Need Help: Replacing the map light bulbs on mirror

[LSUTiger]

Can anyone tell me how to get into the mirror to replace the map light bulb? I can't figure out how and I don't want to force it open.

[jimv81z]

Unfortunately, you can not just replace the individual lamp bulbs in the rearview mirror(at least that's what I was told by the dealer). I believe they are not even "bulbs", but rather LED's. Luckily, my car was still under warranty when the driver's side went, and the dealer replaced the entire mirror. I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear, but I thought I would share the info. Good luck!

[ttuseph]

Previous post stated there is no way to replace a blown map light in your rearview mirrow. I was tooling around today and there is indeed a way to replace that light. Took less then 5 mins to do this. First use a knife or some other pointed object to pop off the little clear plastic lens. Then either use the same knife/pointed object or needle nose pliers to pop out the blown light from the retainer clips that its housed in. I dont remember what type of bulb it is, and dont have my manual to refer to for the part #. But you should be able to take the blown bulb to your local auto parts place and have them find you a rather cheap replacement.

[canatto]

Hi ttuseph,

there seem to be different rear view mirrors. Your mirror sounds like having bulbs in it. But mine (2000 GLS Sterling Edition) came with a mirror that has auto-dimming and compass, and the map lights in that mirror has no incandescent bulbs, but 12 LEDs in two groups instead, 6 in driver side and 6 in passenger side, right behind the lens and can be clearly seen.

I spent half an hour trying to remove the LEDs but ended up no go. I guess they are designed to be non-removable probably due to the fact that LEDs have such a long life that there is no need for replacement at all.

there are 2 blue LEDs in each group, the rest are yellow. Aparently the designer was trying to mix them up to obtain somewhat white light.

I've got a bunch of ultra-high outout white color LEDs and am intended to swap out the stock LEDs. Kind'a upset to have failed to find a way to disassemble the mirror.

Originally Posted by ttuseph

Previous post stated there is no way to replace a blown map light in your rearview mirrow. I was tooling around today and there is indeed a way to replace that light. Took less then 5 mins to do this. First use a knife or some other pointed object to pop off the little clear plastic lens. Then either use the same knife/pointed object or needle nose pliers to pop out the blown light from the retainer clips that its housed in. I dont remember what type of bulb it is, and dont have my manual to refer to for the part #. But you should be able to take the blown bulb to your local auto parts place and have them find you a rather cheap replacement.

[illinoiswronski]

Note that different color LED's tend to have different operating voltages.

[goaceman]

Yeah, my driver side LED or Bulb went out a few months ago-It started by flickering, then just out. Now it has an orange tinge to it. I guess and "laptop egg cracker" tool will get into it, but its plastic and I don't want to damage the mirror. I guess I'll get an estimate to see what the dealer wants to fix it-not a big issue for me, but its a nice feature.