03 Corolla LED light upgrade - interior map light

Cheap upgrade PART II: Change 2003 Toyota Corolla interior map lights with bright, aftermarket LED light bulb.

Following up with Part I, where I replaced interior overhead dome light. It was a lot of fun and I loved the result. So it in only natural that I replace the map lights as well.

I went out and purchased a set of these 12V T10 5SMD (or SMD 5050) LED light bulbs. They are fairly inexpensive and come in sets of 4. You only need two, but you can keep the rest or put them in some where else.

Here is a close up of what the LED light bulb looks like

First, remove the clear plastic cover. It is pretty easy, I pried it off with just my finger nails. 

You will need a plier with long tip like the one shown below. These pliers are called "Needle Nose Plier" It will help you get into that tight space to pull & remove the factory light bulb 

This would be the "hardest" part. Carefully insert the plier into the tight space, gently wiggle and pull the factory light bulb out. You don't need apply a lot of force, but you do need to be careful. You really don't want broken glass in the socket.  

Stock light bulb compare to the LED light bulb

Insert the LED light bulb into the socket

Test if the light bulb lights up. If not, try pull it out, turn the metal contact on the end of bulb the other way (reverse) and try it again. 

LED vs the stock light bulb. Notice the difference, even in broad daylight! 

Put the plastic cover back

Looking good! 

The result was pretty awesome. I love the bright light, specially during the night. The natural white light is really easy on the eyes and they look great! 

Hope you like this upgrade. Next up: LED head light! Stay tuned! 

See Part I here

How to repair this, any suggestion?

One of the hinge on the door broke off, so I just took the whole thing out.

Anybody got any suggestion as what I can replace it with? Where to get the matching color & style? Or replace the entire center console with something else?

03 Corolla LED light upgrade - interior dome light

Cheap upgrade PART I: Change 2003 Toyota Corolla interior dome light to a bright, aftermarket LED light bulb.

The yellowish interior dome light is weak and depressing, so I want to brighten things up. I went ahead and bought the inexpensive 12V 31mm SMD LED Light Bulbs to replace the dome light.

It is pretty easy to remove the plastic cover of the dome light. I just use my finger nail to pry open the cover alone the edge.

Factory light bulb. 

It is pretty easy to remove the light bulb. First, slide the light bulb towards the "hook shape" metal spring to the other edge of the bulb comes free.  

Pull the light bulb out as the shown in the arrow. No tools needed! 

This is the factory light bulb. Don't throw it away, keep it somewhere safe. You might need it in the future for different applications, you never know. 

This is the 12V 31mm SMD LED Light Bulbs I bought online. They are fairly inexpensive, so I just bought a pair. After you see its cheap price, you might feel like buying more :D

Place the LED light bulb into the socket.

Let there be light! I love the white LED, looks awesome! 

The light bulb is really bright, I took this shot during day time and it still looks very nice. I will took another shot at night and you will see the difference. 

This is a cheap and useful upgrade. I am very happy with the result and wonder why I didn't do it sooner. 

Stay tuned for PART II, where I will upgrade the two map lights under the rear view mirror! 

See Part II here

Change 2003 Toyota Corolla LE Engine Air Filter

Since I changed the in cabin air filter, it make no sense not to replace the engine air filter too. So I take a look at the engine air filter, and sure enough, it is hell of dirty too. Time to swap a new one! I went out and bought the Purolator A25463 Classic Air Filter (or if you like, you can get the OEM part that looks exactly like the genuine Toyota filter)

Old vs. New

It is quite easy to get to the air intake housing. To open up the box , you only need to release the two latches shown in the picture

Open it up. You want to first remove the filter and check (also clean) any dust and debris under the old filter.  

Line up the lower left corner of the filter with the box and put the new filter in. There is only one way to fit it in so you don't have to worry about any mistake. 

Close it up. And that is it! 

After couple weeks with the new air filter, I am happy to report that I observed zero performance improvement and absolutely no benefit on the gas mileage! Yeah! 

But hey, the "feel good" factor is still price less :)

2003 Corolla LE change in cabin air filter, get some fresh air inside!

I have sinus problem. I have frequent nasal congestion. I also sneeze a lot, and I notice the problem seem to worse when I am in my car. It made me think the air wasn't too clean in the car. That made me thinking about ways to improve air quality in the car. I have 2003 Toyota Corolla LE. An old car but still runs great.

With a bit of Googling, I realize how easy it is to replace the in-cabin air filter. So I went out and got this Purolator C35491 BreatheEASY Cabin Air Filter

Here is what I did: First, open up the glove compartment and unscrew the hinge on the right side

Press on both side of the glove box to "release" the tabs that are holding the glove box in place

After that, the glove box should come off easily. The air filter cover should now be exposed and easily accessible. Press on the clip at both end of the air filter cover

Remove the cover. Now you can pull out and and replace the in-cabin air filter. Put everything back together and you are good to go! 

Just thought I would give you a bit of motivation to take some action: This is the old air filter I pulled out of my car. Yes, OMFG! 

After I replace the filter, I notice I don't sneeze in my car anymore. And I am not sure if it is related, but I no longer smell that weird order after I turn on the A/C. 

So people, please check your air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. It is very cheap and very easy to do!