I'm new here and just got an 08 HHR Panel with the 2.2 a couple weeks ago. Lovin' it so far, but confused by the dome light configuration.

So, I did some digging and in about an hour, I turned it around so that the "interior lights on" part faces forward and the push-on "reading" lights face aft. Wow! Much better (what were they thinking?), I actually have useable light in the drivers seat when needed now!

Has anyone else done this? Anyone interested in details? I didn't take any pix, but I could if it would help anybody. It was really pretty simple, but if you are prone to breaking things, you might not wanna try :)

 

I think this will be the next mod to out two! I've had them both off but never gave it a thought. But then, we have 06's which don't let you turn the dome on remotely. (Mine does now!)

 

I guess the real mystery here is...........

Why would the panel have any map/reading lights in the rear?

Sounds like this might be the next mod for all here! Get the details of how up quickly!!

 

Post the details, I'm not following you 100%, but if it provides better light in the car I'm all for it!

 

I guess the Panel version has the same dome light as the others just cuz that meant no changes. Plus, now with it turned around, I've got groovy push on aft cargo lights whenever I need em.

I'll try to get my how-to on the turn around posted in the next couple days.

 

Thanks in advance. I was talking about this at our latest G2G on Sunday.

Cajun

 

Get one with a sunroof . . . the dome light basically IS in the backseat cargo area . . . !

 

Martt,
you got a chance to make the how to on this yet? im interesting in turning mine too.

 

Just turned mine around what a great idea thanks.
1. Pop off lens to the light that comes on when you open door.
2. Use screwdriver and push back on the 2 clips carefully.
3. The housing should snap off leaving the light housing.
4. Pull down on the headliner until you can pull out the housing.
5. I had to reach above the headliner and pull the wires loose they were not
long enough, mine were glued to the liner.
6. Pull the liner back down and install light facing foward clip the housing on
install lens.
Just take your time and dont force anything. It makes a BIG differance at night you could read a map. Hope this helps.

 

i just turned mine around too. it works very well and is very simple to do also. there is just bearly enough slack in the wire, you just gotta pull like hell because its glued down really good.