I heard that you can just remove the face from the 96-00 and snap this one in. I dont have AC. I would just like to have it light up. So is there a way that I can get the face off without having to remove the dash?

 

you didnt need to make a new thread....
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1886919

The fact still remains that the electronic controls will NOT work on a 96-98, unless you convert the entire dash/climate to 99-00.
Yes, the bezel just comes off by removing a few screws behind the defroster, hazard, and from below.
If you figure out ALL the pins for wiring, it will just light up.....thats it.
The harness connectors for lighting is different for e- and mech controls - this includes all the push buttons, all the bulbs, and even the ones on the hazard and defroster are different from lhd to rhd sets