In previous thread I asked about the HVAC illumination and it was recommended that to get the right 1/2 to light up again I would have to replace the unit. Priced them new at about $279 or used $75 to $150. I took mine apart and it uses 4 small light bulbs that are soldered for illumination lighting of the HVAC control. The LEDs are used to light the 8 individual control buttons which were a ok. I used VOM to verify bulbs were burned out. I had to stack 3 pairs of cheater glasses on to see they were indeed defective just becuase I wanted to see it, too. After you replace bulbs looking from the back you can bench test it by putting 12 volts on pins B3 & B2 from right to left on the bottom right side of the connector when sitting in a normal position. It worked great, Radio shack had the bulbs in stock for $1.49 a piece. Good lighting a small but very hot soldering iron is needed and add LOTS of patience. The bulbs were tiny! This should make the wife happy.

What was the part # for those bulbs, size-volts-etc, and are they the same for the radio?

This sounds like a great fix. Any chance you could do a write up with pictures and part numbers? I'm sure others would find this a very useful writeup.

I won't claim a huge vistory until it lasts for a year or 2. Hard to tell what how long they will last on vehicle vs sitting still. Crossing my fingers.
Radio Shack Part# 272-1154 12V - 50mA, On the back it says avg life 5000 hours.
I will try and do writeup sometime this week after many hours of beverages, food and fireplace.
I have one more fix too and I will get pics too.

Unknown if they are the same for the radio. That will be next as it needs TLC too.
Jim