03 center console/shifter light bulb

alkazoo · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2006, 08:37 AM

any one know the quick/fast/easy way (without breaking anything lol) to remove the center console and replace the light bulb? Its the bulb that illuminates the shift letters (drive/1/2/rev etc)....at first it was intermittant and by tapping on the plastic would come on, that lasted a couple months, now out alltogether...For such a simple repair it appears a chore to get to it...any help????
PS. 2003 highlander im talkin about.

Crize64 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alkazoo

any one know the quick/fast/easy way (without breaking anything lol) to remove the center console and replace the light bulb? Its the bulb that illuminates the shift letters (drive/1/2/rev etc)....at first it was intermittant and by tapping on the plastic would come on, that lasted a couple months, now out alltogether...For such a simple repair it appears a chore to get to it...any help????
PS. 2003 highlander im talkin about.

Ditto, I have the same problem with my '03. Comes on every once in a while and then goes off. Very annoying to say the least. Does anyone have a solution?

Crize64

drmonkey1313 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 08:23 PM

I believe you remove the center console just like you remove most of the other plastic pieces in the car. Take a thin flat blade screwdriver and put some electrical tape over the tip (to avoid scratching the plastic). Slide the tip of the blade underneath the plastic piece and gently pry up. Continue this around the plastic piece until it is raised up all the way around. Then you can use your fingers to pry it up and out. I recommend grabbing the plastic piece from each side and gently prying it upward on both sides. Be careful and don't rush and you should be fine.

Good luck.

Crize64 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-15-2008, 11:38 PM

The center console shifter light has finally given up. Can I remove the trim around center console shifter to access the light or do I need to dismantle the complete console?

Thanks....

Crize64

jzack · #5 (**permalink**) 12-16-2008, 11:31 PM

Looked like it was pretty easy to get to that area when I replaced the stock HL radio with an aftermarket unit. With the radio and ac/heater control module out -- looked like a pretty straight shot down there. Only takes maybe 20 mins to get the radio + ac controls pulled out. Never touched the bulb but it was pretty easy to spot the wires from above...

My 2 cents...