Technical Switch illumination

[tommo1]

Back in the Fiat fold after a few years away. Had a 2016 Mk 4 Panda for a week or so but driving in the dark for the first time last night, I noticed a lack of switch illumination. Both the air direction switch and the recirc / outside air switches do not light up. The 2 switches are on their own little panel, and I've tried prising (gently!) both of the switches off, I presume there is a small filament in there. They won't budge, should I go harder or is there a technique? I can't find any information doing a search, do I have to remove the whole white panel?

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
the guide in 04/12 panda section is relevant

 

[tommo1]

I used to have an 04-12 Panda and I think you pulled the switch off? I did a search using some different words on YouTube and found a guide, you do prise the whole main panel outwards a little, with no tools needed. It's a LHD car but still relevant, and there's a good tip about using tape to get the filament out without any breakage:

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

Take a look in the Guides section at the top of this forum -screenshot below - the answer's all there
Click here to go straight there -> Changing the heater control light bulbs

 

[tommo1]

Thanks, I hadn't realised there was a guide for it. The suggestion I found on YouTube worked well for me, a sharp pull lifts the centre panel away and the switches popped off, no tools required. More than one way to skin a cat and all that. Forums like this are the good use of the web.

 

[varesecrazy]

How many bulbs in there??

Were they the tiny ones Ive come across over the years ( like mini Numberplate Bulbs..)
Cannot remember theit I.D. term : number

 

[tommo1]

They are called 286 filaments. The blown one was 1.3W, I've a stock of 1.2W, that'll do! Worth buying a pack, almost every car make uses them. There's one in each switch. I was nearly caught out leaving the lights on! MY 2 x Mk3 Pandas, you couldn't turn the lights on without the key in the ignition, but on the Mk4 you can, and no audible warning either, but that may be because it's the basic Pop model.

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

You *can* turn the lights on without the key… but only if you turn the switch to ‘on’, then ‘off’, then ‘on’ again. This means you don’t leave them on by mistake, but can park with the lights on if you need to

 

[tommo1]

Ah, that'll be why. I was testing to see if the filament was working and hadn't realised there was that option. I suppose RTFM applies here; page 17 explains 'parking lights.'