HowTune

Convert The Overhead Console Bulbs To Led on a GMC Typhoon

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The GMC Typhoon's interior includes an overhead console featuring a place for your RayBan sunglasses, garage door opener, and of course a set of map lights to find that french fry you just dropped between the seat and center console. The map lights never seem bright enough in any situation, so learn how to convert them over to LED. Original article and photography by Warren Bowley.

  • Standard tools to remove console
  • Dremel/grinder or file

Removing the stock bulbs

1

The front map lights for a Typhoon style overhead console takes some minor modifications. The swivel body that holds the bulbs has an opening that just barely fits the stock bulbs so you are going to need to grind away some material to get these to fit.

2

Make sure you mark which wires go where. Yellow arrows show the screws to remove and the wires to remove:

Image 4965 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
3

Once you have the swivels out, it's kind of hard to remove the bulb. You can see it hidden in here.

Image 4968 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
4

To get the map light clear cover off, you have to use a small screwdriver, slide it into the slot next to the bulb and pop it off. An alternative method said to work is using your index finger and thumb, press upwards and turn counter clockwise. Your choice.

Image 4971 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
5

Once you get the cover off, you have to remove the bulb. The only way I could do it was to gently wiggle the bulb with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull it out. Make sure you don't hamfist it and break the bulb.

Here's how tight the fit is. Red arrows mark where the LED bulb body will interfere:

Image 4974 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
6

Once you get the bulb out, grind a little material off of those two points from the pic above. Test fitting the LED bulb will show you where you need to grind. Here you can see where it will hit. NOTE - Some people have ground down the bulb itself INSTEAD of the housing. Your choice. This article shows grinding the housing.

Image 4977 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
7

Before grinding where the red arrows are:

Image 4980 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
8

And after the housing after grinding:

Image 4983 from Convert the Overhead Console Bulbs To LED on a GMC Typhoon
9

Put the bulbs in, test that they light up and re-install everything.

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