Xantia Heater Panel Bulbs

onthecut · Post by **onthecut** » 27 Aug 2011, 17:48

Dead simple question --- '99 Hdi Xantia --- how do you replace the backlight bulbs in the heater control panel? Have had a feel all around the back, plus a mirror down there and just can't make it out. Have got it as drawn out as possible without undoing cables etc. All info most welcome !

Mike.

Post by **CitroJim** » 27 Aug 2011, 17:57

Dead simple question, dead compex answer

The bulbs are held on a vertical bracket that's accessed from the top of the heater control box under a removable panel. To get at this panel it's necessary to remove the wireless first.

That's easy enough, slip off the surround after removing the two securing screws above the ashtray and tug gently. The wireless is held in with two Torx screws.

Then the panel is accessible. Lift it off, disconnect the wiring plug to the bulb and lift the blubholder bracket out, nothing that the heater controls have to be set in a particular position to enable it to lift right out.

The bulbs are special and not the same as dash bulbs. They look sinilar but are shorter in the body. Autobulbs direct sell them and if need be I'll misidentify them for you...

It's a bit of a fun job really...

onthecut · Post by **onthecut** » 28 Aug 2011, 10:02

Jim,

Many thanks for that. Funny enough, the only reason I'm looking at changing them is because I have the radio out to resolve a poor connection. Should be OK on the supply side, thanks -- the local warehouse carries a pretty comprehensive range of bulbs. (As an aside, why, oh why is there such an idiotic proliferation of bulb types ??????? Roudabout half a dozen types would have seen you good for just about any car from the late sixties to the end of the seventies !)

Mike.

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 28 Aug 2011, 16:24

Nice timing with this post as I have tried previously to change the bulbs in mine, but only got so far before becoming baffled!

What kind of bulbs does the panel need, and how many does it take? (would rather not have to take panel out without the replacement bulbs ready.

Ainslie

Post by **CitroJim** » 28 Aug 2011, 17:05

You need two R509TMBK bulbs as available from Autobulbs Direct.

Took me an age to find them again. the website has changed and they seem to hide instrument bulbs away now. Maybe it's just me...

Anyway, they're the ones...

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 28 Aug 2011, 17:39

Excellent, thank you!

Gingerposer · Post by **Gingerposer** » 11 Sep 2011, 18:35

CitroJim wrote:It's a bit of a fun job really...

It's even more "fun" if you don't read these instructions properly, then decide to remove the front panel for better access, then move a lever to allow removal of the bulb holder, thereby allowing a cog to descend gracefully to the floor of the car.

Cue much swearing

Job's done now thankfully. Nice bright heater controls.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 12 Sep 2011, 01:41

CitroJim wrote:You need two R509TMBK bulbs as available from Autobulbs Direct.

Took me an age to find them again. the website has changed and they seem to hide instrument bulbs away now. Maybe it's just me...

Anyway, they're the ones...

There's currently 5% off with the code abdaf5

merlin617 · Post by **merlin617** » 13 Sep 2011, 18:17

see my last post here: Xantia Heater bulbs, last 2 pictures should help with an explanation and a typical BOL description courtesy of red_dwarfers