I need to know how to access light bulbs in the center panel where the heater controls are. Initially only one control backlight was out. Now light behind the rear control switch is out. Thanks

It's not a fuse , the SJB - smart junction box controls these lights ! This is fords body control module . If the Heater / A/C control panel ,hazard switch ,headlamp switch , message center switch all work, it is not a fuse . The gear shifter I would say the bulb is burnt out . The steering wheel lights could be out because of an open in the clock spring . The clock spring is a device inside the steering column under the steering wheel that keeps your horn , cruise control , radio buttons etc... connected electrically . How cars clock spring works

you need to remove center dash assembly to unscrew the heater control assembly once you pull out the heater control assembly you should have access to the rear where the tiny bulb is and you will need the number marked on it or in your owners manual in specs lights some auto parts dont have the same size since there are many models and sizes you might have to buy from dealer and they have to order so look around to find one

The control panel for the heater and A/C must be removed. Suggest you get Chilton's manual from the library. It will take you through step by step with pictures. To summarize: 1) Remove trim panel covering radio and heater controls. 2) Remove radio. 3) Disconnect the two heater control cables from the control panel. The trick to removing the cables is to compress the "claw" spring holding the cable by pressing a screwdriver from the underside of the control panel to release each cable.4) Remove control panel. Take to a workbench. From the backside of the control panel at the top, notice two large holes through which you can access the V2 Toshiba bulb holders. Turn them a quarter turn to remove them and the bulbs. The bulb is a common #74 bulb.

Hi, in most cars it's much easier than in yours. I have pasted the procedure below from Autozone.com. Please let me know if you have questions. Also, I would be happy to confirm for you that you need a new panel if you can tell me the symptoms you are having.

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect battery negative cable from remote negative terminal on shock tower and properly isolate to prevent accidental reconnection.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   NOTE When the control panel assembly is out, it will have to be disconnected from the wire harness and control cables.
   Center panel assembly Front driver's side under cover Front passenger's side under cover Radio/tape/CD player Floor console Instrument panel center reinforcement Foot duct (LH) Control panel assembly
   Light bulb harness Defroster switch Air mix damper control cable Air outlet changeover control cable

To install:

1. Attach control cables to control panel
   1. Set the air outlet changeover control knob on the heater control assembly to the defroster position.
   2. Set the air outlet changeover damper link of the heater/cooler unit to the defroster position as shown in the illustration, and then connect the cable to the link pin.
   3. Push the outer cable in the direction so that there is no looseness, and then secure it with the clip.
   
   
2. Install or connect the following:
   
   Defroster switch Light bulb harness Control panel assembly Foot duct (LH) Instrument panel center reinforcement Floor console Radio/tape/CD player Front passenger's side under cover Front driver's side under cover Center panel assembly

If I remember rightly, on a mark 4 golf, the middle of the three heater control knobs pulls off. The bulb is right in behind it and lights up the whole panel. I would think a Jetta will be the same. give it a try.

U must remove the climate control unit from the dash and remove the top cover of the unit, u will find a tiny twist in light bulb socket with a tiny little light bulb, this provides the backlight for the AC/heater display, u can buy the bulb at any auto parts store, couple of bucks.

Like stated above there are 3 small bulbs soldered onto the cuircut board. To replace yourself you must remove the radio bezel above and the shift bezel, these just snap into place though be carefull and always try to pull evenly to avoid breaking any tabs. The whole heater panel then can be pulled off. Unclip all the wiring harnesses, then unscrew the heater control itself from the panel. Remove the back of the heater unit to access the cuircut board. Remove the burnt bulbs by the base, slowly wiggling the base until they snap off. Go to radio shack and buy bulb #272-1141 (mini lamp 12Volts, 25mA). Remove the wires from the new bulb and melt off the glue on the base of the bulb with a lighter. Now you will have two metal leads exposed at the base of the bulb. Insert the leads into the base you removed from the cuircut board and slightly bend outwards so the base stays on. Dab a little bit of solder onto each of the prongs, then solder each prong onto the appropriate cuirtcut. be careful with the soldering iron not to touch any other areas of the cuircut board. I would suggest buying the long thin attachment for this procedure, as the prongs are small and the base of the bulb will be close to the cuircut board when soldering. This procedure is not for the novice, and if you are I would practice practice practice before you attempt to install the bulbs. I have done basic soldering before but nothing on cuircut boards, and I changed 3 burnt bulbs no problem, though I have to buy extra bulbs because on my first attempt I cut all of the metal leads off. Cost me about 5$ to do, since I already have a soldering iron. Good luck.

I finally replaced the Backlights, using a guide from a person at www.answerbag.com
who wrote:

(i've got an 04 limited. i just soldered in new bulbs for the lighting controls panel (5 #272-1092) and the digital HVAC panel (1 #272-1092 and 5 #272-1154). steering wheel control bulbs are next. )

Just buying a cheap Used one may be the best, if you are not good with dis-assembly and soldering small electric bulbs
Depending on the style you can get a Used One from an online junkyard for 25-50 USD
Check LKQonline out..
http://stores.ebay.com/LKQonline

The most difficult part is getting the Climate Control Module out of the dash, to make the soldering new bulbs repair. The wood-grain Bezel needs to come off, BE CAREFULL, its long and flexible and can crack easy if the wrong pressure is applied or its cold outside or cold in the car cab. Its held in the dash with GM friction clips ( pain in the %$#) and 2 Phillpis screws behing Glove Box door. I worked the pull- pressure from the A/C vent on Right, left-ward to the center, and from Steering Column right-ward toward the center. Once the Bezel is removed, the Climate Control Module is seen, with 4 push-tabs on each corner. BE CAREFULL pushing in the tabs....I broke off one as in pushed too hard. Pry out Right side while pushing 2 right-side tabs gently together. Repeat for the Left Side, while pushing 2 left-side tabs together gently. The Climate Control Module should pop out. Use a 3/8inch Nut Driver to remove the headless screws that hold the Climate Control Module PushButton plate to the box. This will expose the Printed Circuit Board for solder replacement of the Bulbs.

You need to remove the console upper panel, and the center inst panel finish. Remove the screw under the middle knob, and the 4 screws behind the upper compartment door. Disengage the 4 clips and the 4 claws. Pull it straight out. Release the 2 claws that holds the heater control to the inst panel. You should now be able to access the bulbs. This should help you; repost if you have any problems.

Yes, there is illumination behind the heater control panel.

You need to remove the center inst cluster upper (radio) & lower finish (heater) panels to gain access to the heater control; the light socket is behind the heater panel.