Interior LED PITA Change!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Interior LED PITA Change!
Okay, replacing lightbulbs is definitely within my "pay grade", but come on...the C5 mirror lights have to be the cheapest, most inaccessible light socket ever invented! I finally completed the installation of those 2 bulbs, and the footwells, license plate lights and the rear cargo area lights...and it does look great...but my gosh could they have made this anymore difficult? Reminded me of replacing the 3rd brake light....ughh! 
Tips....mirror lights - cover needle nose pliers with electrical tape to remove and insert the new bulb and use to make the sockets go back into place.... be sure you know which way the LED bulb goes in before securing it! If you blow a fuse...it's #29 in the passenger side inside fuse box.
Footwells - the assemblies pop out with a flat blade screwdriver....easiest replacement.
Back cargo lights - unscrew the plastic cap and work the entire carpeted section out....also easy once you get the section out.
License plate lights - easy to remove - but, just be patient when putting back in and secure one screw and then work the assembly back into postion so the other screw can be replaced.
Repeat after me....Mods are fun...mods are fun...mods are fun!!!!
Tips....mirror lights - cover needle nose pliers with electrical tape to remove and insert the new bulb and use to make the sockets go back into place.... be sure you know which way the LED bulb goes in before securing it! If you blow a fuse...it's #29 in the passenger side inside fuse box.
Footwells - the assemblies pop out with a flat blade screwdriver....easiest replacement.
Back cargo lights - unscrew the plastic cap and work the entire carpeted section out....also easy once you get the section out.
License plate lights - easy to remove - but, just be patient when putting back in and secure one screw and then work the assembly back into postion so the other screw can be replaced.
Repeat after me....Mods are fun...mods are fun...mods are fun!!!!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
I can do an oil change faster than a rearview bulb change.
PITA is an understatement.
And how about that glovebox light?-I thought the LED was in the socket,then it went "boink" and popped to parts unknown under the dash.(fortunately I had an extra)
and I still have an extra-all I have to do is rip the dash out to find it!
PITA is an understatement.
And how about that glovebox light?-I thought the LED was in the socket,then it went "boink" and popped to parts unknown under the dash.(fortunately I had an extra)
and I still have an extra-all I have to do is rip the dash out to find it!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 1
From: Huntsville AL
The rearview mirror light replacement is a peice of cake. Just take the mirror out and do it on the workbench. You guys need to think these things through before you start. You'll catch on after a while.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I think the point is, that for a simple bulb swap you shouldn't have to get the part on the operating table...
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Thanks for the tips. Someday I'll tackle the lights in mine and change them to LEDs.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Although I don't think we should have to disassemble the car to replace a bulb, you make a good point about the think it through first. I always seem to want to install the latest mod part I get right away...then get frustrated, wait a day and do it the right way!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
Maybe I got lucky but I thought the led's where the simplest to change. The rear cargo why would you pull the carpet? The whole light housing pops right out no need to pull the carpet. Takes maybe .5 seconds??
