License plate bulb replacement

[ganas]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and CX-7 too. I'm thinking of getting the license plate bulbs replaced but have no idea where to start. Any idea how? Thank you.


Cheers

[ganas]

Just found it from another forum:

Installation tips:

Dome Lights -- Those are the easiest, just use a very small flathead and find the little slot along the edge of the lens to pop it off.

Map Lights -- Use a kitchen butter knife on the driver or passenger side of the assembly to pry the clips. It can take a little while to find the leverage point, but don't worry, the clips are metal so you won't break them. Once you find the leverage point you'll definitely know because the assembly will pop right out. This thread has great pics.

License Plate Lights -- As described in the first post in this thread, just use a flathead to pop the covers off, its easy. The worst part is removing the original bulbs in the chilly weather. I suggest that if you're struggling, then turn the lights on for a few seconds and the heat will loosen them up a bit (obviously turn them off before you go yanking on them again though).

[bscar]

led replacements?

[ganas]

led replacements?

That's included..as long as you manage to get all the bulb covers opened by following the previous instructions, then you can change the lights to other standard bulbs or LEDs. Make sure you have the correct bulb size/type.

Found the license plate and dome interior lights to be quite easy to do, and haven't had a chance to do the map lights..it's quite hard though, you don't want to leave some scratches on the roof. Will update if I get that done

[oh10speed3]

thanks for posting your findings. i have been thinking about getting the led license plate light myself. i think it would really clean up the back of my speed

[ganas]

@oh10speed3:
Glad to share and, yes it does man..my car is white and looks awesome when you have the LEDs installed. Will post some pics when I get a chance.

[bscar]

there's a guy at work who has LEDs for his plates and a single strip on the bumper of his truck. Those lights double as extra brake light and turn signals(red LEDs). Pretty neat when you see it.

[TonyN]

Originally Posted by ganas Hi all, I'm new to this forum and CX-7 too. I'm thinking of getting the license plate bulbs replaced but have no idea where to start. Any idea how? Thank you. Cheers

bulb size 194, use a flat head to pop the license plate cover off and then just pull out the old bulb and install the new one. I use Superbrightleds.com 194 SMD Pure white LED, it is pure white like my lexus.

[Buck79]

Did anyone ever get the map lights replaced?? I'm in the process of trying to pry off the assembly and am a little nervous about messing up!

[lvdukerider]

Originally Posted by Buck79 Did anyone ever get the map lights replaced?? I'm in the process of trying to pry off the assembly and am a little nervous about messing up!

Its been several years since ive replaced mine but if my memory is correct there are two hidden tabs along the rear edge you press foreward to release the asembly from the headliner, dont just pry it out.

[Buck79]

Thanks for the input. Ill give it a shot after work today and maybe take pictures as well. Thanks again!

[Buck79]

Ok, the trick to doing the map light bulbs is just to pry it down a little from the rear, not the windshield side, until it pops loose. You will see the two metal clips on the left and right side after you do this. Use just enought pressure to pop it loose or you could screw up the wiring harness. Then there are two knobs that the lights are in that come out with about an 8th turn. Those are the bulb holders. Thats it! Just replace your bulbs and it pops right nack in place.

[Buck79]

Heres a couple of pics. Much more nice.

[gman121]

Anybody know how to replace license plate bulbs on a 2008 Mazda CX-7?

Thanks!

[Thor Hammer]

Hammer and a chisel.

OK, ok. I think the lenses just pop out. CX7 might be different from my MS6. Why not search on the internet webzzzingy thingy?

[gman121]

Hahah! Thanks! I did try them internets but all they showed was the lowly MS6...JUST KIDDING!
You were right though...the lenses just pop out and then, if you have tiny, 4 year old fingers, the bulbs will come right out as well.