Nissan Repair: Backlit HVAC control switches, control switches, auto temp

Question
On my 02' Altima, I have the auto temp pkg. which has a bank of 5 control buttons. The 1st is the "auto" button and there is also a re-circ. button, an "off" button and also a "mode" button and a "Manual" button. i may be off on the names of the control buttons but in any case, these controls are all supposed to be backlit (like most other interior controls) when the headlights are on. My problem is that only 3 of the 5 control buttons is lighting up. This looks goofy, bothers me and makes it hard to see at night when you want to use them. Do you know if there are little bulbs involved or are they built into the whole control mechanism. I don't want to have to replace the entire unit as I'm sure it's very expensive. It seems odd that only 2 of the 5 buttons don't light up. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
JohnS

Answer
John,

Yes, there are little bulbs that Nissan wants $10 bucks for each.  Take the instrument panel a part and on the back side of the controls you will find that there are really small sockets.  Take one out and go down to Radio Shack and match them up.  Just need to be 12 volt.  Now, they will be a bulb with the wires.  Smaller than Christmas Tre lights with two wires.  Take the old bulb out of the socket and fish the new bulb wires in and twist the wires the same way and then screw it back in the back of the panel.  Do this for each that is burnt out and put it all back together.  The other option is going to the wrecking yard and getting several and switch them out until you get all of them to lite.