Courtesy Light Bulb Replacement Cost Guide
Dome Light Bulb
Labor Time: 15-20 minutes
Parts Cost: $5-15
Labor Cost: $31-42
Total Estimated Cost: $36-57
Door Courtesy Light Bulb
Labor Time: 20-30 minutes
Parts Cost: $5-15
Labor Cost: $42-63
Total Estimated Cost: $47-78
Glove Box Light Bulb
Labor Time: 15-25 minutes
Parts Cost: $5-10
Labor Cost: $31-52
Total Estimated Cost: $36-62
Trunk/Cargo Light Bulb
Labor Time: 15-25 minutes
Parts Cost: $5-15
Labor Cost: $31-52
Total Estimated Cost: $36-67
Vanity Mirror Light Bulb
Labor Time: 20-35 minutes
Parts Cost: $5-15
Labor Cost: $42-73
Total Estimated Cost: $47-88
*Note: Prices are estimates based on our standard rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Some vehicles may require additional labor time due to complex access or removal procedures.
Common Courtesy Light Bulb Repair Procedures
Dome Light Bulb
Steps:
- Locate the dome light lens cover in the vehicle's ceiling
- Gently pry off the lens cover using a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in tape
- Remove the old bulb by either pulling straight out or turning counterclockwise
- Check bulb type and replace with matching new bulb
- Test new bulb before replacing cover
- Snap lens cover back into place
Door Courtesy Light
Steps:
- Open the affected door completely
- Locate the courtesy light assembly in the door frame or door panel
- Remove trim piece or light assembly using appropriate tool
- Disconnect wiring harness if necessary
- Remove old bulb by pulling straight out or turning counterclockwise
- Insert new bulb of the same type
- Reconnect wiring harness
- Reinstall light assembly and trim
Glove Box Light
Steps:
- Open glove box completely
- Locate light assembly inside glove box
- Remove light assembly using small screwdriver
- Pull out old bulb from housing
- Insert new bulb of matching type
- Test functionality
- Snap assembly back into place
Trunk/Cargo Light
Steps:
- Open trunk/cargo area fully
- Locate light assembly in trunk liner
- Remove light assembly using appropriate tool
- Remove old bulb by turning counterclockwise
- Insert new bulb of correct type
- Test light before reinstalling assembly
- Snap assembly back into place
Important Notes:
- Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific bulb types
- Handle new bulbs with clean gloves to avoid oil transfer from fingers
- Ensure the vehicle's battery is disconnected for LED replacements
- Test all functions before completing reassembly
Note: These are general procedures and may vary by vehicle make and model. Professional installation is recommended if you're unsure about any step.
Understanding Courtesy Light Bulbs

Dome Light Bulbs
Dome light bulbs are interior lighting fixtures typically mounted on the ceiling of your vehicle. They provide general illumination for the entire cabin when entering, exiting, or when additional interior light is needed. These bulbs automatically turn on when doors are opened and can usually be manually controlled via a switch.
Map Light Bulbs
Map light bulbs are smaller, focused lights usually located near the front of the vehicle's interior, often near the rearview mirror or overhead console. They provide directed lighting for front-seat passengers, making it easier to read maps, documents, or locate items without disturbing other passengers or the driver's vision at night.
Door Courtesy Light Bulbs
Door courtesy light bulbs are installed within vehicle doors and illuminate when doors are opened. They serve two primary purposes: lighting the ground area outside the vehicle for safe entry/exit and warning other motorists that a door is open. These bulbs enhance both safety and convenience during nighttime use.
Trunk/Cargo Light Bulbs
These bulbs illuminate your vehicle's trunk or cargo area when opened. They provide essential lighting for loading and unloading items in low-light conditions, helping you locate items and organize your cargo space safely and efficiently.
Glove Box Light Bulbs
Glove box light bulbs automatically illuminate the contents of your glove compartment when opened. These small but useful bulbs help you quickly locate documents, vehicle registration, or other items stored in the glove box without requiring additional lighting sources.
Footwell Light Bulbs
Footwell lights illuminate the floor area of your vehicle's interior. These bulbs enhance visibility when entering and exiting the vehicle and add an element of sophistication to your vehicle's interior ambiance. They're often part of a vehicle's ambient lighting system and may feature adjustable colors in some models.
Common Failure Symptoms of Courtesy Light Bulbs
Common Courtesy Light Bulb Issues and Maintenance Guide
Interior Dome Lights
Signs of Failure:
- Flickering when turned on
- Dimmer than usual illumination
- Complete failure to illuminate
- Delayed response when switching on
Service Schedule: Replace when burned out; typical lifespan is 3-5 years with normal use
Door Courtesy Lights
Signs of Failure:
- Light stays dim when door is opened
- Intermittent operation when door is opened
- No illumination when door is opened
- Buzzing sound when activated
Service Schedule: Check functionality every 12 months; replace as needed
Trunk/Cargo Area Lights
Signs of Failure:
- Weak or yellow light output
- Light doesn't activate when trunk opens
- Sporadic operation
Service Schedule: Inspect during regular maintenance; replace every 4-6 years or when failed
Glove Box Light
Signs of Failure:
- No illumination when glove box is opened
- Dim or inconsistent lighting
- Light flickers when glove box is moved
Service Schedule: Replace only when failed; typical lifespan 5-7 years
Vanity Mirror Lights
Signs of Failure:
- One or both sides not illuminating
- Uneven brightness between left and right
- Delayed activation
Service Schedule: Check annually; replace in pairs when one fails
Note: LED courtesy lights typically have a much longer lifespan (10-15 years) and usually don't require scheduled replacement.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.