Hello, I wanted to replace the bulbs in my map light but ran into some problems. I was able to remove the first see-through plastic cover on the light. Also I was able to twist one of the bulbs out of the socket so it was loose but there didn't seem to be a way to pull the bulbs out of their metal holders. I tried with medium to light pressure on the right side bulb and it slipped from my fingers and jumped back into the area on the other side of the metal holders. Now I can't see it or reach it. What do I need to remove to retrieve the bulb and how do I remove it? I can't seem to find anything on Prius chat or elsewhere showing anybody changing these bulbs. Thank you for your replies.
Uhhhh I just pulled the bulb straight out, no need to twist anything. Also, I'd strongly recommend replacing with LED bulbs - I just bought a kit for my whole interior on eBay for $12.99 and am VERY satisfied. Here's the link: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=251579449514 11 x White LED Light Interior Package Deal Kit Map For 2004 - 2014 Toyota Prius
Rear Dome I replaced with this; NICE Festoon T10 BA9S White LED 24 SMD Panel Interior Dome Map Light Bulb Lamp 12V US Prius LED Lights Install - Toyota Prius 2009-Present
Alright, so don't laugh but I went back out to the car and the light came on (figuratively speaking). Unfortunately, now I realize that I actually untwisted the whole socket and the bulb and they both are what went back up inside. Oops... :-( Do you have any idea how I could get back behind there and retrieve the lost bulb and socket? Okay, so now using a diagram from the service manual I found out that in order to remove the whole unit I had to take two screws out and then carefully un-snap all 4 pins by gently pulling down on each end of the unit. I found the missing socket and the bulb. Thank you everyone for your insight on the matter. P.S. The LED stuff sounds awesome. I'll have to check it out.
I just did exactly the same thing as you putting in my new LED's. Thanks for the tip about the two screws -- managed to fetch my old bulb and socket that way!