Well since i bought my used 99' Expy 2 months ago i had noticed that neither of the 2 bulbs were working. I just assumed it was blown bulbs and never got around to looking into it.

Well today i finally did... I don't know what happened to it in the past, but the black plastic 3 prong retainer that holds the bulb has somewhat melted and the bulb was missing.

At first glance i thought that a piece of the previous bulb was just stuck in there preventing a new bulb from going in, but once i took it out and looked at it i realized it's melted. Also, the copper ring that goes around the bulbs to complete the circuit is missing some of the copper it looks like it's been bent and twisted causing it to flake off in areas.

Granted overhead lights aren't critical to the vehicle, but it's one of those things that's going to bug me until i fix it.

Anyone know an easy way to repair or replace those copper rings that go around the lightbulbs as well as get a replacement black plastic bulb holder? I'm guessing junkyards might be my best bet since i'm not even sure what these pieces i need are called.

The driver side bulb works when i mess with it, but that copper ring has pretty much had it. Since the passanger side one is trashed and they are linked together i figure i might as well fix them both and be done with it.

I can't imagine the black plastic piece that holds the bulb costs much there is nothing to it. I'm worried about those copper rings though. I haven't had time to try and trace it out to see where it goes and how long it is or if it can even be replaced. I'm hoping someone here will have more info.


Thanks

 

I would get a whole new (or junk salvaged) console. It sounds like yours has been shorted, probably against the cieling. Maybe someone with a not so nice temper. You'll see this upon removal, ie. black arc spots. You could just replace the sockets, but buy getting the whole console, you can salvage to your hearts delight or replace your existing one in one shot. Once you unscrew the retaining screws, the console may fight you a tad, it has slip in retaining clips. Then there are quick disconnects for the wiring. Be sure to trace the wires for melting or scarring so you don't have a reocurrance of your existing problem. Hope this helps.