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LED Overhead console How To

16K views 22 replies 17 participants last post by  lamar7569 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok so like many here I've been slowly switching out all the incandescent bulbs I can to LED and realized that no one here has yet tackled the overhead console at least without install pics so I guess you can call me the guinea pig.
Sorry I don't have pics with the original bulb in, I realized that a how-to may help after the fact and just repeated the steps to show everyone how

All in all not too bad an install at all but do take your time as there are fragile plastics at harms way.
So here are the steps.

tools needed:
Flat blade screwdriver (smallest blade available if possible)
Needle nose pliers

Instructions
1. The overhead console lights are covered by that clear flimsy plastic cover. There is a tab holding the rear on at the very end of the cover.
2. Using your screwdriver slowly and carefully pry between the chrome surround and the plastic cover slowly working the tab down.
3. Eventually you will free the tab
4. This is the tricky part, the cover is still attached toward to front of the vehicle and only has about 1.5" of play before it feels like it will break
5. Hold the cover down right near it's breaking point with one hand and use a pair of needle nose pliers to gently grab the bulb in its socket
6. Pull the bulb straight down and it will release from the socket, it's a wedge type 194 or 168 bulb maybe even 921
7. Put your LED bulb in it's place but test it by opening the door first to make sure it's in the correct polarity because you don't want to have to repeat the process
8. The bulb housing is large enough that it should hold the 360 degree style Putco bulbs that are also used for several more interior lights.

As promised pics and even a video (sorry for the crappy cinematography, I'm a doctor not a filmmaker)

Images:
1. the area of the cover you have to pry open

2. The cover open with the maximum amount of "play" in it

3. The new LED bulb in it's housing

4. The finished product

http://youtu.be/aAOSfMeA8hA
 

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#3 ·
Thanks, + rep also. Did you use 194 down facing bulbs?
 
#4 · (Edited)
Yeah I used the 194 down facing LEDs, These have four SMD LEDs on the end in a 2x2 grid. Got just some cheap samples from Amazon but They're decent enough for the time being. Got some Putcos in route for the exterior lights.

here's a link to the actual ones I bought
http://www.amazon.com/194-Wedege-SMD-LED-Lights/dp/B002JSFH3G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3M7XAFI6KIYC&s=generic&qid=1305684329&sr=1-1

and here are some night shots of the LEDs
They're satisfactory but now I need to find away to change out the front ??LEDs?? that came from the factory as they are very yellow compared to the ones I just put in.
The photos don't show that because they're overexposed but there is a definite difference in color

and apparently the console it self seems to be attached only by those dang clips at least according to these pictures. Hmm maybe I'll try pulling that damn thing down tomorrow.
http://cas07.businessflow.ms/Current/Media/item_image_sheet.aspx?domain=lkqonline.com&auction_guid=&item_guid=d9470671-d0f6-4bd3-8521-a98cec6d6f4e&image_guid=981dfd3c-9dd7-4b5f-be6f-1274b4b26a81
 

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#11 ·
They're satisfactory but now I need to find away to change out the front ??LEDs??
I really need to change out those front lights too. Has anyone got a solution? I would be happy with never having them come on again but I'd prefer an LED swap.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Thanks Yocubed! This thread was a big help to installing those LEDs. I bought the same bulbs that you listed in the amazon link. I love the output from them they are brighter without being obnoxious and the light is a little blue, nothing major, but I really like it. These lights have made my WK2 feel more expensive especially at night. I highly recommend this to everyone.
 
#9 ·
Two suggestions:

Very nice, BTW, thanks for sharing.

2 suggestions:

1) Consider a non marring plastic/nylon trim tool instead of a screwdriver

2) Has anyone checked a manual to see if there is a way to remove the entire lens? Seems odd that the clear lens can't be removed.
 
#16 ·
It comes off. The non recommend way is to remove the cover similar to the OP pics and carefully release the two rear tabs. It's possible, but again not recommended. The recommend way is removing the overhead console. There is an interior from removal guide on WK2Jeeps.

The other two map lights are integrated into the circuit board, not an easy swap.
 
#18 ·
To change the bulbs you are actually supposed to yank on the console firmly to dislodge the spring clips.

After you get it down you can access the bulbs from the back.


People have been trying to get under the covers and they have luck that way but they complain how little space there is to get to the bulbs.
 
#19 ·
I was referring to the "map" lights I guess...Found out they are already an LED and are attached to a circuit board under there. So i'm not going to mess with it. I was able to get the whole cover off though by unclipping it and pulling the piece towards the back of the car at an angle. No breakage and made installing the bulbs easy.
 
#22 · (Edited)
Does any one of you how to change the second ones on the Overhead Console?
the console itself is not a problem to get it down, but there on the back side I can only change the first one, the second one is impossible to get it from the back side.

I disasemble the whole thing, and it is not possible to change the second ones, there are no bulbs there, they are little leds and no way to remplace them.
 

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#23 · (Edited)
Hello, you need to take that center overhead console down and unplug it. Then you need to remove all (12) of the torx screws to remove the cover to the circuit board. You can now simply unplug the white ribbon wire from the circuit board coming from those LED lights. Now put it all back together and you won't have to worry about them coming on with the other dome lights. Problem solved!
 
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