Question on my new 99' QX4

[jimmymoo]

Hi,

I recently picked up a 99' Infiniti QX4 as my long commuter and outdoor activity transportation. I had the experience driving this car long time ago and fell in love with it. Since this was an used vehicle, some issues I've noticed so far and hoping you guys can provide some guidance

1. The middle strip in the cluster (yellow circle) should show the gear I am in correct? Since mine doesn't show the gear, does that mean the bulb is out? or it does not use the bulb but a soldered LED?



2. the climate control lower set of buttons (yellow circle) for defroster, interior circulate, temperature change, fan speed, etc.. are also out of light at night time (when headlight is on). Do these use bulb that I can replace them? or I need to change out the entire climate control unit?


Thanks in advance for the help.

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO.

Unfortunately, the middle strip is not supposed to indicate your current gear position.

For the automatic HVAC control buttons, you can use NEO4-W bulbs from SuperBrightLEDs as a direct replacement. There are more details in this post.

[jimmymoo]

Thanks for the quick response!

For #1, What does the middle strip suppose to do? any purpose?

For #2, Per the other post, these 4 LED would cover all the buttons on the HVAC? Because my fan speed is out as well. Also, What size should they be? I assume it's 5mm

[Towncivilian]

The middle strip does nothing. I wish it did - on newer models (2002 and up I believe), it shows your current gear position.

You need the NEO4 (4mm) twist bases, white color. I don't know if the fan speed button is supposed to be illuminated, sorry. I don't believe it is, but I've never seen the auto HVAC controls lit up in person or recall seeing photos of it lit up. You might be able to find a pic in the big 29 page thread of pictures.

[jimmymoo]

For future reference, I purchased the Neo4 4mm from Superbrightled but noticed when I fitted into my HVAC, the bulb plus the casing that insert into the HVAC is too big. (In picture, specifically the 2nd one from the right). So when I try to press the button to circulate airs inside or defrost, the button would be hitting the bulb.

[Towncivilian]

Huh, that's odd. I didn't know they were too large, else I would not have suggested the bulbs. I just went with the other member's experience. Perhaps since the other thread references a 2001 and the HVAC controls could be different, the bulbs fit better?

[jimmymoo]

Not sure. At first I thought the buttons were damaged or dirty inside since it was hard to press. So I made an attempt to take apart to clean. But came to realization the bulb width was too big consequently blocking the inside of the button from pressing against the rubber/PCBA. I tried trimming the side of the Neo4 bulb but the button were still hitting against it.

Do you know where I can buy OEM bulbs online instead going to the stealer? Part number would be helpful. Thanks

[Towncivilian]

Can you provide a photo of the stock bulb twist base? I'm guessing they contain 12v microbulbs which are available from Radio Shack. If they do, all you need to do is unthread the leads of the old bulbs, thread the new ones in making sure to match the path of the original leads, trim the leads, reinstall, and you should be good to go.

[jimmymoo]

Unfortunately I no longer have the stock bulb base. I threw away when I replaced it with LED
Now I kind of wish I had kept it.

I think I found a website that sells Infiniti parts, but I'm not sure if they carry those bulbs w/o the PN. It's hard to search through the catalog.

[Towncivilian]

I'll ask a parts guy if the part number exists. I just checked Courtesy Parts' exploded parts views and didn't find one.

You could also try a junkyard if all else fails. I'd imagine a Pathfinder would be more common than a QX4 in junkyards and the bulbs should be identical.

[jimmymoo]

Also, my 4WD switch bulb is also out so I took it apart. The bulb/base is smaller than the HVAC units but I seperated the bulb from the base. I think even if I pick up the bulb at RadioShack, it would not have the blue rubber cover on it to give the OEM look. I called my local dealer and they said 4WD Switch doesn't show bulb assy available so I would have to buy the whole switch. I may just get NEO3 from superbrightLED

Argh! Now the annoying part is the HVAC.

[Towncivilian]

I think I saw some website that sold the covers, but I can't recall. All the blue filter does is soften the light and make it not as bright.

[jimmymoo]

Anybody have the PN to the 4WD switch bulb? They're smaller than the HVAC.

[Towncivilian]

For the auto HVAC button controls:

PUSH BUTTON TYPE:

27545-1W600 LAMP ASMY
$2.89 (NISSAN LIST: $3.92)
QTY PER VEHICLE: 4

For the manual dial controls:

DIAL TYPE
27545-2M100 DUAL LAMP-HARNESS ASMY
$2.87 (NISSAN LIST: $3.88)
QTY PER VEHICLE: 1

I'll ask about the 4WD switch bulb.

[jimmymoo]

Thanks!!!!!!!!

I got the HVAC control ones. Looking for the 4WD Switch. My local dealer said they only sell the switch as 1 unit, they don't sell the bulb. But they are clearly replaceable.

[Towncivilian]

26262-01P40 S0CKET-BULB ASSY, 3W
$4.31 (LIST: $5.83)

[jimmymoo]

Hrm... Google images shows different picture for that PN... it doesn't look like the one I took out of the 4WD switch.

[Towncivilian]

You're right, that looks like an instrument cluster illumination bulb. Can you provide a photo of your 4WD switch bulb?

[jimmymoo]

Here we go. They're smaller than the one used for HVAC. And I already took them apart...

[Towncivilian]

Unfortunately, it's all or nothing. There's no separate part number for the switch bulb.

25535-2W600 SWITCH ASSY
28.76 (LIST: $54.94)

You can get that price if you call 1-866-742-0297 and ask for Rob.

I've never seen that bulb before, either. It doesn't look like a 12v microbulb - too large.

[jimmymoo]

Thanks for the help nonetheless! I might see if my local junkyard has a QX4 with 4WD switch. If not, I'll give Rob a call.