overhead console/dome light

[Fordy55]

I'm trying to put some nice LEDs in my dome light, but I can't take them out when i pry the plastic off because theres the plastic reducers (or limitors?) that are in the way (they are designed to reduce glare). I tried unscrewing and taking the conole off, but I still couldn't get the suckers out Any ideas?

 

[BigRondo]

Fordy, I read about this on other posts. Unfortunately I don't remember what the fix was or what posts I read this in. If I find it I will point you that way!

 

[borland]

I removed the overhead console on my 2002XLT in order to install a factory Homelink transmitter that I bought used on eBay.

After you remove the screws, you need to pull the unit down only slightly in order to undo the electrical connector, after which, the unit if free to be completely removed. Besides the screws, the overhead console is attached by spring clips similar to other interior panels, so you pull straight down.

 

[fedyfedz]

I have put leds in all of my dome/courtest lights the ones in the rear seat and trunk are easy to do the ones in the front of the car are a *****. I had to take the whole plastic piece that has the sunroof switch and lights completly off that was the easy part couple of plugs and clips and ur done. Fords stupidest design along with the bulbs in the side mirrors which is another story. to get the bulbs in i had to take the other ones out which popped right out casue its an easy angle to get to. To get them in is a hassle, there is a metal reflector to reflect the light of the two bulbs downward and it is directly in the way of getting the bulbs in. I had to turn the piece upside down and put the bulb resting on the plastic piece then flip it over and hope it lands resting on the brackets. After many failed attempts i got on rested on the bracket it still wasn't in i had to take a paperclip and wedge in there and push down on each side of the bulb. What you think is a simple job turned into an hour long job. Hope this helps...

 

[Fordy55]

I have put leds in all of my dome/courtest lights the ones in the rear seat and trunk are easy to do the ones in the front of the car are a *****. I had to take the whole plastic piece that has the sunroof switch and lights completly off that was the easy part couple of plugs and clips and ur done. Fords stupidest design along with the bulbs in the side mirrors which is another story. to get the bulbs in i had to take the other ones out which popped right out casue its an easy angle to get to. To get them in is a hassle, there is a metal reflector to reflect the light of the two bulbs downward and it is directly in the way of getting the bulbs in. I had to turn the piece upside down and put the bulb resting on the plastic piece then flip it over and hope it lands resting on the brackets. After many failed attempts i got on rested on the bracket it still wasn't in i had to take a paperclip and wedge in there and push down on each side of the bulb. What you think is a simple job turned into an hour long job. Hope this helps...

Very Helpful, just to make it clear (because this process is a b*tch when it should take less then a minute).

Take off the overhead console complete (remove wire harness, screws, clips, ect)
Then I should have access to the dome light? Or would I need to take the metal reflective thing off from the inside? That part confuses me...

Thanks for your help I appreciate it

P.S. I hate when I search google trying to find an answer, and I click the link to explorerforums thinking I found it only to find that I created the thread

 

[fedyfedz]

When the piece is taken out the dome light's are in the piece you took off behind two pieces of plastic the metal reflective piece is just in the way in the middle, i couldnt figure out how to take of the reflective piece without damaging the console. there is two pieces of plastic next to each side of the reflector those are directly in your way. You will find yourself looking/working upside down practically

 

[Fordy55]

Got it, Thanks! A++