Attempting to replace the interior footwell lamps and the license plate lamps with newer, brighter bulbs. Is there a trick to these installs other than being a contortionist of sorts. Replaced the interior map lights in the rearview mirror assembly but for the life of me cannot figure out how to access the others. Do not want to tear anything up. Any help would be appreciated...........................Ga ry

 

Just replaced the footwells, map lights, and the license plate lights with white LEDS in my 2007 Coupe. Assuming the footwells and license plate lights mount the same, then: 1) License Plate lights: remove your license plate (may not be absolutely necessary but helps create "clearance." Then remove the two black screws that hold each of the two light housings to the inside of the rear bumper. Once the housings are loose, then carefully extract them from the bumper. You may have to turn them in different ways to find the easiest way to get them out. Once out, then just twist the wire connection counterclockwise and gently pull out of the housing. Now the bulb is exposed and you can just pull the bulb out and insert the LED. Note that the LEDs I used only work in one "direction." After putting them in, turn the lights on to see if they come on. If not, then just remove the LED bulb and turn it a half turn and reinsert. It should light and if not, then you probably have a bad bulb. (This is true for all LED bulbs you replace.) 2) Footwell lights: As you know, these are a bit trickier due to the location under the dash. Try the driver side one first as this one is easier to access. Use a small regular screw driver and place it in the middle of the light's lens. There are two "clips" one on each of the long side of the lens. You need to push one clip in and slowly pry the side of the lens down. Be careful as it is possible to break these clips. Pull one side down as you push the clip in and you will see how it catches to the panel. Once you clear the edge of the panel it should just pop out. The bulb an wiring for the footwells are actually connected to the lens. So, once you unfasten the lens from the panel, you can pull the lens assembly down a bit and pull out the bulb. Replace with the LED and follow the "check to see if it works" recommendation above. It is the same process for removing the bulb on the passenger footwell as well. Good luck!

 

Let me add you can actually change out the license plate lights without removing the fixtures at all. Simply reach through the taillight opening (left and right inner) and unplug the light socket. Just twist and it comes lose. Then you can move the plug and factory blub to the open found right over the license plate. It's where the license plate light are now.... you can stick the face of the socket through these openings, and remove the factory blub then replace with the LED. Make sure the orientation is correct by switching on your lights... Plug it back into the holder and you're good to go.

Might save someone a little time to avoid removing the entire license plate light fixture....

 

Footwell Lights can be brightened by ten times...go to
Superbrightleds.com
they have a circular led bulb that has probably ten led bulbs..this has the same plug as your 194 bulbs...you can get them in bright white...much brighter than anything else...
LKicklight

 

THE BULB I MENTIONED IN MY LAST THREAD IS:
WLED-xHP6-DAC
6 High Power
5050SMD LEDS
120 DEGREE BEAM
superbrightleds.com

 

I just replaced the map lights, footwell lights, plate lights and underhood light with the LEDs (as well as reverse LEDs, switchbacks, HID fogs and HID lows -- lots of light work goin on). The interior look is fantastic!!
I smile everytime I open the door now.

I wasn't able to pull the light housings out of the footwells, so I swung the panel down instead. Once down, they are very easy to access. There are two of those ridged pin thingies GM likes to use so much (like for the underhood insulation). I just pulled down on the rear edge of the panel (right under the glove box or steering column) very close to the pin until it snapped loose. Just push back in when your changeout is complete.
Good luck!