Heater panel lighting

[Hector2021]

Can anyone give me any information on how to replace the bulbs that illuminate the heater control dials?
Does the whole dash panel need to be removed to get to the bulbs or can they be changed from the front somehow?
Ive tried to search in the forum and in the manual but havent found any explanation on how to change these particular little blighters.
Also, are they the same 509 TGR bulbs as used in the dash panel (speedo/rev counter etc) illumination?

[FunElan]

I believe they are the same bulbs. If you have dextrous fingers and can take the radio out, you may be able to access that way.

[muley]

No, the dash does not need to be removed.

You don't need to take the control panel out


Just pull the knobs of and the front panel comes away

A trick is needed to keep the bulb holders in place while you press the bulb in. I filed a slot next to the hole, others have drilled holes.

See viewtopic.php?f=39&t=27829&p=357254&hilit=Heater+bulb#p357254

[Hector2021]

Thanks for the replies guys. It dosent sound as difficult as i had first thought, however its still a potentially fiddly task. Hopefully ill get a chance to look at it today.
With my luck though ill probably discover that a previous owner has attempted the same fix and already lost the bulb holders to the depths of the fascia.

[Tuga2112]

when i did it. i had to remove the panel.

as part of that, i removed the glue off the ashtray, and now my ashtray is removable. which makes it easier to access the heater control lever to unplug it.

but i still dont see how you guys access the bulbs either from the radio hole or the ashtray. it certainly required me to move the whole panel forwards a bit before i could put the bulbs back in their spots