Most of the panel lights in my HVAC controls are out. I am talking about the lights that light up the temperature controls and the blower direction (i.e. defrost, feet, etc.).
There don't appear to be any replaceable bulbs in that unit. Will I be stuck buying a whole new HVAC control panel or am I missing something?

 

There are replaceable bulbs for it. You can buy them on ebay. It's the same bulbs for the ram. The unit comes out and the bulbs are accessible from the back, just need a flat blade screwdriver to give then a quarter turn.

 

That's great news Hesselhoff. Have you seen any instructions on servicing that unit? I am not finding any so far.

 

Do you a 2005 - 07, or 2008 - 2011?
I'm actually heading out to check both styles and will give you instruction based on which you have.

 

Mine is a 2008 4.7L 4x4

 

Both the 2005 - 2007 and the 2008 - 2011 have the same method though they have different panels. The bezel around the stereo is what the hvac controller is attached to. To remove it, remove the two screws on the under side of the bezel and pull straight out. There are several snaps in place and may take some force to remove. The hvac controller is now accessible from the back and can be unplugged, unscrewed, etc. The lights can be reached once the bezel is out and you should be able to find replacement halogen bulbs or leds on ebay.

 

I too had the same problem. Took one of the bulbs out and went to my friendly-neighbourhood RAM dealer. New bulbs are only $85! A set of three comes with a free HVAC panel!

Went to Kenny-U-Pull and grabbed two HVAC panels to have supply of bulbs. Turns out that only one bulb was any good, so now I have two good quality HVAC panels with no bulbs and a dim view of my HVAC.

Still looking!

 

Search on ebay for 2006 ram dash lights. Almost nothing comes up for the Dakota, but it's the same lights for the ram. You are looking for a B8.4D. There are multi colored led replacements that are less than $15 for 50 lights. Look around and you'll find the the bulbs too, they are there and they are cheaper the buying them from a dealership. I think I bought six of them for $10cdn a few years ago.

 

Thanks for the ongoing help, Hesselhoff!
I found quite a few ebay listings for my 2008 Dakota, though they all list bulb # T5/T4.7 instead of your number b8.4D. Though that number T5/T4.7 is also cross referenced to the 2006 Ram ads on ebay, just like you said.

So I guess I will order these unless you tell me they are wrong:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6x-Warm-White-T5-T4-7-Neo-Wedge-12mm-Base-A-C-Heater-Climate-Control-Light-Bulbs/262462615477?fits=Year%3A2008%7CModel%3ADakota%7CM ake%3ADodge&hash=item3d1bfdafb5:g:lBAAAOSw1WJZJ-Ua:rk:8f:0

 

Those look like they'd fit. I haven't figured out the t5, t4.7, b8.4d stuff yet. There seems to be some overlap with those. On average I've seen the hvac and dash bulbs last 10 years, so you should be good for awhile.