heater control backlights out 1999 outback wagon

[bluebird]

I have a 1999 outback wagon. The other night when I started out I noticed all the backlights for the upper control buttons were out and half of the speedometer was dark. After driving for a few minutes suddenly the heater lights were back on and a while later the half of the speedo that was dark was lit again.

 

Now a week or so later the heater lights have gone back out and have not yet come back on but the speedo light is still on.

 

So before I take the center console apart to replace the heater light bulbs, I have done this several times now a number of cars, is there anything else I should be looking for? Seems strange they would all burn out at once.

 

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

[e4620]

Just bad timing, are any other bulbs out anywhere in the car? Anyway, once the unit is out you can find bulbs that will fit at radioshack.

The only annoying part about the job is removing the cable attached to the temperature selector. It can be removed at the unit itself, but I've heard that its easier to unclip it at the other end.

[nipper]

Not strange, as they have all been in the car the same amount of time.

 

 

nipper

[Cougar]

Since the lights came back on again at one point it sounds like there is a connection problem to them. The bulbs are probably good though they may be getting old.

[fnlyfnd]

If you do replace them, make sure to use radio shack bulbs