Climate Control Backlight Failure, Only Right-Hand Side!

[carliterature]

Hi all

Not posted for a while (hope it's not because I'm just a 'bad weather' poster but mine HAS been running sweet as a nut).

Been out in the dark tonight only to discover the right side of the climate control has lost its backlighting. All the little neons still work, as does the temperature display. Looking at the dash removal PDF file, this heating/ventilation control panel simply prizes out - is it best to do one side first or just ease it out as best as it comes? This'll be a sunday morning job all being well.

I've also noticed (probably been like this all the time I've had it) that the backlighting behind the fore/aft seat base adjuster on the right side/driver's seat has also blown. Presumably another prize out job?

Finally, regular readers may remember that the auto gear display indicator's been blown for about two months now, with no signs of coming back on. Judging by the lack of responses, this is quite a big job to replace a little thing is it? Tempted to take it to a local Citroen specialist for an eye-watering quote. I know it's only a little thing but it's a little annoying pulling the lever back and forth, counting the 'notches' to work out the gear... Hark at her if that's her biggest XM issue...

Any help greatly received and appreciated

Keith / carliterature

[noz]

Keith,

Never having had an Auto, where is the gear display indicator?

cheers

noz

[carliterature]

It's in the base of right hand side instrument display (fuel, oil level, etc). There's a small square window right at the bottom, within the curve of the dial.

Am I okay to prize out that climate control switch unit to get at the backlight?

Cheers

Keith / carliterature

[xmexclusive]

Hi Carliterature

The climate display panel is held in with spring clips that are part of the panel. They compress as you lever it out. Try to lever from the underside of the panel first rather than the top edge as scratches from a small screwdriver blade are less likely to show there. On the rear of the temperature display you will find two connectors but they should have enough cable slack to rotate to see the back without disconnecting. There are 3 or 4 little back light bulb holders that rotate through 45 degrees to remove. These are the same as used behind the speedo display, rev counter etc. Haynes has pictures of the back of the speedo.

Regards

XMexc

[carliterature]

Tried to get the climate unit to pop out this morning but it doesn't seem to want to know. Gently tried to lever it out with a small screwdriver from the bottom and simply ended up listening to creaking plastics and getting small grooves under the unit on the dash.

I daren't push it any further as I'm not sure how much give it has.

Anyway, off to see a specialist about the gear indicator light tomorrow so I'll ask them to try this problem at the same time.

Cheers

Keith / carliterature

[carliterature]

Hello again

Not tried to get the climate unit out and didn't get a chance to see my local Citroen chap this morning (and won't until Thursday now). However, just given the beast a quick flick round the block and now discovered the temperature display for the climate control has now lost its backlighting, meaning I can't see what it's on unless the light's right on it!. Anyhow, I'll get this looked at later in the week. What I'm a tad concerned about is whether or not these dash failures might be the result of an electrical glitch or more likely to be just an unfortunate coincidence? My concern's because my knowledge of electricals can be written on a pin head using size 20 font...

Cheers

Keith | carliterature