I have the same problem on my '95. Buttons light up but the slider/level lights don't. The banging worked for about 2 months, now, I get nothing. Gonna have to get in there and find out what the real problem is. I'm sure it's some kind of electrical short or something, just been too lazy here lately to take it apart.

 

Yeah, one side of my climate control lighting is out. I am getting all new bulbs for my illumination so I'll do a write-up on it.

 

Sounds like on of the connectors behind the Heater Control Panel is loose. There should be 4 connectors here and it is fairly easy to take out. Pop the front trim panel and remove the four screws. Just be carefully when pulling it out as the Air mix control cable and mode control cables are connected to it as well.

 

I have the same now on my 96 civic ex sedan - took the lower trim panels off and can access the bulb from underneath without removing the heater control. but is there something that holds the bulb and socket in the heater control panel or does just sort of lock in the hole. there is another one in there and it is working with no problems but I cannot see if anything is holding it in. I am wondering if I am missing a clip or something that holds the bulb and socket in its hole.

It isn't a short anything cause new bulb works fine I just want it to be stable and locked so when I slide the temperature control it doesn't punish the new bulb and burn it out again.

 

hi I have the same problem i tried to bang on the side and nothing works so how do i replace them and what kind of bulbs does it take.

 

Bang harder, till something pops off. Just kidding.
I don't have your model Civic so I can not tell how to remove what you need to remove. I would buy a manual for the car and study it. Once you take out the bulb you will see P/N on it. Replace the sucker and you'll have light, if it was only the bulb causing the darkness there.....