Changing Center & Rear Dome Lights, Help!!

[lmud]

Hey guys, it's been a while. I'm trying to covert the center light bulbs next to the dvd screen and the rear dome light over to LED. How do I get in in there to change them?

Side Note-Just ordered Icon Stage 2, SPC Upper Control Arms and New Nitto Terra Grapplers. I'll Update the Board with pics when I get them on.

 

[kevinfoutch]

I picked up some multi-purpose panel pullers from O'Reilly's. Basically, various sized plastic pry bars that you slip around the edge of the light and will gently work itself open. Some of the smaller lights, such as on the kick panels of the door bottom, tend to have a preference over left or right side for release, but the roof light covers came out pretty easily.

The LED cargo light bulb I picked up was directional, so don't make the same mistake I made and install it 'upside down' only to have to pop open the light cover again to correct it.

Edit - I picked up my LED bulbs from SuperbrightLeds and they work great, and their vehicle search wizard was very useful. The color is bright white, not warm yellow, and others on this forum have shared their opinions on both - but the bright white for me worked very well.

 

[lmud]

I picked up some multi-purpose panel pullers from O'Reilly's. Basically, various sized plastic pry bars that you slip around the edge of the light and will gently work itself open. Some of the smaller lights, such as on the kick panels of the door bottom, tend to have a preference over left or right side for release, but the roof light covers came out pretty easily.

The LED cargo light bulb I picked up was directional, so don't make the same mistake I made and install it 'upside down' only to have to pop open the light cover again to correct it.

How about the ones next to the dvd screen? Do i just pull the whole piece down? Thanks for the help

 

[kevinfoutch]

How about the ones next to the dvd screen? Do i just pull the whole piece down? Thanks for the help

Yep, those can be easily replaced. The clear plastic cover is about 4" x 2" and will pop right off. There is a left and right version, so keep track of them if you happen to pop both off at the same time (you can only replace the correct cover in the correct spot however).

Each has two bulbs, one for the 'door open' and the second for the 'user mashes the button'. I had some trepidation about wedging anything in there for fear of the plastic tabs breaking, which is why I went with the soft plastic pry bars instead of my screwdriver / paint scraper. But, just use the orange pry bars (softer than black) and do the good ol' wiggle-jiggle until the clear cover pops up & out.

Also, just a quick head's up, either move quickly or wear some sort of gloves to protect your fingers from the heat the OEM halogen bulbs will generate.

 

[lmud]

Got them all installed in about 30 Min. All dome lights, Cargo light, Backup lights and License Plate Light. I'd say $100 well spent. Superbrightleds.com Cool White color

Icon Stage 2, and SPC Upper Control Arms are next!!

 

[Markuson]

How about the ones next to the dvd screen? Do i just pull the whole piece down? Thanks for the help

If you want to avoid the harsh blue-ish light cast by many LEDs...try these: (see link)

Very happy with them as they are closer to natural looking light. Also super inexpensive. They work on all interior lights except the cargo light...since it's a different bulb design.

Amazon.com: Zone Tech 10x WARM WHITE High Power LED Car Lights Bulb: Automotive

The above work in everything including doors...except the rear cargo.
For that, I used one of these:

Amazon.com: LEDKINGDOMUS 4x 31mm 1.22" 5630 6-SMD 12V Festoon High Power Map Dome Door Warm White Interior Light DE3175 DE3022: Automotive

Extremely happy with their non-harsh light, and the fact that I am now using only one tenth the power, should I accidentally leave them on over night.

m

 

[luke27617]

If you want solid LED bulbs go to www.vleds.com Very solid company. Recommend going with 5k color to avoid blue tint. In my 2016 LC I am using them for turn signals, reverse and license plate.