How to remove Dome? (for LED upgrade)

[Milsy]

Originally Posted by Helmuth

Hi Brett, no codes for the interior lights.

mp4.6 - I had to go over the holes with the Dremel to make the bulbs fit - that is right.

Ah cheers, you're a good egg.

[mp4.6]

HelMuth, I filed the hole down, once i got it in I realized that the Plastic piece attached to the light (that goes into the socket was too big. Then When I tried just the map light alone the LED's wouldn't light up

[lordviper]

so im not happy with my lights in the center of the dome.
they are really dull.
ive opted for one of these
White 40-SMD LED Interior Dome Map Light Panel Square on eBay (end time 18-Mar-11 07:27:38 GMT)
i need to figure out how to get the clear plastic bit off first and then will stick it in.

[Helmuth]

mp4.6 - hm.... did you try to turn the LED around so that the polarity is changed?
Normal bulbs operate in each direction - LEDs need to have the right polarity.

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by mp4.6

I would like to add, that I was trying to do this on my 4.6is and I don't think that the actual clear piece comes off of the unit (once you get it down from the ceiling). Moreover, not all t10 led's will work in the dome light, in fact some are too big to install (in the middle section) and the others I put in the map light didn't work. I am not sure where to get ones that will work.

The clear panel is removable, you must take out 2 screws on the top of the housing, and then it slides right off.

As for the map lights, the LEDs are polarized, so you must try them both ways. Also, all bulbs inside will have no issues, but if you change the ones in the side mirrors, you will have to add resistors to make them function properly.

[mp4.6]

Originally Posted by papasmurf

The clear panel is removable, you must take out 2 screws on the top of the housing, and then it slides right off.

As for the map lights, the LEDs are polarized, so you must try them both ways. Also, all bulbs inside will have no issues, but if you change the ones in the side mirrors, you will have to add resistors to make them function properly.

Ok great I'll check it out.

True, I did try it to turn them around and I tried twisting the bulb holder different ways. I'll give it another shot tonight.

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by mp4.6

Ok great I'll check it out.

True, I did try it to turn them around and I tried twisting the bulb holder different ways. I'll give it another shot tonight.

DO NOT DO IT WHILE THE LIGHTS ARE ON. I did this and it caused the car to cut power to many items until it went to sleep for the night and woke up in the morning (apparently the vehicle's computers completely shut down after a preset time, usually 40 minutes or so).

[firedawgs]

That is weird, never heard of the computer doing that. But always have the lights off before changing the bulbs.

[mp4.6]

Originally Posted by papasmurf

DO NOT DO IT WHILE THE LIGHTS ARE ON. I did this and it caused the car to cut power to many items until it went to sleep for the night and woke up in the morning (apparently the vehicle's computers completely shut down after a preset time, usually 40 minutes or so).

Right, I usually wait for the lights to turn off or close my doors and lock the car. I replaced the middle light, however the 2 map lights on the sides do not like the LED I am using or something, I need to try the one that works in the middle on the side map lights, see if that works.

[Ash977]

Did you change the bulbs located on the side mirrors? If so, what type are they?

Thanks a lot,

Originally Posted by Helmuth

So far I have replaced 9 tubular and 10 T10 until now.
2 are still missing and I will not replace them. These are the 2 above the sun shades.

I would also order some spares.

Good luck