The console light bulb is located in the center console of your vehicle. When you open the console, the bulb illuminates to help you find items that are stored in the console. It is normally mounted near the top, and covered with a plastic lens to protect you from the heat from the bulb. Once you shut the console, a switch automatically turns the light off to prolong the life of your bulb.
The purpose of the console light bulb is to provide you with security when searching for your belongings and make it easier for you to find items. Since this is a light bulb, it will fail over the course of its lifetime. There are a few reasons the console light bulb can fail, which include the bulb burning out, a blown fuse, or a rusty connector. If you try replacing the console light bulb and it still will not turn on, chances are it is a fuse or connector problem. This needs to be looked at and fixed by a professional mechanic because it involves electricity.
There are a couple different console light bulbs that are available and each one lasts a different amount of time. LED lights tend to last longer and are brighter in color. LED lights can last up to 20 years, so there is a good chance you may not have to replace them unless they become damaged. They are a little pricier up front, but they can make up for it in the long run because they only illuminate when the console is opened. The other type of console light bulb is an incandescent light. Depending on the wattage, these can last up to 2,500 hours before burning out. These are less energy efficient and produce less light per watt, yet they tend to cost less than LED light bulbs.
If you use your console light bulb on a regular basis, or leave the console open, the light bulb will be prone to burning out faster. Watch for the following signs that your console light bulb needs to be replaced:
- The light bulb works sometimes but not others
- The light bulb does not illuminate at all when you open the center console
If you would like to have your console light bulb repaired or replaced, make sure to contact a certified mechanic to help you with this issue.
