Can someone tell me how to remove the plastic around the shifter on a 97 RL so I can replace the bulb under it? I don't want to break any tabs so if there is an easy way to remove that piece of plastic please let me know. Thanks.

 

Here's a link to directions to make your AT shifter chrome but it'll get you to the bulb so it can be replaced.

http://www.yourbigfun.net/rl/chrome/index.htm#6

I believe the bulb is part no. 73 (Sylvania brand).

 

Thanks for the link, looks pretty simple.

Any idea where I might find that part? Would it be available online or am I stuck with the dealer?

 

Nah, don't go to the dealer. They'll try to sell you the whole housing with it (expense). You can get the bulbs at your local auto part store. I got mine at Pepboys.

 

Dealer fixed it for free. One last bulb issue. The select button on the right side of the instrument fpanel is out. The reset is fine, but the select is not lit. Does the dash need to come apart to replace that? Will probably just leave it, but if it is not too difficult I would like to fix it.

 

The dealer did it for free? Must've had a bad connection and just pushed it in for you.

The select/reset button(s) is a more difficult fix. It requires taking off the center console to get to the back of the instrument panel.

 

Actually the dealer replaced $250 worth of lights for free. All instrument panel lights, door window control lights, and the one mentioned (which I didn't even ask them for). I bought the car a month ago and the lights started going out 2 weeks in. No warranty, but the dealer picked up the cost. Quality dealer!!!

 

Nice. $250 worth of lights? But how come the dealer didn't replace the bulb for the reset button while he was at it?

 

$250 total including labor. He missed it, and I did to. Probably not worth dealing with at this point, just wondering if it might be easier than it looked like it would be. Would have been no problem with the instrument panel torn apart like it was, but that is my fault for not mentioning it.