850 Climate Control Bulb Replacement

[pkc303]

Inside the ECC

Very good write up, everything went exactly as described, however I have a little different looking ECC. It is from the 1995 850 T5 R.

I shot a picture, but it worked as described in the write up. Thank you for an excellent job.

[kiss4afrog]

The bulbs will have the same base but are just slightly different in wattage. The #74 is 1.4 and the #37 is 1.26 so the #37 will be just a bit dimmer. I used the #74's in mine without doing any modification to the holders.

The bulb number is the same for GE, Sylvania, Wagner or .... I would recommend sticking with a "name" brand bulb. Oreilly and other parts stores will also carry second line bulbs (Eiko being on of them) but they don't last that long. They're cheaper but that's the reason.

[rspi]

WARNING: As simple as this sounds, this job can actually send you to the hospital. If you have the ECC unit (temp knobs have numbers) you really do need to put some good leather gloves on. When you push the unit out from the back, it will pop fee, when it does your fingers or thumb will jerk into the SHARP plastic back there and it can give you a deep enough, nasty cut that may need stitches. I still have a scar from the cut I had. I didn't go to the ER, but maybe could have. ALSO: You need to have something to protect your arms from the unit flying out on to the inside of your forearms which can cut your arm. Crazy I know but it took a few layers skin off of my arm which was a surprise. I usually either make sure I have on thick sleeves or lay a hand towel over my arms before I pop that thing out.

If you have the MCC unit (temp knobs have no numbers), it may have a few screws under the knobs that you have to remove and not take the entire unit out from the back. I found this out on a S70.

[aleksanderk]

Then you are a VERY unlucky guy! Popped mine out the other day, and my hands/arms are perfectly fine! hehe

[rspi]

[pkc303]

Good job rSpi.

[prjones88]

Sylvania bulb #2721 cross references for this and is available at most local American auto parts stores.

[firstrebel]

The ECC bulbs on my '95 855 T5 had not failed but were clearly emitting a low level of light. I noticed this after changing the instrument bulbs. Taking into account they have been working over 25 years I thought it a reasonable expense to get the bulbs from my dealer. They were GBP £6.60 each. Part number 6849560

To remove the electrical connectors from the back of the ECC unit it is easier to turn it sideways as you need to press the spring retainer clip under the connector.

Entire job 10 minutes and didn't need to disconnect the radio connectors, they are long enough to just rest the radio on the centre console.

Bob

[abscate]

Thanks for using part numbers, Bob!