[danieldamaniel]

I know I have to take out the housing...but I heard that if I don't know what I am going i can easily break the clips. And anyways I dont even know how to take out the housing. My dealer wants $96 to install it so he can suck my @#!#. Any help would be appreciated...

 

[kendalf]

Try this: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=13234.msg247545;topicseen#msg247545

I remember someone else had clearer pictures and better instructions, but I can't find it right now. Try searching for various terms related to installing LEDs in the map lights.

 

[Retrax]

My owner's manual had pretty good instructions.

 

[danieldamaniel]

Your cars owners manual??

AND yea I cant find ANYTHINg and that guy doesnt even tell you how he did it but thanks

 

[ziegs2020]

Using a thin flat head screwdriver, wrap a shirt around it and pry the right side of the map light open near the middle. Be careful otherwise you'll chip the plastic.

 

[danieldamaniel]

Are you talking about the clear party of the whole panel?

 

[ziegs2020]

I'll make a thread.

 

[ziegs2020]

I tried searching for a how to thread, and there isn't one. I know it's pretty straightforward, and it is mentioned in the service manual (not the manual that comes with the car), but the clips are hard to get if you don't know what to look for.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=67376.new#new

 

[mario8402]

i just grabbed mine and pulled it out like wild man, no problems here.

 

[Retrax]

[quote author=danieldamaniel link=topic=67288.msg1156932#msg1156932 date=1169171028]
Your cars owners manual??

AND yea I cant find ANYTHINg and that guy doesnt even tell you how he did it but thanks
[/quote]

Yes, my car owner's manual (the one that came in the glove box). Page 8-50, "Replacing interior light bulbs" in the Owner Maintenance section. Has a nice illustration and everything. My car is a 2006.

 

[kendalf]

For 2007 my owner's manual says:

Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Due to the complexity and difficulty of the procedure, the bulbs should be replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

LOL, as ziegs2020s new guide shows, it's not that hard at all. Just be gentle and you won't break anything.

 

[Retrax]

[quote author=kendalf link=topic=67288.msg1158867#msg1158867 date=1169255581]
For 2007 my owner's manual says:

Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Due to the complexity and difficulty of the procedure, the bulbs should be replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

[/quote]

My owner's manual says the same thing about replacing the front turn signal lights. From what I can tell, I have to take the front bumper cover off to get at them.

 

[bossboy]

[quote author=Retrax link=topic=67288.msg1159238#msg1159238 date=1169270657]
[quote author=kendalf link=topic=67288.msg1158867#msg1158867 date=1169255581]
For 2007 my owner's manual says:

Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Due to the complexity and difficulty of the procedure, the bulbs should be replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

[/quote]

My owner's manual says the same thing about replacing the front turn signal lights. From what I can tell, I have to take the front bumper cover off to get at them.
[/quote]

front bumper cover? are we talking the interior map lights or your headlights? ROFL

as someone suggested above, take a flatheadscrewdriver, and wrap somethign around it like a shirt or paper towel. pry gently. then when u can get a finger in there, pull down.
its two metal clips on either side. they are pretty large. u wont break em i dont think