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1998 LS400 HVAC unit buttons not backlit after installing new radio
Hello everyone.
The other day I installed a new radio in my 1998 LS400. After putting it all back together I noticed that the buttons on my HVAC unit, or whatever you want to call it were not lit anymore. Today I pulled the radio, and HVAC unit out, and rechecked the 3 cables to make sure they were tight. Unfortunately that didn't fix it, and the button are still not lit, and aren't visible at night.
Any tips? Is this a simple connection problem, or something worse?
ALSO, if anyone has an extra center vent assembly or the parts I need, I'd be happy to buy it. I ended up breaking the small piece of plastic on the right vent that allows the louvers to tip up, and down.
Dimmer turned all the way up. Screens are still backlit, along with indicator LEDs but buttons aren't.
Dimmer turned all the way down. Nothing lit except for indicator LEDs.
The other day I installed a new radio in my 1998 LS400. After putting it all back together I noticed that the buttons on my HVAC unit, or whatever you want to call it were not lit anymore. Today I pulled the radio, and HVAC unit out, and rechecked the 3 cables to make sure they were tight. Unfortunately that didn't fix it, and the button are still not lit, and aren't visible at night.
Did you disconnect the negative terminal of the battery while you install a new radio?
I have seen a similar problem with you. The person replaced it without doing so and damaged the unit.
Did you disconnect the negative terminal of the battery while you install a new radio?
I have seen a similar problem with you. The person replaced it without doing so and damaged the unit.
I did, however I had to reconnect it to shift the transmission into Drive a few times. I then would put it in park, and disconnect the battery again.
I suppose it is possible I may have plugged/unplugged the connectors at some point and damaged the unit.
Of interest, it still works fine, the buttons just aren't backlit anymore.
My '93 has had the same issue since I got it 5 months ago so I hope we can get to the bottom of this. Are the bulbs working in the ashtray, glove box or shifter plate? Mine do not . Also when I turn the headlights on, the backlights for the radio and thermostat LCD screens turn off, I can't imagine that being normal and I wonder if the problems are linked in some way. Best of luck!
does the rest of the lights still dim using the dimmer? it is possible you damaged the dimmer switch alone.
Yes everything else dims, dimmer switch is fine.
Originally Posted by Twista4004
May check your kick panel for any blown fuses
Okay, checked, all fuses appear to be okay.
Originally Posted by DOBones
My '93 has had the same issue since I got it 5 months ago so I hope we can get to the bottom of this. Are the bulbs working in the ashtray, glove box or shifter plate? Mine do not . Also when I turn the headlights on, the backlights for the radio and thermostat LCD screens turn off, I can't imagine that being normal and I wonder if the problems are linked in some way. Best of luck!
Light in ashtray works, everything else appears to work.
Thanks, nothing really stuck out, but useful none the less.
Bump!
If anybody is selling a right center vent for a 98-2000 or just the center vent assembly let me know, I'd be happy to buy it. Can't find ANYTHING on eBay.
Last week I sent my gauge cluster in for repair and preventative maintenance and not only do my gauges fully illuminate now, but all my center console lights work again including the HVAC lights. I'm sure my problem had a different cause than yours since I had so many more lights out but it's something to keep in mind. I sent only my gauge cluster to Tanin Auto and not the climate control unit so it wasn't blown bulbs or fuses or anything like that, it must have been a capacitor or something in the gauge cluster itself. Good Luck!
Last week I sent my gauge cluster in for repair and preventative maintenance and not only do my gauges fully illuminate now, but all my center console lights work again including the HVAC lights. I'm sure my problem had a different cause than yours since I had so many more lights out but it's something to keep in mind. I sent only my gauge cluster to Tanin Auto and not the climate control unit so it wasn't blown bulbs or fuses or anything like that, it must have been a capacitor or something in the gauge cluster itself. Good Luck!
Good to know, did some of your lights just randomly stop working?
Originally Posted by TaninAuto
Sounds like the OEM radio or harness has something to do with the climate lighting. Did you re-use all of the radio plugs?
Yes, I installed the radio using a BeatSonic SLA-22AD, all factory connections are still in use.
09-01-14, 04:33 PM
1998 LS400 HVAC unit buttons not backlit after installing new radio
. Also when I turn the headlights on, the backlights for the radio and thermostat LCD screens turn off, I can't imagine that being normal and I wonder if the problems are linked in some way. Best of luck!
