How to change out map light bulb ?

[holmesnmanny]

I've been trying to figure out how to get the overhead map light/moon roof piece off of the ceiling so that I can change out the map light bulb that went out. I tried prying a bit with a tiny screwdriver so that I can possibly either unclip or break it free but I can't figure out the best way to do it, especially without breaking the cover or mangling to the point that it will be visibly damaged. Anyone ever done this before?

Also, the right side brake light(the one that lights up when you hit the brakes) is out and even after replacing the bulb it still won't work. What would be the best way to go about finding the problem? I have finally bought a multimeter and am anxious to get started using it. I'm assuming this brake light out is causing the "lights" light to light up on the dash.

[white90dx]

That light is probably the only one I haven't replaced... Most people here don't have a sunroof, so it might be hard to find advice on it. On my LE with the front map lights, the whole assembly pops out of the roof pretty easily - that might be the trick.

For the brake light, does the parking light filament light up? Try starting the car without your foot on the brakes and the lights off. Turn on the lights, then press on the brakes. When does the 'lights' warning light turn on?

-Charlie

[holmesnmanny]

Originally Posted by white90dx

That light is probably the only one I haven't replaced... Most people here don't have a sunroof, so it might be hard to find advice on it. On my LE with the front map lights, the whole assembly pops out of the roof pretty easily - that might be the trick.

For the brake light, does the parking light filament light up? Try starting the car without your foot on the brakes and the lights off. Turn on the lights, then press on the brakes. When does the 'lights' warning light turn on?

-Charlie

I believe that's what I got in my car. I'm just not too sure how to pop the assembly out.

The tail light right next to it comes on when I turn on the parking lights. The brake light won't come on 'though. Like I said, I changed out the bulb with the exact same one I believe it's the 1156 and it still didn't come on.

The "lights" light on the dash comes on as soon as I turn the key on. It's on all the time.

[white90dx]

First check all the wiring around the trunk hinge - if you don't find any problems there, you will have to pull back the trunk lining and start looking for problems.

The parking lights should turn on the dim filament of all 4 main brake light bulbs - both the ones on the trunk (x2) on body (x2) of the car. It sounds like you might be missing the outer two parking lights?

So, even if you foot is off the brake and the lights are off, the warning light turns on? If so, that might point to the warning light box being bad... You can also remove that and check for burnt components/traces on the board.

-Charlie

[holmesnmanny]

For the map light, I wound up figuring it out. There is a few clips around the outside of the assembly. It popped off when I tried to pull the assembly off again today. I went down to Radio Shack and found a bulb that was similar though not the same.

For the brake light, it turns out I just needed to replace the 1157 bulb. Then the "lights" light didn't light up. It only lighted up when I started the car, and then pushed the brake.

[O_loung1]

Originally Posted by holmesnmanny

For the map light, I wound up figuring it out. There is a few clips around the outside of the assembly. It popped off when I tried to pull the assembly off again today. I went down to Radio Shack and found a bulb that was similar though not the same.

can you tell us what areas the clips are located?
the clear plastic lens piece or the colored plastic trim pieces?