Removal of Interior Overhead Light Panel on MY 99

[RandalJ]

I've searched the archives and TSBs but haven't found anything on this. Does the panel that has the overhead/map lights just pry off, or is there a special trick to it? My sunroof control switch has become loose (pushed into the panel), so I'm thinking I just need to take the panel off and snap it back into the panel. I hope...

Thanks in advance.

[Reborn996]

Yep, just did this. It does pry out... the back edge towards the rear window has two tabs that lock onto the upper console. The front of the lights closest to the windshield has two metal clips which you can release by pulling straight down (you might need a small flat head screwdriver to pry it out). Once the metal clips are undone you can slide the light assembly towards the front of the car a little bit while its angled down to release the back tabs. There is one wiring connector to undo once the light is out.

P.S. These instructions are for the light module itself. The rest of the upper console I believe is screwed in and you should see the screws once the light module is removed...

David

I've searched the archives and TSBs but haven't found anything on this. Does the panel that has the overhead/map lights just pry off, or is there a special trick to it? My sunroof control switch has become loose (pushed into the panel), so I'm thinking I just need to take the panel off and snap it back into the panel. I hope...

Thanks in advance.

Edited May 6, 2007 by Reborn996

[iflyjets4u]

Don't just start prying away. First you must remove the two oval shaped pieces of plastic by the map lights. They do indeed pry out. You will find a screw inside each of those, which must be removed first, then the piece will unclip.

Mine broke a while back. Got the new one from Sunset and all is well. They did send the wrong one first. The first one was much shorter and did not have the hole for the sunroof switch. Good luck

[Reborn996]

Yeah, my instructions are for removing the light cluster only! I did not have to remove the upper console itself... ;) Good watching out on this iflyjets4u!

David

Don't just start prying away. First you must remove the two oval shaped pieces of plastic by the map lights. They do indeed pry out. You will find a screw inside each of those, which must be removed first, then the piece will unclip.

Mine broke a while back. Got the new one from Sunset and all is well. They did send the wrong one first. The first one was much shorter and did not have the hole for the sunroof switch. Good luck

[RandalJ]

Thanks for all your advice. I was able to get it off. I pried the front of the light assembly off my fingers. Since there were no screws under it, I figured maybe under the two security caps. I tried those off, and found the two screws holding the console on. Took those off, and the console came off by hand. Pry the rear first, then push forward to unhook at the front. The sunroof switch assembly was fine, but the fittings molded into the console had broken, so I need to replace the console piece.

Thanks again.

[boldstep]

Removing the lens is a nightmare. The best plan of attack in my opinion is to remove those two screws and drop the whole unit. Then you can replace the lens or light bulbs much easier. There are three wire harnesses which snap out once you are in there.

[logray]

Good thing the lens is inexpensive if you break it. Ask me how I know this. ;)