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 04:38 am: Edit

If you're concerned, easiest way to check is to remove the housing over the instrument panel and look from the back side. Only two screws and it pops off (2 screws above steering column and then two clips you need to depress at the back of the housing with a long screwdriver after you lift it up a bit) - easy to do -have had mine on/off a bunch of times.

By bryan on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 04:44 am: Edit

Can I just pull out the buttons completely or is there something holding them in that I broke off?

I am concerned about pulling off the housing and breaking those two clamps you mentioned. How about putting the housing back -- any major issues?

By Bill B on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 05:28 am: Edit

It really is no big deal, and only a couple minutes to remove the whole housing. The housing just snaps back in over the two rear clips with no effort, and put the two screws back in. The longest part is disconnecting all the switch leads - just remember or write down which color goes to which switch.
If the switches still work and hold in place properly and they light up - then leave em alone. If not, or if you're still concerned, pull the housing. If you heard something drop down inside, I'd look for it.

By bryan on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 06:26 pm: Edit

Well after I changed the bulb the switch illuminates but other switches no longer illuminate. Either it is a coincidence that the other bulbs are burning out or I have Lucas-itis --> burned out bulb -- extra current through other bulbs, etc.

Any clue as to what is happening. By the way, I did not see anything behind the switches indicative of extra parts which may have broken off??? I did not remove the binnacle housing. The way things are going I should stop while I am ahead I think. Although these bulbs are a trivial issue, not having them illuminate makes me feel that my vehicle is a bigger piece of **** than before if you can understand that.

Thanks in advance
Bryan