Subaru Repair: Climate control instrument lamps, legacy outback, hazard flasher

Question
Dear Frank:

The lights that illuminate the climate control panel in my 1998 Legacy Outback are out. I found a web site that teaches how to replace them (The hazard flasher light is also out), but it sounds like a lot of complex work. Here are some questions:
1. If three or four bulbs are out behind this panel, isn't there a single source for this problem, not just burned-out bulbs?
2. If there is a single source, can I find it and fix it? (The manual doesn't say anything about a fuse for this lighting array.)
2. If it is burned-out bulbs, should I attempt to replace them myself?
3. If I take it to a professional for repair, how much can I expect to pay?

Many thanks.
Jack

Answer
Hello Jack,

   Very common for the bulbs to go. There are 3 bulbs located in the back of the heater controls. 2 are easily accesable and the 3rd is behind a cover that you need to take off, and carefully move a circuit board out of the way. The best way to reach it, is by removing the cable that is there from the heater box under the dash. You could replace these yourself. I think shop labor time is either 1/2 hour or 1 hour. As far as the hazzard light out, I think you have to replace the whole switch. I am not to sure, never seen of those go out before. I hope this helps.

                      Thanks,
                          Frank