Min Ahn
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2019
- Threads
- 30
- Messages
- 150
- Reaction score
- 68
- Location
- Denver, CO
- First Name
- Min
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Mustang Ecoboost Premium
- Thread starter
- #1
Hello,
After my first and second attempts went wrong, I finally decided to put a post here for help.
I spent a moderate amount of time in trying to search for the method but no luck.
I watched this first youtube video and the demonstrator got the housing off like a breeze by just pulling it, so I tried and realized this guide is for under 2017 models.
Then I watched another video and this time the demonstrator just popped the lenses off and replaced the bulbs, but when I tried the socket just pushed inside.
Now I'm in the car all dark and lonely calling out for help :(
So far, user HunterStang showed the most accurate way but I'm not sure if I can make that much of a gap between the housing and headliner.
Thanks everyone for the help.
Some tips I can give for people who are planning to do the same job:
1. Don't be afraid to pull down the housing hard, you actually have to pull it down far enough to make some space so the tool can be inserted in between and squeeze the metal tab. Just don't bend/crack the headliner. Once the map light housing is pulled out, you can push the metal tab back in position and it won't be dangling when everything is put back together.
2. The metal tab has an upside down V shape that needs to be pushed on both ends. Work on the outer metal tab first and then the inner one. The inner one is more stressful to push in and out and it will just pop back in when you try to do push the outer one.
3. When you get one side off, working on the other side becomes a whole lot easier with more clearance
4. Be careful not to leave the housing hanging itself with only one side taken out like I did in the first picture. It will break the white circular plastic part of the still-attached-side that holds the metal tab due to its weight.
5. Use a sturdy tool that isn't too thin. These metal tabs are so thin and hard to push in.
6. You'll spit out lots of profanity. That's completely normal, just make sure there isn't anyone around you while you do the job.
After my first and second attempts went wrong, I finally decided to put a post here for help.
I spent a moderate amount of time in trying to search for the method but no luck.
I watched this first youtube video and the demonstrator got the housing off like a breeze by just pulling it, so I tried and realized this guide is for under 2017 models.
Then I watched another video and this time the demonstrator just popped the lenses off and replaced the bulbs, but when I tried the socket just pushed inside.
Now I'm in the car all dark and lonely calling out for help :(
So far, user HunterStang showed the most accurate way but I'm not sure if I can make that much of a gap between the housing and headliner.
*****UPDATE*****
Thanks everyone for the help.
Some tips I can give for people who are planning to do the same job:
1. Don't be afraid to pull down the housing hard, you actually have to pull it down far enough to make some space so the tool can be inserted in between and squeeze the metal tab. Just don't bend/crack the headliner. Once the map light housing is pulled out, you can push the metal tab back in position and it won't be dangling when everything is put back together.
2. The metal tab has an upside down V shape that needs to be pushed on both ends. Work on the outer metal tab first and then the inner one. The inner one is more stressful to push in and out and it will just pop back in when you try to do push the outer one.
3. When you get one side off, working on the other side becomes a whole lot easier with more clearance
4. Be careful not to leave the housing hanging itself with only one side taken out like I did in the first picture. It will break the white circular plastic part of the still-attached-side that holds the metal tab due to its weight.
5. Use a sturdy tool that isn't too thin. These metal tabs are so thin and hard to push in.
6. You'll spit out lots of profanity. That's completely normal, just make sure there isn't anyone around you while you do the job.
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