map lamp question

I need to replace the rear view mirror on my 2004 Taco. The old one didn't have the map lamp. How hard would it be to put in the map lamp version with this new one? Is it just a couple screws or will I have to undo the ceiling lining and mess with the roof. I'm a total rookie here.

Thanks

 

Very easy actually. I have done this twice now.

Remove old mirror and you should see the factory mounting holes in the cab behind the headliner you will have to cut out the headliner material in order to place map lamp in the holes. Mark outline of map lamp against the headliner (the holes should be there) and cut an X in the slot with a razor blade then trim the pieces until the map lamp fits into place. Set the lamp aside for now.

Remove drivers side "oh sh!t" handle and A-pillar.
Remove drivers side sun visor (you need the room to fish the wire)
fish a 16-18 guage wire from map lamp location under the headliner to the drivers side A-pillar take extra wire for both ends and let hang.

Remove console lamp (one that comes on when doors are open) and determine which wire is hot there is only one I believe. NOTE the color ** and replace console lamp in headliner your done with it.

On the drivers side A-pillar find that same color wire there is a bundle of them tucked in the channel you will probably need to cut the tape and find some slack for the splice and make a three way splice (if not you will lose power to the console light) to the wire you ran from the mirror to the A-pillar. BAM you should have a "hotwire" now. Check the voltage with a meter 12 volts!

Now splice the hotwire into the map lamp and install it. You only need a hotwire the map lamp will ground via the screws that attach the map lamp to the roof. (test the light now)

Replace A-pillar, oh sh!t handle and sun visor.


PROJECT NOTES:
Both the console light and map lamp are grounded via the attachment screws. The hotwire is a constant 12 volts.

On the map lamps I installed I only needed the two screws to secure it to the roof there are two other screw holes on the map lamp (corners) itself but you dont need to use them.

I like the splices at Home Depot they come with solder and heatshield allready and they just slip over the splice then use a heatgun for the best splice. But in a pinch you can get away with just twisting them together just tape them well.

I purchased two map lamps from ebay (older Tacomas and 4runners) dont exactly know the years but at least 96-2004 I am fairly certain they are the same. Be sure they come with the plug and connector with some wire to work with.

This is a very easy job took me an hour the last time I did it. GOOD LUCK! and let us know how it turns out.. BAZZ

 

Excellent write up!

 

I have the single map light mirror combo. There’s a switch/lever that goes from off to door to on my assembly. I just got the dual map light assembly out of the same year truck as mine. Is this a plug and play situation or will I need to make modifications?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-door-actuated-map-light-install.645712/

 

You should upgrade to the
Gentex 453 mirror since your there,
3 home link buttons for garage
Compass
Outside temperature
auto dimming lens
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pass-auto-dimming.553041/page-2#post-24439896

 

the one I got today from the junkyard doesn’t have that door toggle button between the two map light buttons. I took it out of a 2004 access cab SR5.

 

Look at the 4runners