CUTLASS Dome Light Question

[AudioMan612]

Hi everyone. I hope this is the right place to post this. I'm trying to help my neighbor out. She has a really clean 1984 Cutlass Supreme Coupe. From the research I've done, there are a couple of dome lights that were available with her model. She has the one with a single map light, like this one:

Over time, the rectangular plastic piece that holds the bulb terminals in place has gotten brittle and cracked, causing the terminals to bend outwards instead of holding the bulb. Is it possible to replace this piece? If not, what about just the mounting plate/lamp terminals, and if so, could someone supply the part numbers to maybe make finding parts easier?

The chrome part of her dome light is in mint condition (even the lens isn't too bad), so I can't justify changing out the entire light unless it's necessary.

Any info or advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[69hurstolds]

GM p/n 1674098, superseded to 20717805 for the lamp base. You have to get the entire base if you find it. Can't get separate pieces of it. GM lists it as still available. Not sure though. $41.00 MSRP. I do not know if you get the wiring with it or it's just the base unit. I've got a stash of them and I'm not sure what came with them as they're buried away somewhere.

For the chrome housing, should it be needed, is GM p/n 1674097. GM still lists this as available for $30 MSRP.

Here's an NOS one on ebay, but it's erroneously listed as a base unit of p/n 1674098 (should be 097).

1976-1987 Cadillac Olds Chevrolet Buick NOS dome-reading lamp 1674098 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1976-1987 Cadillac Olds Chevrolet Buick NOS dome-reading lamp 1674098 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

If anyone needs the plastic lens part, GM p/n 1674099, you can get a repro here. I don't have any clue as to how good the repro is, but they're no longer available from GM.

78-88 Cutlass Roof Dome Lamp Reading Map Light Plastic Lens Cover GM # 1674099 | eBay

Replaces GM # 1674099. Correct Frosted White Lens. Also 1978 - 1985 Delta 88, 98 & Toronado.

www.ebay.com

 

[AudioMan612]

Thanks for the information 69hurstolds! Good to know the part I need is still available.

I've noticed that some listings come with the wiring. Does the wiring not detach at the light. Is the harness point not at the light itself? That would definitely be a first for me (though I've mostly worked on newer cars). I haven't found a good picture of the back side of the light. In this case, If that's the case, I'd probably just add an extra harness.

Out of curiosity, if the "proper" disconnect point is not above the light but at the other end of the wiring, where is this point? Seems like more trouble that it's worth, but I generally like to keep things factory as much as reasonably possible.

Thanks again!

 

[Peter P.]

Thanks for the information 69hurstolds! Good to know the part I need is still available.

I've noticed that some listings come with the wiring. Does the wiring not detach at the light. Is the harness point not at the light itself? That would definitely be a first for me (though I've mostly worked on newer cars). I haven't found a good picture of the back side of the light. In this case, If that's the case, I'd probably just add an extra harness.

Out of curiosity, if the "proper" disconnect point is not above the light but at the other end of the wiring, where is this point? Seems like more trouble that it's worth, but I generally like to keep things factory as much as reasonably possible.

Thanks again!

I have one of these out in the garage. I can get some pictures later today to show you how the wiring connects.

 

[69hurstolds]

Just check to make sure they're still available from GM, because just the listing that they have it doesn't mean they actually do. They drop that older stuff all the time. There must be a newer application for it that they still have it listed, otherwise they tend to drop that stuff in a moment's notice and even if it shows a good number, it may not be. Inventory costs them money. Dead inventory really costs them money.

 

[Peter P.]

I have one of these out in the garage. I can get some pictures later today to show you how the wiring connects.

Hope this helps.

 

[AudioMan612]

Thanks for the great info everyone! I really appreciate it. I'll definitely look into this and see what I can do.

 

[rfpowerdude]

And once you replace the unit, don't put lamp bulbs back in it. Use replacements that are LEDs. WAYYY less heat that causes this problem.

 

[rfpowerdude]

LED Festoon Bulb - 5000K Stark White - 0.5 Watt | 1000Bulbs.com

Buy PLT FESTOON-4SMD41MM-50K 12 volt LED festoon bulbs. Great deals and fast shipping on 5-watt equal LED mini indicator lamps at 1000Bulbs.com!

www.1000bulbs.com

1142 LED Bulb with Stock Cover - 2 Pack

The BA15D plug-and-play LED replacement bulb is suitable for vehicle applications. The 360° beam angle reduces hot spots and provides a wide viewing angle for all-over light emission. The stock bulb cover encloses the LEDs and gives the bulb a traditional look. Designed to last 30,000 hours- 25...

www.superbrightleds.com

 

[carnutjw]

I have the same light in my 79 Cutlass. Used two part epoxy to repair broken tab. Put an LED in the festoon bulb position. Pics at night before and after, #1 with auto flash, #2 didn't even flash. Seriously brighter, and cooler.