Ever since I bought my car about three years ago, I noticed there was a little plastic indentation in the top front of the center console. I figured it was supposed to be a light, but it never functioned so I wasn't sure.

Turns out that it is actually a light, but it doesn't work most of the time. I've had like maybe two or three times that the light actually came on but turned back off for some reason. This is in the three year period that I have owned the car (it's also a daily driver).

Can anyone shed some light on how to get this thing to work properly, or even HOW it works? Can't seem to find any logical reason that the light comes on every so often and then doesn't work for a long period of time.

Thanks guys

P.S. - Also, what do I have to do to replace the transmission shift indicator lights? They have burnt out after all these years. It's a 700R4.

 

The light should turn on when you open the center console. There should be a switch there also. Could be a bad switch, light bulb, bad wiring/connections.

For the transmission indicator bulb, cut out the entire bulb and bulb holder assembly and replace it with a new one or a working one from a parts car.

 

To replace the shift indicator bulb, first remove the shift plate. There are two bolts right under the console lid and there is one under the ash tray. Then carefully wiggle it up to release it. You will have to remove the shift **** (there is a staple like retainer on the front side that you pull out with a small flathead screwdriver) and put the tranny in neutral if you want to remove the shift plate completely. You can probably get to the bulb without pulling it all the way off though. There is no need to cut, the plastic holder for the bulb twists and pulls out. I think it's a 194 bulb.

test it out before reassembly just to be sure you don't have bad wiring. you can check out your other switch and bulb while you are in there.