Lights out on PRNDL center console

The lights on my PRNDL console are out. This is for an '08 Prix. Anyone know how to access the bulb to replace it?

No Bulb, its actually part of the back of the subframe. I'd be willing to bet it got messed up from your shops mistake. Take it to them for replacement :lol2:

HAHA, sorry :p

No, but seriously, try here...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=889494&highlight=center+console

I've never had to take apart the interior of a 2004+ GP, so I have no idea how to do it.

HA HA!!! I'm glad I wasn't sipping the morning coffee when I read that, because I would've spewed it!!! That was hilarious!

Sorry, I couldnt resist. Maybe you could take it to them and tell them in the confusion of the fallen frame, you left your lights on and it caused the bulb to burn out prematurly.

I agree, that was funny stuff Tim, :rofl:

OK, subframe jokes aside, the light bulb has been replaced. The local dealer seemed to think I needed a new wiring harness which was $80. But it turns out it's a simple bulb replacement.

Here's the details on how to do this.

1. Put on E brake
2. There are two bolts on each side of the floor console, you need to move the front seats all the way forward, then all the way back to access the bolts. Remove all four bolts.
3. Put shift lever in "2", and using a phillips screwdriver, remove the screw at the base of the shift lever, and lift the knob upward.
4. Move seats forward, get in back seat, grasp each side of the console, and pull upward as you gently rock it side to side. You are pulling two metal clips out of a steel bracket. When mine popped free, the metal clips broke into several pieces which went flying. (Great design guys...)
5. Once the console is free, pull it towards the back seat a couple inches, then go to passenger side front and unclip a wiring harness which you should find just underneath the front right side of the console.
6. Remove console from car.
7. The light bulb is on the left side under the PRNDL indicator, it rotates and pops out. It's a simple automotive light bulb, I beilieve it's known as a 194, you can get at any auto store.

Here's a few pics of what you'll see:
This is the underside of the console. The clips on the right are gone because they broke, but the one on the left is what they looked like. The wiring you see is for the traction control switch and accessory power outlet, and is connected by the harness you unplugged in step 5.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/guitarfish/Cars/1-ConsoleUnderside.jpg

The right side of the assembly. The shift indicator is connected with the same harness as the light bulb. It appears to indicate only when the car is out of park.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/guitarfish/Cars/2-RightSide.jpg

Here's the light bulb in the harness.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/guitarfish/Cars/3-LeftSide.jpg

I didn't have a bulb on hand, so I "borrowed" one from my wife's Grand Prix from one of the interior rear headlamps. Make sure you test that your bulb works before you put it all back together.

If this saves anyone some $$, I'm happy. 'Till next time!

-Dave

If it was me I would have gotten a led style type lamp. LED's usually do not burn out. But with age they do start to get dim.

If it was me I would have gotten a led style type lamp. LED's usually do not burn out. But with age they do start to get dim.

Now that I know how to get it apart, I may try an LED if it blows again.

Thanks guitarfish,

Your pictures and explanation were perfect. I just replaced the bulb on my 2005 Grand Prix. I had no problems with clips. Everything went smooth.

Awesome, glad I could help!

Yeah, I agree. Nice write up!

Sorry for the subframe jokes....

Bob, Rich, Move to Tips and Maintenance?

Remember that you will need a 1K ohm dropping resistor. What the resistor does it limits the current that goes through the junction of the led. I you do not use the resistor the led will blow and when the magic smoke out of the led. There is no way to put the magic smoke back in.

'dropping resistor' what is this? i have never seen this terminology before. regards, fish

'dropping resistor' what is this? i have never seen this terminology before. regards, fish

Also known as a current limiting resistor.

See Ohm's and Kirchoff's laws.

Wow, this has gone way beyond "how many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb?"

Bob, Rich, Move to Tips and Maintenance?

Maybe. We'll think about. I'd rather see my Tap Shift shifter though. :uhoh:.........:lol:


Wow, this has gone way beyond "how many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb?"

:rofl:

I only need one mechanic by the name of Mr Goodwrench found at any GM dealership. My '08 GXP is still under bumper to bumper warranty. :grinyes: