one suggestion, try making your own led version. It is not superbright (again due to the beam pattern nature of the led) but it does work.

my attempt is here:

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/11/25/vanagon-heater-control-light-led-hack/

further thought here:

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/vanagon-led-dashcontrol-lights-commercial-improvement/

and Go Westy's improved led unit (this might be the best answer) http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23492&category_id=339&category_parent_id=

alistair

On 2012-12-28, at 10:00 AM, Steven Johnson wrote:

> I would just like a decent solution for the ventilation/heater control
> bulb.  I don't know what engineer came
> up with the crappy OEM plug and bulb for these controls but it really
> sucks.   I replaced the bulb once
> and couldn't figure out how  it was supposed to be secured but I didn't the
> best I could.  So now I have
> a bulb that comes on when it wants to....
> 
> I'm open to any suggestions....
> 
> Steven
> 91 Westy
> 
>> 
>> On Dec 28, 2012, at 12:03 AM, OlRivrRat wrote:
>> 
>>>      Check out these guys ~ this link is for a 90Vanagon but you can
>> plug
>>> in your own year if you're concerned about a possible diff'
>>> 
>>> 
>> http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/vehicle/1990-volkswagen-vanagon--/64-1112--/
>>>> I would like to get more light shinning on my dash.  Is there an
>>>> upgrade to
>>>> the little stock bulbs?
>>