How do you replace the automatic gear select lever light on a 2003 Toyota Corolla Is it similar to the instructions I found for an earlier model Corolla?

Answer 1

Hi, on my LX series, the simulated wood cover pops off using a strong fingernail or flat screwdriver blade. Lift that up and over the gear shifter-it will hang by the power outlet (cigarette lighter) wires. Next unclip the black housing at 4 places and lift up and slide forward. Watch the plastic PRNDL indicator doesn't fall into the console. The bulb is a wedge-type 12V 1.7W and was coated with a rubbery blue cover which tore and ripped away when I tried to remove the bulb with needle-nose pliers. I used 2 flat-blade screwdrivers to spin the bulb socket until it was free and dropped below the gear shifter frame. It took a while to fish it over and slip my fingers in enough to pull the bulb out. I did not have a replacement on hand, so I put the socket back in. A few days later, I found a suitable bulb at Autozone (168 blue, 2-pack for about $3). I just installed it this morning with no tools, so we'll see how it performs during the PM ride home. Took a few minutes to position the bulb in the socket using index fingers, but finallly it wiggled in and lit up!