Expert: Roland Finston - 11/18/2011

Question
Morning Roland:

The backlighting on these two switches (which I assume are controlled by the regular dashboard switch)does not seem to work.  There is absolutely no illumination behind these switches...even though all of the other switches in the same row work fine. Can you tell me:  how to take the switches out; do they have replaceable light bulbs; or do they just have to be replaced?

Last question, when the hazard back light is working, does this switch light flash or anything to let you know that the hazard lights have been engaged?

Thanks!

Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,
There is minimal information about that entire 'instrument cluster switch bank' as it is called in the '02 manual which I believe is the same as in your '01 vehicle. The interior lighting wiring diagrams show there to be only 2 bulbs that are controlled by the same system  as for the rest of the dash lights. No info is given about whether either of those 2 bulbs are replaceable. A dealer parts counter could probably tell you that. No information about the internals of the 'bank' detail is given. The entire bank probably has to be removed first if you want to get at the switches and bulbs. Because only two bulbs are shown, that may be the sole lighting for the panel, not individual bulbs for each switch. No indication is shown for a flashing response when the hazards are activated. What about the turn signal indicator lights which often in cars flash on the cluster simultaneously when the hazard is activated.
The "bank" electrical connecor is shown to have wires for the switches you mention, the rear wiper, and the single wire for the 2 bulbs. If indeed there are only 2 bulbs (does it appear to be that way?) then there is no likelihood that going into the bank will be worth your while.
It took quite a bit of combing thruough the wiring diagrams because the logic of the panel is actually mediated by the body control module. The bulbs are shown in the interior lighting section. The Hazard function is totally simplified to a switch the feeds its position setting to the body control module which does the rest.
Roland