I seem to have two issues:

The first is that by the shifter I no long see lights under the DPN.. I am guessing that maybe a light bulb may have burnt out? Does anyone know how to fix the problem ie gain access to changing the bulb?

The 2nd issue is regarding setting cruise ect those buttons on the wheel. Do those normally glow because right now they don’t. So I cannot tell if I also have an issue there or if it’s just painted on and you can only see them in the light of day. If they do glow or are backlit does anyone know what the issue could be?

The cruise control buttons on the '01 - '06 models were never illuminated, one of my biggest pet peeves about the car. Thankfully, there are only four buttons and they have a tactile barrier between them so once you learn which is which, you can operate them at night without thinking about it.

As for the PRND shifter lights, that is a fairly difficult task that requires some dexterity. Here is a step-by-step for you, should you choose to take this on. The bulbs come with a blue sleeve to match the rest of the interior so you'll have to get the bulbs ahead of time. They are a 194 so you can get it from the dealer or NAPA will likely carry one with the blue sleeve.

You'll need one short and one standard-length Phillips head screwdriver and preferably a dry surface on which to kneel while doing this.'

• Slide driver seat back all the way and crank front of bottom cushion up.
• Locate three screws on the side of the center console (1 up front, 2 in the back)
• Remove these screws and set them aside (cup holder works great), then remove the plastic panel alongside the console.
• Look at the shifter mechanism and you will see a metal bracket that rolls over a series of detents to give resistance in between gears. There is a small Phillips head screw holding this on. Use the screwdriver to back the screw off then loosen it the rest of the way by hand.
• Remove the detent bracket. You will have to do this in order to provide enough clearance to remove the bulb socket. It's a PITA but the only way it can get done.
• Right below the R and N lights, you will see a pair of wires running up to a socket. Turn this socket and it will pop right out.
• Replacing the bulb is as easy as sliding out the old one and popping in the new.
• Getting it back in is not as simple. I recommend turning the lights on to test the new one and as a light source to help you guide the socket back into the plate.
• Don't panic if the new bulb flickers while you are maneuvering it into position. The wiring in there is a bit finicky and it doesn't indicate any fault with the bulb.
• Re-fit the detent bracket to the shifter mechanism and tighten the screw down. Before re-fitting the console side cover, make sure you can shift from Park to Drive and into Shiftronic and that the detent bracket stays put.
• Slide the console cover back on and screw it down.

Good luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

Wow thanks for the great response. Your directions are very clear I think I will wait for summer to arrive and try to do this myself.

You're welcome. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

I will say the whole operation is a total pain, so much so that both of mine were burned out for two years before I became ambitious enough to tackle it. To do both bulbs took me about an hour. Just putting it out there...you're going to combine some swear words and even make up a couple while doing this so make sure the kids aren't around before letting loose. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif)

These are great directions! I've been looking all over the car trying to work out how to get in there...job for the weekend - Thanks.

This post has been edited by steved01: Feb 16 2010, 09:06 PM

Yes, its really a good discussions going on,,,,

And it gets even better when the spam is removed from your signature. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)