Yes, another dash bulb question.

 

Yes, I've already read the super long post in the sticky.

 

My question is this. Has anyone ever determined the actual manufacturer (not Subaru) part # of the infamous HVAC bulbs, for the original skinny bulb that came installed in the car since new? And, I believe Subaru is now offering a different (larger?) bulb as the replacement because they may have realized their originals sucked?

 

The reason I ask is, while the Radio Shack p/n 272-1092 bulbs "work", they aren't ideal. These bulbs are notably shorter than the original bulbs in my '98 OBW, and the green cover doesn't fit without trimming. Also, the Radio Shack bulbs tend to sink too far into the plastic base, making the green cover fit even worse. Lastly, I read posts on this forum that said the Radio Shack bulbs are a bit dimmer than the OEM bulbs, and after having installed them I would have to agree.

 

I highly doubt radio shack will carry an identical replacement for either the old or new bulb direct from Subaru, but places like http://www.bulbdirect.com should carry it. Looking at similar bulbs on their website, the costs are like under $1 per bulb . Obviously, much better than the $5+ ripoff from the dealer and possibly even better than Radio Shack.

 

Lastly, if anyone has one of new larger bulbs from subaru that is burned out and would like to donate it to me, I can do the digging. I may even use a microscope to look for any ID marks on the bulbs. I refuse to pay 1000% markup on a stupid bulb and am on a quest for an exact replacement. I have at least 8 bulbs out in my dash, and I shudder to think the dealership is ok with charging me 8x$5.37=$42.96 plus tax.

Factory replacement bulbs come assembled with socket and cover, so the comparison is not completely fair. They can be mail-ordered for 25% less than list price, plus shipping. But it's a valid question which generic type the larger bulbs belong to. The small one is 7219, at least by size. Sylvania has on its site dimensional drawings for all the bulbs, maybe the answer can be found there.

Yes, another dash bulb question.

 

Yes, I've already read the super long post in the sticky.

<snip>

The reason I ask is, while the Radio Shack p/n 272-1092 bulbs "work", they aren't ideal. These bulbs are notably shorter than the original bulbs in my '98 OBW, and the green cover doesn't fit without trimming. Also, the Radio Shack bulbs tend to sink too far into the plastic base, making the green cover fit even worse. Lastly, I read posts on this forum that said the Radio Shack bulbs are a bit dimmer than the OEM bulbs, and after having installed them I would have to agree.

<snip>

When I put in the RadioShack bulbs in my climate control the last time, I put a tiny piece of plastic between the wires to lift the bulb up from under the base. I forget just what I used... might have been a snippet of a plastic wire tie of the right size, something like that. I did not bother to put the green condoms on.

 

Result... Brightness is fine by my eye. The bulbs have so far lasted much much longer. (I think I'm onto 4 years now, the others lasted about 1.5. Both the first OEM replacements I had with small bulb and the second replacements I had with large bulbs.) The one caveat is that my backlight is white, not green. To me, this is minor. I'll live with it. For others, this may be unacceptable.

 

I have used the same bulbs in my dash switches. There, the condoms (still) fit. They all burned out after a couple of years. Hence, my theory (and others) that the condom adds to the heat stress on the bulb and shortens its life.

 

I can understand not wanting to $5 or more, vs $1. If you are willing to treat your research time as zero cost, then go for it. The rest of us may benefit.

 

My 2 cents.

 

Commuter

When I put in the RadioShack bulbs in my climate control the last time, I put a tiny piece of plastic between the wires to lift the bulb up from under the base. I forget just what I used... might have been a snippet of a plastic wire tie of the right size. something like that. I did not bother to put the green condoms on.

 

That spacer you are referring to was most likely a small clipping of a ball point pen ink insert. That worked perfectly for me with the Radio Shack bulbs.

 

They way I look at it is if you REALLY hate the incandescent lifetime, then go to LEDs.

That spacer you are referring to was most likely a small clipping of a ball point pen ink insert. That worked perfectly for me with the Radio Shack bulbs.

Sorry, no. I know that others have done this, but I specifically used something between the wires so there would not be any chance of the wires contacting and shorting out. Whatever works for you.

 

Commuter

I realize the OEM bulbs come with the plastic base and green cover, but those don't normally need to be replaced.

 

I would do LED's, but there's no guarantee on lifespan of those either. I've replaced many LED's in Toyota OEM radios and climate control buttons before.

 

I didn't think of putting a spacer in there, but ideally I'd like to find something more exact. If anything, it would be great to find something that already has tinted glass like the #74 or #194 bulbs (I may have the #'s wrong). Then there wouldn't be any need for a green sleeve.

 

For what it's worth, Toyota also uses green sleeves on many of the dash bulbs (LED's seem to be reserved only for radio buttons or climate control buttons), and Toyota's bulbs just don't burn out like this.

 

I don't mind doing the research. Any time put into this will be better spent than paying $5+ per bulb (I can easily see paying $100 for bulbs).

 

I think the trick will be to make sure to find the right voltage and wattage bulbs. I've seen anything from 12v 60mA like these Radio Shack bulbs all the way up to 450mA bulbs in the case of mag light bulbs which look almost exactly like the OEM subaru bulbs but don't have the long leads.

FWIW I just bought three replacement bulbs I need (2 each 72351AC061 and 1 72351AC051) from a local dealership for $2.95 each. Reasonably priced IMO, not worth the hassle of fiddling with Radio Shack bulbs. My $.02.

 

Steve