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If the inside of your car has grown dim through the years, then it might be time to replace your interior light bulbs. Vehicles are usually equipped with a dome light and a map light. The dome light is the large light source typically placed in the middle of the car’s ceiling. Map lights are also on the car ceiling but are mounted closer towards the driver and the front passenger. These are strategically placed to have a concentrated light beam towards the driver and the front passenger only. Replacing the light bulbs in both the dome light and the map light is simple and can be done at home.

What you will need:

• Flathead screwdriver/interior trim removal tool
• Replacement light bulbs
  – Consult the owner’s manual in order to purchase the correct light bulbs.
  – Replacement interior dome light bulbs are typically 10W Festoon base.
  – Replacement map light bulbs come in two types depending on the vehicle. It is either a peanut light bulb, or a Festoon base light bulb.

• Steps to Replace the Dome Light

  Make certain that the Dome light is in the “OFF” position and not on the “DOOR” or “ON” position.

  1. Identify the dome light in your car.
  2. Find the small opening slot between the lense and plastic molding of the dome light.
  3. Insert your screwdriver or interior trim removal tool and gently wiggle the lens free. Be very careful not to break the plastic tabs which secure the lens to the dome light. Take this opportunity to clean the lens.
  4. Pop out the old light bulb, and insert the replacement, being careful not to crack or break the bulb.
  5. Test if the newly installed light bulb works by turning the dome light switch ON.
  6. Pop the lens back into place paying close attention to the plastic tabs that hold it to the dome light.

  Steps to Replace the Map Light

  1. Identify where the hinge and the plastic tabs are on your map light.
  2. Gently insert the flathead screwdriver or interior trim removal tool between the lens and the plastic molding of the map light
  3. Very carefully wiggle the map light in the direction away from the plastic tab.
  4. Once dislodged, pull the lens out along with the heat shield.
  5. If your car’s map light uses a Festoon base light bulb, pop it out using your fingers or the interior trim removal tool. But if your map light is equipped with a peanut light bulb, unscrew the bulb as you would a normal household light bulb.
  6. Test the newly installed light bulb, and return the heat shield and lens carefully.As with any repairs consult your owner’s manual for specific handling and equipment needed to avoid further damage.

     Interior lights go beyond just illuminating the inside of your car. They are also a safety feature that lets you know if you’ve left the door, or even the trunk open. It is a convenience which we all have grown accustomed to, and often take for granted. Make sure your interior lights are functioning properly because it is definitely easier replacing the interior light bulbs than feeling around your car at night looking for your keys in the dark.

1. Adjust how close you are to the steering wheel.
   • Place one of your feet flat on the car floor. This will make pushing or pulling the seat much easier.
   • Pull the lever which adjusts your seat forward or backward.
   • Adjust the seat and stop at a distance you believe is sufficient for your feet to reach the pedals.
   • Place your feet on the pedals.

Note that your knees need to be slightly bent while your feet are resting on the pedals. Even though you should only be moving your ankles to shift from one pedal to another, having the space to fully extend your leg on the brake pedal during an emergency for maximum breaking force is essential. This is possible by having a slight bend at all times.

• Repeat process till you get to a comfortable position.

2. Adjust your backrest.
   • Sit back into the seat.
   • Lift the lever and adjust the backrest pitch up or down.
   • Fully stretch your arms out to rest your wrists on top of the steering wheel.

Note that your elbows need to be bent slightly when your hands rest at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Stretching your arms and resting your wrists on top of the steering wheel will place you in the optimum position.

• Repeat process till you get a comfortable position

Do not sit up right, or with the backrest at a 90-degree position from the seat. This will make driving uncomfortable, and increase chest injury during an accident.

3. Adjust your headrest.
   • Press the button located at the plastic base of the headrest.
   • Adjust the headrest higher or lower to support the back of your head.

Note that your head should NOT be resting on the headrest. Headrests are used to catch your head in the event of an accident, preventing your neck from getting whiplash. Make sure to have a fist sized gap between your head and the headrest.