i got a new center console top piece (not cracked with a gaping hole covered by black duct tape like mine)and tried to get the bulb for the gear indicator (auto) since mine is burnt out. I gave up, the bulb wouldn't come out. Is there something you do or just pull harder, cuz there isn't much to pull on.

i never did get the center console out of the 4th gen, (the seats i got look awsome) mainly i wanted the cup holder. since the new piece doesn't have holes for the power window switches, i'm gonna relocate them and make my own cup holder.

I'll post a pic or 2 if it looks decent.

 

It should just pull out. I believe you guys call it a 194 bulb over there. Sometimes when the car is old like ours, and the bulb holder has seen a few bulbs burn out, it melts very slightly and grips the bulbs harder. Be careful not to break the glass because it makes it very difficult to get all the bulb out.

 

I coulda sworn my Firebird's twists out, like a regular light, and doesn't just pull straight out. But then again it's been a while since I've had that stock automatic shifter in my car, so my memory could be bad!

 

You need something to help pry the bulb out in some cases. WHy the bulb was made so small that nobody can get it out without a whole lot of patience (which I do not have) and time, I have no idea. And don't let those Camaro guys tell you it's a 194 bulb. The 194 is used in the instrument panel and is way too big to fit that socket. The bulb is listed by Sylvania as an 87 (half the size, half the number! Hmmm....), and they are still the same price for a two-pack as the 194 even though they have half the lighting capacity and materials used to make the bulb. And yes, to remove the socket from the shift indicator, you twist a quarter turn and pull it out.

 

haha u think that ones hard, try doing it on a 4th gen On your car the bulb should pull right out.

 

How bright do these bulbs usually tend to get? Mine don't seem to be very bright when it's not attached to the shift indicator and the dimmer is turned up all the way.

 

Well on my 89 bird it pulled straight out with minimal effort. I should have driven to town and got another but i didn't. i'll just take it back apart again i guess. the cup holder mod turned out pretty decent. a couple things from home depot, some cutting, measuring, painting, sanding, bending, drilling, grinding, cussing, and it worked.

i'll try to get a digital camera and take a pic of it.