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I recently purchased led lights to replace the very dim interior lights on my 96. What is the trick to replacing the vanity mirror lights?? I have tried and tried and don't want to break anything but cannot figure out how to replace these. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
OP - I believe the lens simply pries from the housing. Never done a C4 but other GM that I believe are similar BUT I don't quite understand the "why"! Simply to say you've done it or ................
*** Just took a peek at an FSM and it mentions the "inner edge"! If you have the FSM check yours!!
As originally stated, I am replacing the dim interior bulbs with LEDs. I have the FSM. It states nothing on removing those bulbs, simply to remove. If it were that easy I wouldn't have to ask the question. Just looking for some insight or someone who has done this before. Thanks
I don't have a problem with removing the lenses. I can get the lenses off fine. I just can't get the bulbs removed.
I did all of my lights and there are a couple of catches with the mirror lights.
The biggest issue is how an LED will work in the mirror. By design the circuit reverses polarity between door and switch modes. That's fine with an incandescent bulb. But with an LED polarity matters so you either can have them come on with the door (you will not be able to switch them on with the door closed), or you can have them work with the switch as a map light(they will not turn on and off with the door).
If you still want to swap them Here is how I did it.
You have to pop the entire light assy out and remove the bulb from the back. But the LED light won't go back in that way. You have to install the lamp holder empty then insert the bulb. reinstall the housing and install the lenses
As for the third bulb in the mirror (the tiny one that shines on the shifter) I have not found an LED for it and comes on with the dash lights. And since it is on the dimmer circuit it's not likely it can be switched to LED.
Last edited by belairbrian; Jan 7, 2018 at 11:18 AM.
For those curious about the difference here are before and after of my footwell
Another benefit is no heat from the hush panel lights
While I appreciate the answers I would like to ask that the post is read before replying. The rearview mirror is done. My problem is with the vanity mirrors on the sun shades. And Yes, my footwells are as dramatic a difference as yours and I went about the rearview mirror the same way. Did not realize that I would have the door, switch, problem tho! Thanks
While I appreciate the answers I would like to ask that the post is read before replying. The rearview mirror is done. My problem is with the vanity mirrors on the sun shades. And Yes, my footwells are as dramatic a difference as yours and I went about the rearview mirror the same way. Did not realize that I would have the door, switch, problem tho! Thanks
I have the small led, for the light above the shifter, installed. Why will an led not work here? Why does being on the dimmer circuit matter??
I have the small led, for the light above the shifter, installed. Why will an led not work here? Why does being on the dimmer circuit matter??
Good question.
I just did the interior led conversion on my 93, and used one of the mini bulbs in that spot.....as soon as I turned on the lights that one lit right up. Seems to work fine.
As a matter of fact, I didn't know how that light worked until I read this thread. I had replaced it when I did the rest, and couldn't figure out what it was for.
I just did the interior led conversion on my 93, and used one of the mini bulbs in that spot.....as soon as I turned on the lights that one lit right up. Seems to work fine.
As a matter of fact, I didn't know how that light worked until I read this thread. I had replaced it when I did the rest, and couldn't figure out what it was for.
The reason you don't normally use LEDs in dimable circuits is that LEDs turn on and of at a discrete Voltage value. Above it they come on. below it they are off. If you tend to keep your dimmer all the way up or nearly all the way up it shouldn't be a problem.
Somewhere along the dimmer setting will be a point where it can tend to cycle especially with changes in alternator output.
The reason you don't normally use LEDs in dimable circuits is that LEDs turn on and of at a discrete Voltage value.
Some LED "bulbs" do support dimmers. They are really circuits within the shape of the "bulb", there can be different circuits to account for dimmer or reversing voltage.
Replacing interior lights
