Hm, when I replaced mine I rarely had to remove anything to get to the bulb (did it from the top, as opposed to remove a ton of stuff to be able to pull the bulb from the underside, as I think some of the DIY's here might call for).

I recall popping the trim around the shifter, then popping the shifter cover itself (with the shifter still on). Just lifted the shifter cover slightly while twisting it, and I could then see the bulb from above. I think I just used my fingers (I have relatively long and slim fingers) to pull the bulb and put the new one in. If you don't have long/slim fingers you'll likely have trouble doing it this way unless you can get help from someone who does, or can think of some sort of pliers that would help you without damaging the bulbs.

I sort of remember seeing DIYs that have you take apart the entire center console so you can pull the bulb from below, and I agree that sounds like a lot of work

 

I'd be interested in seeing how this is done, mine is out also. Since you've done this 94Rolla, do you recall how many pieces you removed total?

 

It's been two years since I did this so I can't recall exactly. I do recall removing the plastic console between the front seats (easy to do, two screws on the front sides accessible when you push the seats all the way back, then a couple of screws under the little tray lining). However I can't recall for sure if that was indeed needed or not in order to remove the shifter cover itself.

If I were to do it again I'd first pop that little rectangle molding around the shifter cover (pops up either by hand or using a flat screwdriver). I'd then see if I could reach the necessary clips to unclip the shifter cover (I don't think it's screwed, only held by clips, but I could be wrong). You'll then quickly see if you need to remove that rear console thingy or not.

When you lift the shifter cover up, I think you need to maybe play with the shifter position a bit. There's some plastic that extends front/back to cover the area in front/rear of the shifter as you shift, and you need to lift up and push forward that cover (if I recall correctly) when you pop it.

Once you have it open you'll see a deep plastic "well" to the left of the shifter, directly below where the shifter position letters are (P, D, 2, L, etc). At the very bottom of that "well" you'll see the tiny bulb. It pulls straight out, but like I said it's hard to get to, and it's also hard to re-insert the new bulb. But it can be done - I did it (after a certain amount of stress-inducing attempts, I might add).

I realize this writeup is a bit vague as I can't recall exactly how I did it. But I hope it's enough that you can go out there and try for yourself and hopefully it's directionally correct to get you where you need to be.

 

Thanks 94RollaDad!

 

Use a stubby screwdriver. Makes the job a lot easier.

 

Only 90K on a 96? The car is just getting broken in!!

 

I'd like to add a few things.

The bezel around the shifter has two clips on the front, and two "prongs" on the back. So pry only on the front end of the bezel, not the back. And the actual piece around the shifter itself is held only by four clips, no screws.

 

You did it slightly differently than I did it but this seems to work well. I popped open the top cover and accessed the bulb from above. In fact, doing it your way probably gives you more control of the bulb insertion.

 

I did it the way Halo did it but had to take the whole thing apart since the tabs were gunked up together. I used needle nose pliers with duct tape on them to remove and install the bulb.

 

Dear god. What a nightmare. Taking those plastic snaps off was ridiculous. Though I'm sure it was 10x better than it would've been without all of your instructions.

The topper was the bulb holder supports that anchor it to the diffuser breaking when I pushed in the new bulb.

After a few hours of getting the bulb back from the depths of the shifter assembly, I put it in and left the holder/bulb in the general vicinity of the diffuser hole.

It lights now but is this dangerous? Could the bulb heat up, lean on the plastic and melt something? If so, what can I do to fix it? Super glue the supports back on?

 

Apples555,

Are you addressing your questions to who?

I did not think I had any specific procedure and instead I used a medical clamp to reach for the bulb and bulb holder. I did not push or forced anything that caused any breakage and my pictures only view when I reached over to get the bulb that is not working and nothing else.

I am not going to dare suggest anything except a Toyota Replacement since you seem to be frustrated that your DIY didn't result in what you expected.

I was just sharing what I did and in no way was I making a procedure for everyone to follow. ONLY the Official Toyota Manual has it.

Good day!

 

If that's how I came off, I am sorry.

I am very appreciative of everybody's assistance. I am frustrated with myself for being stupid enough to break the bulb holder. I was just wondering if I can leave it 'unscrewed' in the diffuser safely.

 

I didn't interpret your reply as criticizing the DIY outlined here, so it was probably just a misunderstanding. I do understand your self-frustration though. I'm not sure if it would cause an issue to leave as is. Maybe try to grab a new part from the junk yard?

 

I'll certainly repair it in time. I ordered a new wire/bulb holder assembly from Toyota (part #35906-12130, about $30). There's a big socket connector for the bulb assembly. Does it just pull out, and swap the old with the new?

I did scratch up the plastic on the clips of the shifting letters a little even though I put a layer of electrical tape on the flathead screwdriver. How do dealers do these procedures, do they have special tools (the dealer told me no)?

How are you supposed to remove these plastic trim pieces without scratching/damaging them?

To be honest, the reason I didn't take it to the dealer was because I felt they would somehow scratch the plastic. That feels kind of pointless now.

 

The reason you didn't take it to a dealer is because they would charge insane money for this job

You can buy a set of trim tools on eBay. They're plastic, so they don't scratch trim pieces nearly as much. I bought this bad boy and use it all the time:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-pc-TRIM-...169719?hash=item35c965f7f7&item=231012169719&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

The reason you didn't take it to a dealer is because they would charge insane money for this job

That might've been a factor.

Those plastic tools look great. Do dealers use them, can you buy them from Toyota?

 

I just thought they might have specific Corolla shapes.

Does anyone know how the bulb assembly is replaced? My Haynes manual doesn't have a diagram of that space under the shifter. Does the socket just pop out?

 

Well I got the bulb holder out and I have the tiny plastic piece that snapped off here also.

Can the two parts be rejoined with some kind of glue? What do people that repair plastic on vintage cars use? I assume that little compartment experiences its share of heat in the summer.