How do you change the light bulb in the gear shift indicator for Toyota matrix 2004?

Answer 1

This is for my 06 matrix XR automatic transmission.

I am not in any way a licensed repair person...I have received no training. I simply enjoy fixing things on my own and I did recently change this bulb successfully. The replacement bulb cost me about $4 at the dealer.

I'm sitting at home right now, and not at my car, so hopefully my memory will serve me correctly.

Here's how I did it:

1) Remove the trimming around the radio. To do this, I simply put my fingers underneath it (right about the A/C control knobs) and lifted up and out. It came off very easily.

2) Remove the center A/C control knob simply by pulling it out. Behind it, remove the single screw. (you may need to move the gear shifter into it's lowest position to do this)

3) Use a trim/moulding remover tool (or in my case a flathead screwdriver with tape on the end to protect the moulding) to pry out the AC power panel. (there are about 6 places it latches to the dash. I started prying the right side and just carefully pulled it out. There's a longer latch on the upper left hand corner so that might take some wiggling to get out).

3) Disconnect the wiring from this panel and set aside.

4) Using your trim/moulding remover tool, remove the panel covering the remaining A/C control knobs, the cigarette lighter and surrounding the gear shifter. Start below the gear shifter and pry up the thin stripe of moulding. There are about 4-6 places you need to pry to get them to pop out and release. The final two attachment points are the top right and left corners...if you wiggle it left and right while you pull outward, the whole piece will come out.

5) Disconnect the wiring from this panel as well and set aside. (Keep in mind the wiring from the A/C power unit will need to be placed back through this housing before you reinstall this panel)

6) Unscrew both screws from the top of gear shifter itself. If you pull up on the gear shifter, the gear shift button will pop out. Don't worry, it goes right back in later.

7) Reach underneat the (black) gear indicator panel and pry upward. There are a few main latch points on either side and one on top that will pop out. It's hard to describe in words where they are, but if you need to, just peak underneath and that should help.

8) Rotate the panel clockwise to the right (this may require lifting up, thereby lifting the gear shifter and popping out the gear shifter button). This should expose the bulb.

9) Use plyers to gently pull out the bad bulb and then replace it with the new one. It should click into place.

10) Test it by turning on your lights.

11) Reverse the disassembly instructions above.

*****If you have to replace the gear shifter button, look into the button hole as you slide the knob up and down on the shaft (it needs to be at the correct height to slide back in). You should also be able to see where the spring fits to help you with orientation of the button.

*****Also, remember to feed the A/C power cables through the panel in step 4 before snapping this panel back into place.

All panels should easily snap back into place.

Good luck!