Technical Punto mk1: Heater control back light replacement

[MikeSalt]

Just had a look at my car to see why the heater control backlights were no longer working and thought I would post a very quick guide to sorting it...

Remove the two hex-head screws underneath the heater control panel
Pull the fan speed selector switch off
Remove the hex-head screw behind that
Pull off the panel
Pull hard at the bulbs - maybe use grips and some tissue (there is what looks like a clip, but ignore that)
Test the bulbs for continuity, or check the terminals with a multi-meter (don't forget to actually turn your lights on for this test)
Replace bulbs
Replace panel
Replace screws
Replace fan speed knob

It was much easier than expected. I only stumbled trying to work out how the bulb clip held the bulb, trying to hold the tabs open whilst pulling the bulb. I hope this guide saves someone else from wasting 5 minutes doing that.

 

[mikezs]

Cheers for the instructions. This has given me the confidence to whip mine off at the weekend, as I have no lights at all behind the heater controls

Edit: What bulbs did you use? I'll grab a few from eBay

 

[wavestar]

from memory I think they are standard 12v 286 dash bulbs.

sometimes they are tricky to remove, nothing to get hold of, I use a small piece of windsreen washer tubing .. fits over bulb tightly then pull !

 

[MikeSalt]

I haven't yet sourced the bulbs, i just wanted to gauge how easy it was to do first, and to try to identify the bulb type. Good tip on the bulb removal wavestar