Recently I was interested in replacing the Halogen map light bulbs with LEDs, I thought this might be useful for other readers as well if I let you know the steps to do it. Even though I did it on a Toyota RAV4 2011 model, some of the steps may be helpful to do the same on other vehicles. But be careful since if you do it wrong things might break.
It is always better to use a trim panel remover tool to reduce the damage caused by just using a flat head screw driver. If you have to use a screwdriver, use a cloth to minimise the damage.
1. Using a panel remover, flip the top and bottom of the lens covers to remove the lens covers.
Below images will show you the mechanism holding the lens cover, so you just need to insert the tool at the right location and gently tilt the tool to get it removed. For example if you insert the tool from the right or left sides and use force, then the small plastic piece will break, needing you to buy a new one.
2. Once the covers are removed you will see the light globes, here you need to be careful. To remove the globes you just need to pull the globe out from the holder. If you turn the globes then the holder will get detached. If you are not too careful the released holder will fall in.
In case you rotate the holder, very carefully rotate it back to the place, before it falls inside.
3. After taking the globe out you can put the new globe in and fit the lens cover back. remember to check the light before fixing the lens cover.
In case your holder fell inside, then you can try few ways to get the holder back.
a. Use a magnet to try to get it out.
b. Carefully use a cable to get it.
c. Remove the entire map light assembly.
Since both a. and b. will have less percentage of success, I will explain how to remove the entire assembly. Since most Toyota’s do not use screws many components are held in place by clips. Mostly they will be plastic. So you need to know where to pull / push so you are not going to break any.
To remove the map light assembly you just need to pull hard to detach the 4 plastic clips see below. It may be really hard so some tools might help.
There is a small black connector which connects the lights to the vehicle’s electricity system. This can be removed by pressing the lock and pulling.
Hope this helps you to stay out of trouble or save some hours while replacing your globes.
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