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
