To change the bulb on any of the front lamps on a Mitsubishi, remove the mounting screws holding either the lens to the reflector or the lighting unit to the bodywork. If the lens comes off separately, wear gloves to remove the bulb. Very small bulbs such as side markers generally pull straight out of the socket; larger round bulbs such as turn signal lamps usually twist counterclockwise to remove.
Install the new lamp. Note that the socket for some turn signal bulbs have two different length guide grooves; the lamp only fits correctly one way. (While it is possible to install it wrong, doing so would require a lot of force. If you find that you're pushing on the bulb with no results during installation, you've probably got it reversed.) These bulbs should install easily with a gentle push into the socket and a quarter turn clockwise. Reassemble the lens, paying careful attention to the placement of any gaskets and seals. These are very important in keeping out dirt and water.
| Fig. 1: Front and rear side marker light assembly components — 1983–86
Monteros and Pick-up trucks
|
Newer models have the lens bonded to the reflector to prevent moisture intrusion. Either release the spring from behind the assembly (under the hood) or remove the retaining screws if visible from the outside. Carefully work the assembly loose from the body work, always being wary of the hidden clip or bracket. If you break one of these clips, the lamp will not stay put when you reinstall it.
When the assembly is free of the car, the socket may be removed with a twist counterclockwise. Install the bulb and insert the assembly back into the housing. Fit the whole thing back onto the bodywork, engaging any clips or hooks. Install the retaining screws or the tension spring as necessary.
The older Pick-ups and Monteros use separate side marker assemblies, whose lenses may be removed with two screws, and tail light assemblies. The newer (1990 and newer) vehicles use one wrap-around combination light.
The tail, brake and turn lamps usually all fit into one integrated assembly. It is wise to identify the position of the light being changed from the outside of the vehicle before confronting 5 or 6 sockets in the back of the unit. Simply knowing the bad bulb is third from the left can save a large amount of time.
| Fig. 2: Rear combination light assembly — 1983–86
Monteros and Pick-up trucks
|
| Fig. 3: Rear wrap-around combination light assembly — 1992–95
Monteros
|
NOTE: The high mounted stop light on the Pick-ups does not have individual replaceable bulbs; the whole assembly will need to be replaced.
| Fig. 4: High mount brake light removal and installation
components — 1992–95 Pick-ups
|
The high-mount brake light on the Monteros is mounted to the inside of the back door, right above the window.
| Fig. 5: High-mount brake light removal and installation
components — 1992–95 Monteros
|
The dome lights, room lights, cargo lights and ceiling mounted map lights on Monteros and Pick-up trucks are of the essentially same design. The light assemblies are comprised of three components: the cover lens, light bulb, and socket assembly.
| Fig. 6: A common style dome/room light found on Monteros
and Pick-up trucks — although some lights may not
look the same, the basic components function similarly
|
| Fig. 7: The cargo light is basically the same as
the dome/room lights — 1983–86 Pick-up trucks
|
To install:
The license plate lights on the Pick-ups and Monteros have basically the same procedures for removal and installation, although they may look different. The license plate light bulb is inside of the license plate garnish and is held in place by the socket assembly.
To remove the whole license light fixture assembly:
| Fig. 8: The single license plate bulb found on 1983–86
Pick-up trucks is a much simpler assembly than those on later model
Monteros
|
| Fig. 9: Before removal of the license plate light
garnish can be completed, the inside rear door trim and waterproof
film must be removed — 1992–95 Monteros
|
To install the license plate light fixture:
