Marla, I recently had the same problem with my 88 Vanagon.  What I found is
that my lights (and probably yours too) were soldered into the little black
'holders'.  I ordered some new lights from local VW and couldn't make them
connect only to find that the 'new lamps' which I had received, needed to
have the new sockets to connect them.  It wasn't a big ticket item, just a
hastle.

So yes they will pull out (if you break the wires, but you're going to have
to do that anyway).

You can get to these lights without taking the whole plastic console loose
from around the automatic shifter lever.  Just use a wide bladed tool like a
putty knife to 'pop open' the bottom edge of the top of the console.  Does
no damage and is a lot quicker than removing the console.

Good luck,

John Graham
'88 Vanagon Westy
Charlotte NC

>From: Marla Stelk <mjstelk@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Marla Stelk <mjstelk@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: lights in auto shifter box
>Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 11:59:29 -0500
>
>Hello listees,
>
>Does anyone know if the lightbulbs in the interior auto tranny shifter box
>pull out of the black plastic pieces that they are in, or do you replace
>the
>whole thing?  I've tried pulling out the bulbs but they're pretty stuck in
>there - want to make sure I don't break anything.
>
>Peace,
>Marla
>'87 Westy GL Van "Morrison"
>
>
>
>
>
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