Learn All About Dome Light

Thing about getting stuck in a dark place without any light. Such situations can be really troublesome and can give a lot of discomfort. Similar discomfort can occur when you are driving at night and there is no light in the cabin. To save you in such conditions, the dome lights are placed inside your car. These are like small flashlights with a plastic covering on top to protect them from damages.

Dome lights enhance our area of vision in low light conditions, especially when we are carrying plenty of stuff, helping them to put safely in place, inside the car or when you have dropped your car keys underneath the seats and can’t find them in the dark. Finally, an illuminated dome bulb in the evening can help you locate some valuable items that you might have dropped on the car floor and are unable to find for quite some time.

The dome light is installed on the roof, on the interior side of the vehicle to illuminate the whole cabin, when needed. It is usually located at the centre, near the rear-view mirror or between the front and rear seats, on the top.

The only function of a dome light is to illuminate for the passengers in low light conditions as per the driver’s needs. In most vehicles, the dome light is also used as lamp bulb which illuminates when automatically when the car doors are opened and shuts when the doors are closed.

The car dome light performs multiple functions for the passengers by increasing their visibility in dark environment. Although, having a dome light does not provide any safety feature to the vehicle, it still provides an enhanced and comfortable driving experience for the passengers. If the dome light bulb malfunctions, the passengers will not be able to see in the dark and can also face problems in handling the luggage and to enter/exit the vehicle safely. Following are the symptoms of a failing dome light bulb:

1. Dim Dome Light - The early symptom of a malfunctioned dome light bulb is the time it starts dimming. If the filament of the bulb has got damaged, it may emit low light and shine less brightly. If not treated in time, the bulb can slowly die off.
2. Flickering Dome Light - Another symptom of a faulty dome light is the flickering of the bulb. This again happens if the filament is damaged and the bulb can eventually fail to comply, triggering replacement.
3. Dome Light Not Functioning - The direct indication of a malfunctioned dome bulb is when it stops glowing completely. Thus, if the dome light has burnt out or failed, replacement is the only solution.

Are you thinking of repairing your Dome Light on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Dome Light. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -

• Dome light with switch
• Insulated electrical wire
• Screw driver set
• Butt connectors
• Pliers
• Coat hanger
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Fuse tap with fuse

If you know which car parts brand suits the best for your Dome Light, then it would save a lot of your decision-making time. What we believe is that picking a particular brand would always be helpful in reducing the clutter, and at the same time would make it easier for the customers to find what they are actually looking for. That’s why we have listed out some top brands for Dome Light below as follows: -

Do you want to know what are the related parts of the car Dome Light? Say no more! We are here to help you out. Have a look at Dome Light related parts below: -

• Dome Light Parts
• Dome Light
• Dome Light Relay
• Replacement Dome Light
• Trunk Light
• Ashtray Light
• Console Light

I bet that you’re thinking as to how much does a Dome Light replacement cost. Just keep in mind that it is not as easy as putting a fast and hard number on it. This is because the replacement/repair cost would be different for every Dome Light and it would also vary depending on how in-depth the repair needs to be. If you are thinking about the exact cost, then you might take help of an expert mechanic.

The dome light is an interior auto lighting, installed on the ceiling of the vehicle and is used to illuminate the car cabin is low light conditions. Usually the dome light has three power options, depending on the driver’s preference. The life of the dome light depends on its usage also. For example, it the light is always on, its life will be less in comparison to intermediate usage for reading and illumination on opening and closing the car doors.

Following are the steps to replace the faulty car dome light:

Step 1

Refer to the owner’s manual and turn off the dome light by moving the switch to ‘OFF’ position.

Step 2

Next, remove the lens cover of the bulb. Depending on the vehicle make and model you will need to remove the screws or pry the lens cover using a flat head screwdriver. If you place the screwdriver opposite to the light switch and press in, the lens cover should easily pop off, giving clear access to the faulty bulb.

Step 3

Remove the dome bulb by removing the associated screws and clips from the socket. Take the new bulb and screw it in the socket securely to replace the old bulb.

Step 4

Next, install the lens cover by simply snapping it in place or by fixing it using the screws.

Navigation of the car cabin and interiors can be very difficult in low light conditions. Thus, installing the new dome light will increase the convenience and comfort for the passengers. Simply installing the new bulb may not work. Proper electrical wiring and connection is also necessary for its functioning. Basic knowledge of electrical systems is enough to establish a connection between the battery and the dome bulb. This will enable you to control its function using the designated switch.

Step 1

Feel the headliner with hands to locate the dome light installation mounts. If you can’t find the mounts, choose an appropriate location for the same.

Step 2

Measure the ceiling width and divide the number in half. Measure to the centre of the ceiling marking the position using a pencil.

Step 3

Using the owner’s manual, locate the interior fuse panel of the car. On the side of the fuse panel, remove the headliner trim.

Step 4

Cut an inch long slit at the location of the dome light and feed the wiring through it. After that, bend the coat hanger into one straight piece and tape the insulated wire to one end.

Step 5

The coat hanger is pushed past the door trim under the headliner, in the direction of the dome light and guide the hanger to the hole cut in the liner.

Step 6

Remove the insulated wire from the hanger end and pull the wire through to establish connection. Also remove the hanger afterwards.

Step 7

Using the self-taping screws, install the reflector base in place. Also fasten the ground wire of the light, under on any of the screws. Remember not to damage the car’s roof body work.

Step 8

Using a butt connector, connect the light’s positive wire with the wiring installed in earlier steps of installation. Place two stripped wires in either end and compress them using pliers, to make the connector work.

Step 9

Install the light bulb and lens cover in place.

Step 10

From the side of the headliner, run the wire to the fuse panel and hide the wire by pushing it into the edges of the interior trim. Next, using a butt connector, connect the wire to the fuse tap and push it is place. Finally, test the light and ensure its proper operation.