This 2002 Honda Accord came in with the complaint that the blower worked but nothing else on the a/c control assembly worked or would even light up. I started by checking the #3 fuse in the driver’s side interior fuse box (7.5 amp) and the #13 fuse in the passenger side interior fuse box (7.5 amp). Both fuses were good. Time to remove the a/c control assembly for testing of the harness. First I removed the two lower retaining screws.
Then I used a small screwdriver to pop the clock and hazard switch assembly from the dash.
With the panel removed I could now access the one hidden screw and pulled the panel with the a/c control assembly out of the dash.
I then removed the control assembly from the panel.
Then reconnected it to the wiring for testing.
I had to disconnect the control assembly to get better pictures of the wires. First I checked for ignition power on the black/yellow wire at position 2. Good
Then I checked for battery power on the white/yellow at position 3. Good
Then I checked for continuous ground on the black wire at position 9. Good
Diagnosis and replacement of faulty a/c control assembly.
Thank you again. the image of the bulbs in this ebay item:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271122758628?item=271122758628&pt=Car_Audio_Video&cmd=ViewItem&hash=item3f202cfbe4&vxp=mtr
shows the three bulbs I replaced, but it also shows one that is probably the one that is wired to the circuit board. I guess it is removable from the black plastic socket but need to open things up again to check that. If that is the case, I should be able to buy one, along with the bulb that back lights the clock (which looks like this: http://www.amazon.com/OES-Genuine-Interior-select-Accord/dp/compatibility-chart/B001G6PNRC). If they both work, then problem solved!
again – many thanks!!
In my personal experience with that type of bulb, physical size is close enough. If it is not too complicated of a replacement, I will try a couple of sizes and then examine the quantity of illumination in comparison to the rest of the factory lighting. If replacement is complicated, I choose to err on the side of caution. If I cannot find an exact size I will choose one slightly smaller.
Thank you again Sparky. I don’t think I know enough to follow your instructions. I cam cable of soldering, but don’t know the value of that bulb. My next step will be to go to Honda and see if replacing the bulb that backlights the clock fixes things. Will let you know how that works out. If you know what value a replacement bulb for the one that is wired to the circuit board needs to be, I will follow up on that as well.
Again – thank you very much for coaching me on this!
Do not connect power and ground to the one mounted on the circuit board. You may damage the board. Instead carefully check for power and ground at the terminals with the lights on. Be careful to not bridge circuits with your test leads as this may also damage the board. If the bulb is faulty and you are capable of doing tedious soldering, a bulb can probably be found at Radio Shack or other similar electronics suppliers. They are referred to as wire lead bulbs.
Thank you Sparky – It will be straightforward to remove the one behind the clock, try a new bulb and see if it works. The other bulb is more problematic – it is on two wires that are soldered to a circuit board. How would I “connect power and ground” to test it? Thank you again.