Vanity light lamp replacement

[DanMan32]

Nope, they are 5W double ended bulbs.

LEDs might work good though, if properly reflected and retrofitted. Would be excellent for the map lights, as then the light could be more directed.

[Bill Merchant]

Hi Richard.

I replaced the three lamps in the overhead center console, and the coutersy lamps at the bottom of each front door, with <a href=\'http://www.optauto.com/index.htm?stocknumber=RB-R103\' target=\'_blank\'> Raybright R103</a> lamps. Contrary to what Dan says, these are flat ended bulbs that slide in.

The vanity, rear dome, and cargo area lamps are double ended bulbs, as Dan describes. I think <a href=\'http://www.optauto.com/index.htm?stocknumber=RB-R104\' target=\'_blank\'>R104</a> bulbs will work in those fixtures.

They are not LEDs, but bulbs with special filements and gas which produce a brighter, whiter light. Unless a fixture is designed for LEDs, the resistor needed for (or included in) the lamp reduces it's efficiency. If you want LEDs, for lamp life or other reasons, check out <a href=\'http://superbrightleds.com/\' target=\'_blank\'>http://superbrightleds.com/</a>.

[DanMan32]

Didn't look carefully enough at the owner's manual. Concentrated only on the vanity lights. Sorry about that.

The R104 are rated 8W, owner's manual specifies 5W. Doubt 3W should make any difference in safety though.

[reesdude]

Bill, the R103 bulbs you used to replace the courtesy lamps on the bottom of the doors only come in white. Do you know where I may find blue R103 bulbs with the same specifications? Also, can the R103 bulbs also be used to replace the three lamps in the center overhead console? THanks

[Bill Merchant]

Originally posted by reesdude;p=106540
Bill, the R103 bulbs you used to replace the courtesy lamps on the bottom of the doors only come in white.  Do you know where I may find blue R103 bulbs with the same specifications? Also, can the R103 bulbs also be used to replace the three lamps in the center overhead console? THanks

Hi reesdude. You might use these <a href=\'http://www.optauto.com/index.htm?stocknumber=RB-R110\' target=\'_blank\'>blue bulbs</a> in the doors. They are 168/194 like the R103s which work very well in the overhead console. You can actually read a map.

[reesdude]

hey bill, thanks for the link to the blue lights, i got them today, but am stuck on how to disassemble the center overhead console. I already took off the clear cover using a strew driver but I cannot remove the bulbs unless i remove the plastic housing entirely. How did you go about replacing the light bulbs in the overhead console? Thanks for any help!

[reesdude]

actually nevermind bill, i just found out they can be pulled off haha. k thanks anyway

[reesdude]

Hey bill, one more question. How can i get access to the door light bulbs? I want to replace them with blue lights. Thanks!

[Bill Merchant]

The lens and lamp assembly pops out. Gently pry from the end closest to the door latch (furthest away from the door hinge.) The unit will pop out but stay attached to the wire. Unplug the lamp from the wire (it has a plastic lever that locks it in, like a telephone cord) and you can get the lamp up to where you can play with it and replace the bulb.

Swap bulbs, plug it in, test if you want to, and pop the assembly back in the door panel. EASY!

Do you like the blue bulbs?

[aka007ii]

Does anyone's driver side vanity light work? The one under the visor. Mine and one other person's I know doesn't work (both 2005) and I only tried to turn it on once. So it never worked. Passenger side works though. That's the only thing in my car that's bunk.