Map Light Bulb Replacement???

[FLA RAUD FAN]

Ok guys', this is a minor job... but it is not in the Owners manual. I can't figure out how to get to the map light bulbs in the overhead console. I have the longer console in the 03 MM. This might seem like a dufus question but I have tried several ways but can't get to the damn things... I'm worried that I will break something. I'm sure one of you will be able to tell me and it will probably be very easy once I kow the proper way. Thanks in advance!
Jonathan

[Sactown]

Ok guys', this is a minor job... but it is not in the Owners manual. I can't figure out how to get to the map light bulbs in the overhead console. I have the longer console in the 03 MM. This might seem like a dufus question but I have tried several ways but can't get to the damn things... I'm worried that I will break something. I'm sure one of you will be able to tell me and it will probably be very easy once I kow the proper way. Thanks in advance!
Jonathan

I have no clue how to access the bulb, but wouldn't something like this be covered by the waranty?

[RCSignals]

You have to remove the whole console. There is a detailed procedure described in the Service Manual. Sactown is right, if it's a case of them not working, take it to the dealer. While there ask them to print out the description of how to remove and replace the overhead console

[gja]

What brilliant lad of an engineer designed a console that must be removed to re-lamp? I really wonder sometimes if they give any thought to the poor owners and service-people that have to deal with the ramifications of their designs.

[Marauder]

What brilliant lad of an engineer designed a console that must be removed to re-lamp? I really wonder sometimes if they give any thought to the poor owners and service-people that have to deal with the ramifications of their designs.

So you're telling me you can't pop out that lens to replace the bulbs?
That's dumb.

[gja]

From the previous posts, that is what others are saying.
If that is true I will be re-lamping it with LEDs so I never have to deal with it again after the originals blow.

[Ross]

Sometimes I think that engineers intentionally design things that way so that you will have to bring the car back to the dealer to pay for work to be done.

[FLA RAUD FAN]

You have to remove the whole console. There is a detailed procedure described in the Service Manual. Sactown is right, if it's a case of them not working, take it to the dealer. While there ask them to print out the description of how to remove and replace the overhead console

Thanks RC I noticed today that there are 2 screws in the sunglass compartment and another up front by the windshield. The bulbs are ok so it is not a warranty thing. They are sooo bright I wanted to try some green or red bulbs to see what that would be like!
I guess as cars get more complicated, something like changing a bulb must be complicated too.
Thanks, Jonathan

[Ross]

Hey, Fla Raud Fan, after you take the console out, please let us know how it went in case there are any unexpected wires that fall out, etc. More info is better for the collective database.

[FLA RAUD FAN]

Hey, Fla Raud Fan, after you take the console out, please let us know how it went in case there are any unexpected wires that fall out, etc. More info is better for the collective database.

Will do!!
Jonathan

[FLA RAUD FAN]

Just removed all visible screws and the overhead console won't budge!! It moves a bit more but there are probably some snaps in certain areas etc. but,I am still hesitant to pry on it for fear of breaking it. If someone has access to the service manual please post the procedure for removing the overhead console. I will check the thread a bit later and see what the wrench guys say.
JP

[RCSignals]

Just removed all visible screws and the overhead console won't budge!! It moves a bit more but there are probably some snaps in certain areas etc. but,I am still hesitant to pry on it for fear of breaking it. If someone has access to the service manual please post the procedure for removing the overhead console. I will check the thread a bit later and see what the wrench guys say.
JP

it is held in by clips. you don't want to just pull it down in any fashion, as you'll likely break the clips. Follow the procedure in the Shop Manual and you should be fine.

You may need a Torx screwdriver to get access to some of the bulbs. Be careful of the wiring for the compass.

[STLThunder]

Hmmm.... and I was going to suggest the proverbial ball peen hammer

[FLA RAUD FAN]

it is held in by clips. you don't want to just pull it down in any fashion, as you'll likely break the clips. Follow the procedure in the Shop Manual and you should be fine.

You may need a Torx screwdriver to get access to some of the bulbs. Be careful of the wiring for the compass.

RC
That's just it.....I don't have the shop manual!!!! If someone here doesn't post the procedure I guess I'll make a trip to the friendly local LM dealer.
JP

[FLA RAUD FAN]

Ok guys, Carfixer was nice enough to e-mail me the service manual instructions, and once I received them I was able to remove the console with no problems. I have replaced the bulbs with 2 green bulbs and will find out tonight if the change was worthwhile or if I need to go back to the originals.
It is nice to have this site and to be able to get info from all the good members that we have. Thanks Claude.
JP