Fixing Dim Dome Light
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From: Shake Hands with the Dremel
Fixing Dim Dome Light
If you notice that your dome light momentarily becomes brighter as you move the switch from one position to another, here is a quick fix to solve this issue. The problem stems from carbon build up on the switch contact surfaces. The corrosion severely limits the amount of voltage the bulb receives. This walkthough will remove the carbon and restore conductivity, leading to a brighter dome light. The steps are using a 99 Civic DX in mind but should be similar to various Honda models of the same vintage.
First off, remove the dome light from the car. On a Civic, all it takes is to pry the lens off and remove one screw. This screw is also the ground for the light and so make sure that it is in good condition as well as the hole where it screws in.
The switch contacts are located underneath the white plastic cover. There are four tabs that must be pried apart for the cover to separate.
Carefully remove each contact lead from the holder and use an abrasive pad to clean the surface. I used a dremel with a wire wheel to make quick work out of removing the corrosion.
Even after cleaning off all the deposits, you can see where the switch worn a notch into the contact.
After you clean the contacts, clean the brass switch itself. Be careful with the switch as there is a spring loaded ball bearing that provides tractile resistance. With the switch loose, the ball bearing can shoot off across the room, leaving you with a fun scavenger hunt.
Once done, arrange all the contacts back in place and snap all the tabs in. If your dome light is dirty like mine was, take a minute to clean it with something like Simple Green.
After this is all done, the dome light should no longer flicker as you move from one switch position to another and be all around brighter.
Additionally, if you are looking for a non LED lamp upgrade, Osram 2886X bulbs are the brightest bulb you can buy in this size. They produce a respectable 85 lumens and are from a first tier bulb manufacturer. I am not sure where you can buy them in store, but you can buy them online off this site.
First off, remove the dome light from the car. On a Civic, all it takes is to pry the lens off and remove one screw. This screw is also the ground for the light and so make sure that it is in good condition as well as the hole where it screws in.
The switch contacts are located underneath the white plastic cover. There are four tabs that must be pried apart for the cover to separate.
Carefully remove each contact lead from the holder and use an abrasive pad to clean the surface. I used a dremel with a wire wheel to make quick work out of removing the corrosion.
Even after cleaning off all the deposits, you can see where the switch worn a notch into the contact.
After you clean the contacts, clean the brass switch itself. Be careful with the switch as there is a spring loaded ball bearing that provides tractile resistance. With the switch loose, the ball bearing can shoot off across the room, leaving you with a fun scavenger hunt.
Once done, arrange all the contacts back in place and snap all the tabs in. If your dome light is dirty like mine was, take a minute to clean it with something like Simple Green.
After this is all done, the dome light should no longer flicker as you move from one switch position to another and be all around brighter.
Additionally, if you are looking for a non LED lamp upgrade, Osram 2886X bulbs are the brightest bulb you can buy in this size. They produce a respectable 85 lumens and are from a first tier bulb manufacturer. I am not sure where you can buy them in store, but you can buy them online off this site.
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