Paul's Travel Pictures

Toyota Highlander Map Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out map light bulb in the overhead console of a 3rd generation 2014 to 2018 Toyota Highlander.

Main Menu            Home           Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures            Articles            My Blog

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-001
2017 Highlander Map Lights
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-002
Insert Flathead Screwdriver
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 plus possibly also the 2019 and 2020 model years) Toyota Highlander SUV in changing a burnt out map light bulb in the overhead console or upgrading them both to brighter LED units.

Owners of other Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles such as the 4Runner, Avalon, 86, C-HR, Camry, Corolla, iM, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, FR-S, xB,  xD, tC, xA, CT 200h, ES 250, ES 300, ES 330, ES 350, IS 250, IS 350, RX 300, GS 250, NX 300 and RX 350.

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 2825 (also known as part # W5W).

You can also use a brighter 2825 LED bulb.

The only tool needed to access and replace the bulb is a small flathead screwdriver. A piece of stiff wire may also be useful for pulling out a stubborn bulb that is stuck in the socket.



 
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-003
Pry Out Lens Cover
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-004
Lens Cover Removed
To prevent from scratching the plastic surfaces, you can either cover the tip of your screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth or instead use a small plastic pry bar tool.

Insert the blade of your screwdriver in between the inner edges of the lens covers.

Gently pry out the lens cover to release the retaining clips.

Pull out the lens cover and remove the plastic tab on the outer edge from the overhead console.

Set the lens cover aside in a safe place.

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-005
Old Light Bulb Exposed
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-006
Loop of Stiff Wire
Try to pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket with your thumb and forefinger.

I wasn't able to get a good grip on the old light bulb since it is recessed into the metal reflector.

I tried using a piece of stiff wire twisted into a loop to pull out the old light bulb.

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-007
Push Wire Over Bulb
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-008
Bending Down Reflector
I still wasn't able to pull out the old light bulb with the loop of stiff wire, so I had to resort to the least desirable option.

I chose to gently bend down the silver metal light reflector out of the overhead console.



 

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-009
Easily Pull Out Old Bulb
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-010
Empty Bulb Socket
With the metal reflector out of the way, you should be able to very easily pull out the old light bulb.

If the old light bulb was recently turned on, be careful when you remove it. The bulb might still be hot enough to burn your fingers.

The OEM light bulb in this 2017 Highlander was part number Toshiba W5W which is the same as the # 2825 bulb.

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-011
Push In New Light Bulb
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-012
Bend Back Metal Reflector
Push a new number 2825 miniature wedge base light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have brighter map lights, install some compatible replacement 2825 LED bulbs.

Carefully bend the metal reflector back into place.

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-013
Re-Insert Tab - Outer Edge
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-014
Pop In Clips - Inner Edge
Then line up the lens cover with the light housing in the overhead console.

First, re-insert the tab on the outer edge back into the opening.

Then gently snap in the two retaining clips on the inner edge over their mounting pegs.

2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-015
Lens Cover Replaced
2014-2018-Toyota-Highlander-Map-Light-Bulbs-Replacement-Guide-016
Test New Map Light Bulbs
Double check that the lens cover is securely in place.

To test the new light bulbs, press on the raised bar on the outer edge of the lens cover to activate the "On / Off" switches.

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

Please check out all of my 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

If you found this guide to be helpful, please consider making a small donation by clicking on the PayPal.com "Donate" button located to the right of this paragraph. Thank you!
(Note: I am not a registered charity. Donations are not tax deductible.)

Main Menu       Home       Digital Cameras

Misc. Pictures       Articles       My Blog

 

Copyright 2024 © PaulsTravelPictures.com
 All Rights Reserved ®

Paul's Travel Pictures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Privacy Policy     About Paul & Author Contact Info