Replacing Bulbs Under Seat Heater Switches

[John Reichert]

Is it difficult to replace the bulbs under the heater seat switches in a
2004, Subaru Outback? The dealer told us it was not a simple job and would
take about an hour of the mechanic's time. Is this reasonable and could a
DIY person compete the task? Special tools?

Thanks,

John

 

[Todd H.]

Is it difficult to replace the bulbs under the heater seat switches in a
2004, Subaru Outback? The dealer told us it was not a simple job and would
take about an hour of the mechanic's time. Is this reasonable and could a
DIY person compete the task? Special tools?

Based on my experience of frustration on taking apart interior trim on
other vehicles, I've left the bulbs under my 01 outback's heater
switches be dim for the last 3 years or so.

Based on my Honda and Mazda experience, it's not really _hard_ if you
know the wherefore's and whatnots of that particular interior's way of
coming apart, but it is very easy to break stuff if you don't know
where the tabs are, etc. I suspect that the Sube is similarly a pain
in the butt on the pieces that have to come apart to get to those
bulbs.

If the dealer would charge you an hour @ labor rate, that sounds like
nearly a bargain to me as I know it'd probably take the uninitiated 2
or better hours of their time and who knows what I'd break getting in
there without a shop manual diagram of where the various tabs are.


Best Regards,

 

[John]

Is it difficult to replace the bulbs under the heater seat switches in a
2004, Subaru Outback? The dealer told us it was not a simple job and
would take about an hour of the mechanic's time. Is this reasonable and
could a DIY person compete the task? Special tools?

Thanks,

John

Uh, what? An hour? You're talking about the light in the switches in front
of the armrest, correct? There are two in each switch, one for
illumination, one for power
Buy the bulbs at the dealer (they come with the sockets) and replace them
yourself. The trim piece pops out, you disconnect the wiring, remove the
switches, use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the bulb sockets 1/4 turn to
unlock them (you'll see what I mean) and insert the new ones.

OR, you could be a real DIY and get the bulb by itself at RadioShack. This
is just the bulb with two long pins that have to be trimmed down and wrapped
in the sockets a particular way. It isn't hard but keep one of the original
dead bulbs handy for reference.

 

[John]

Adding to my post, here is the radshack link:

http://tinyurl.com/68bunp

 

[John Reichert]

Thanks to all for the replies.

John R