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What the hell is with this little mirror light?

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Old 07-04-2003, 06:17 AM
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What the hell is with this little mirror light?

The 91 has a maplight in the rear-view mirror. Switch operated. Flip the switch, it comes on, flip it again it goes off. Pretty simple, huh?

Ok, well, even with the switch off, theres this tiny little light in there that STAYS on. It dims down if i turn the gauge-light dimmer down, but when its all the way up, the thing stays on.
What the hell is it?

-JT
Old 07-04-2003, 08:10 AM
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yeah that thing is weird, ain't it. i couldn't figure out how to turn it off, until i realized you can't.

i think it's just a little "convenience" light, for lack of a better word. it's always on to light up the radio and HVAC controls at night (i assume). not sure what it's called though.
Old 07-04-2003, 09:07 AM
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It's just there to light up the center console.
I'll trade you my non-lighted mirror with you if you don't like it.
Old 07-04-2003, 07:40 PM
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i have alittle light under my mirror also, i thought is was cool and i like it. its on when my lights are on like u said.
Old 07-08-2003, 11:15 PM
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Some cars without the lighter mirror have this little lamp under the two center dash vents. I have one, its barely noticeable with my deck and bright gauges, but its there.....

Will
Old 05-26-2004, 12:57 AM
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Anyone have an idea how to change not only the lights in the rear view mirror, but also this single one under the top dash panel above the HVAC? That single one doesnt work for me (never has).
Old 05-26-2004, 01:01 AM
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The dash mounted one is a snap, should be two metric(or standard) 6 point screws holding it inplace. Drop it down and you can pop the bulb out.

As for the rearview mirror, you'll have to take it off the glass, unplug it, and just pop the cover off. This will free up the mirror glass and the two 194 bulb will be very easy to change

Will
Old 05-26-2004, 01:22 PM
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Car: 88 Sport convertible
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no need to remove the mirror or the back cover. OR take the mirror off the glass

There is a slot on either side that you slip a flat blade screwdriver into and pop out the maplights. on the passenger side there will be 2 lamps...a 194 and a mini-lamp they slip out of their socket and put new ones in....

The mini lamp is just to provide a little light on your radio controls and HVAC controls...
kinda nice i think

get out in a really dark place and you can tell it ison...but not always easy to see when lots of street lights or parking lot lights around
Old 05-26-2004, 04:14 PM
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Edit: The light and its holder just snapped out with a screwdriver. I tested the wires going back into the dash and got nothing (with doors open, car running, rear view mirror lights on, parking lights on, etc). So I guess there is a wiring or fuse problem somewhere.

But then I tested the light itself and it worked fine. Nasty yellow color. Wonder if I can break into it and change it. Chevy was out of their mind making everything yellow in the early 90s.

Im sure theres a way to solder in an LED or two and glue back together. (and leave yellow cover off).

Last edited by Pro; 08-26-2016 at 10:07 PM.
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