Not to be annoying with the questions :P...I got one >_>.

[DM616]

I'm trying to replace my old bulb in the dome light.

Now, I tried pulling it out, failed. (using a towel).

I noticed the sharp metal ends of the bulb are in the contacts, literally the point is in some little slice of the contacts of the actual light.

How exactly do you pull this out?

I'm using a towel because it's not dead and I want to keep the old light as back up.

[paperbanjo]

Honestly, I would remove the fuse (under the hood) and then get in there with something to push those contacts back and let the bulb fall out. I blew the fuse trying to pop it out that way with my own hands and with a flathead.. so that's what I'd do.

[DM616]

Alright, where exactly is the fuse under the hood on the 97 Camry LE? I thought it was in that pocket holder thing near the left of the steering wheel.

Any other precautions?

And how can I make sure it's not blown already lol? Car starts <_<

[LynchburgCSI]

If the light is still coming on, the fuse isn't blown.

The fuse can either be behind the coin drawer to the left of the steering wheel orrrrr under the hood. Reference your owners manual.

[DM616]

Alright.

Also, some people say unplug the battery's negative cable but I heard that can mess it up, do it or not?

[LynchburgCSI]

As a general rule when dealing with ANYTHING electrical, ALWAYS remove the battery cable. Now, honestly... I never would when dealing with something simple like a dome light. But hey. Better safe than sorry!

[DM616]

Originally Posted by paperbanjo

Honestly, I would remove the fuse (under the hood) and then get in there with something to push those contacts back and let the bulb fall out. I blew the fuse trying to pop it out that way with my own hands and with a flathead.. so that's what I'd do.

Oh wait, I don't have to take it out unless I put a metal contact in it, but I found out all you do is twist it like an ordinary lightbulb.

Still might as well just incase, but I might ignore the battery negative...cause I ignored it when I did the radio lol, it came out fine >_>

[paperbanjo]

Originally Posted by DM616

Oh wait, I don't have to take it out unless I put a metal contact in it, but I found out all you do is twist it like an ordinary lightbulb.

Still might as well just incase, but I might ignore the battery negative...cause I ignored it when I did the radio lol, it came out fine >_>

Meant to quote you and thanked you.. woops.

Anyway, I thought that, too, but it shocked me when I tried to remove it with just my hands.. haha. So it's up to you.. but knowing what I know now, I would!

The fuse should be under the hood (there's a larger fuse & relay box on the driver side, not the little fuse area by the coin holder) but I don't know if it's different for 97.. I've got a 99 and they're both Gen4.. so.. should be there! If you take the cover off, there will be a label of all the fuses.

[DM616]

And the fuse is the one that will have a label dome or something?

[LynchburgCSI]

It won't be labeled. You'll need to cross reference it with the owner's manual.

[DM616]

OH I misread it before, my bad lol 8 am.

[Mike Gerber]

Rubber gloves will both protect you from being shocked (if you are affraid of that) and also give you a better grip on the bulb.

Mike

[DM616]

Yah I need to get some latex gloves, this thing is hard to get out with a towel, what's the trick to it? I hear you push it in, then twist it like an ordinary lightbulb but it doesn't seem to work, I guess the gloves will have a much better grip hopefully.

[paperbanjo]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

It won't be labeled. You'll need to cross reference it with the owner's manual.

Oh.. well, mine was! Lol.

[mr.nitro]

if you haven't removed it yet, use a small screwdriver to push the holder tab to the side past the little tip on the bulb and pull the bulb down.