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DIY Replace Rear Defroster Button Lights in 2nd Gen Fit
I don't think I've seen a thread on this before so I'll share here. I have done this several times (long story short I am bad with bulbs) so I have a good idea of how it's done.
If I recall correctly, it is a similar (though not identical) process with the AC button. For (disappointing) information about the specific bulbs, go to the bottom of the post.
[NOTE: I do not do it because I live on the edge or whatever, but for peace of mind you may disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent shocks or shorts. At the very least, have the engine and lights off!]
Equipment needed:
- Replacement Bulb(s)
- Your hands
Step 1: Open up the lower glovebox (extremely difficult for beginners)
Step 2: Push in the sides of the compartment, allowing it to get loose and droop down
Step 3: Push your right hand into the tiny space that gets behind the stereo and feel around until you're sure you can feel the connector for the button, and push!
Be sure that it's not one of the lights right below it, or the AC! This step can be hard, maybe even impossible for those with big hands. While I do currently have an aftermarket stereo, I'm pretty sure I did this for the first time when the stock radio was still in place. It's tough, it may or may not hurt like a bitch, but it's doable. If your hands are too big, you could probably get a friend or a tool to assist you. And of course, be careful. There are a lot of metal bits and wires there. If you're too rough, you could potentially damage something or yourself! Just make sure you're able to get your hand to the back of the button, and push. If gentle pressure doesn't do it, increase gradually. It might take quite a bit of force, just don't overdo it.
Step 4: Pull out the button until wire harness is exposed. DO NOT TUG HARD!
Step 5: Disconnect the wire harness.
I recommend you pull the harness forward and 'hook' it on the edge of the button slot, so it's easier to grab later. Feel free to take the button indoors where it's easier to work with.
Step 6: Take off "cover" or outer layer of button.
This definitely took some practice and honestly is the hardest part for me personally. Push in the small pins/wedges with one hand, while simultaneously grabbing the face of the button and pulling/pushing it off with your other hand. Put your other hand's fingers and put them in the little groove so you can push the rest of the button away once you get the clips undone! Otherwise they'll just snap themselves back in.
Step 7: Remove the old lights.
The exact method needed may depend. As I've done it multiple times, I've had moments where they screw off, and moments where you might need a small screwdriver or pin or something to pull it out from the bottom.
Step 8: put in the new lights.
You may have to twist clockwise OR counterclockwise (I might be tripping, but I swear it's varied before)
Regardless, it is imperative that you SECURE the bulbs, since the bulbs sit upside down in the vehicle. They will fail to light up if they are not secured!
Step 9: Do steps 1-6 in reverse.
Put the cover back on the button. BE CAREFUL AND MAKE SURE IT IS NOT UPSIDE DOWN! I swear to god it will be a horrid mistake; the button will sit incorrectly in the panel and can even get stuck! Refer to the grooves in the button via the previous images to make sure you are orientating it properly!!!
Connect the wire harness to the button again
Push button into panel until it locks in place
Put lower glovebox back in place and close
Reconnect negative battery terminal (if you disconnected it)
Start car, turn on lights. And boom, if you did everything right then your button's lights should be working again!
------------- Hey, what bulbs do I need and where do I get them from?
Uhhh, I don't know. The stock buttons unfortunately lack serial numbers due to them being so tiny, they just read "52" which yields no results. I've tried to search though manuals and diagrams but failed to find the OEM part.
I recommend you go online on Amazon or something and find an LED replacement. Those seem to work better and are easy to find. You could also try to find a normal bulb like I did, but you could run into issues like the bulb burning out early or being a weird color or being dim.
If anyone has any information about this, please add to the thread and I may edit this post.
Last edited by SlippyFit; Mar 5, 2024 at 12:07 AM.