I thought that the factory interior lights of my 2011 CR-V were too dim, so I changed the bulbs to LED's which output a brighter as well as whiter light. I replaced all four bulbs (2 for the map lights, 1 for the center dome light, 1 for the rear cargo light)...all four bulbs are identical. This tutorial is written for the 2007-2011 CR-V's.
I purchased the LED bulbs from V-LEDS based on recommendations I've read on various car forums. I bought the "5K" version (Part ID: 3175_4HP_W_5K) which emits "pure white" light. If you prefer, they also come in a "6K" version which emits light with a HID-like bluish tint.
EDIT (3/25/2012)...the bulbs mentioned above are no longer available from V-LEDS. Looks like they are replaced with these...
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-...LED/5K-WHITE-15W-3-LED-HIGH-p9619299-1-2.html
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-...LED/6K-WHITE-15W-3-LED-HIGH-p9619296-1-2.html
LED bulb (bottom); stock DE3175 filament bulb (top)...
The only tricky part of the mod is removing the clear lenses to access the bulbs. The most common way to do this is to use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the lenses off (see pics below as to exactly where to pry). Be careful to not scratch or gouge the plastic trim when prying off the lenses!!! Use masking tape to wrap the screwdriver and cover the lens trim to prevent this from happening.
Alternatively, I devised a method which would eliminate any possiblity for scratching/gouging the plastic trim. I used Scotch heavy-duty mounting tape to attach small plastic pieces to the lens (again, see pics below); you must use Scotch (3M) brand tape; cheaper tape likely won't stick as well. The plastic pieces were cable guides that I found in my toolbox...you can use anything that has a flat surface. Nonetheless, they function as "grab handles" which allows me to yank off the lenses (pull quickly). Once the lenses are off, remove the handles by TWISTING them off, then peel off the mounting tape.
I also used the suction cup mount from my portable GPS unit as a "grab handle" and it also works well in safely removing the lenses.
Map light...
Dome light (cargo light is same)...
Actual bulb replacement is simple "plug-and-play"...
Here is the stock map light bulb. Just pull it out by hand (it is clipped in)...
LED map light bulb installed. Careful not to touch the yellow dots on the bulbs (actual LED's). I angled the bulb slightly to the side...
LED dome light bulb installed (cargo light is the same)...
Side-by-side comparison of map light bulbs...
Stock dome light bulb...
With LED dome light bulb...
As you can see, the LED's are noticably brighter and produce a much whiter light. I'm pretty happy with the result.
Also, check out my LED license plate light mod.
I purchased the LED bulbs from V-LEDS based on recommendations I've read on various car forums. I bought the "5K" version (Part ID: 3175_4HP_W_5K) which emits "pure white" light. If you prefer, they also come in a "6K" version which emits light with a HID-like bluish tint.
EDIT (3/25/2012)...the bulbs mentioned above are no longer available from V-LEDS. Looks like they are replaced with these...
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-...LED/5K-WHITE-15W-3-LED-HIGH-p9619299-1-2.html
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-...LED/6K-WHITE-15W-3-LED-HIGH-p9619296-1-2.html
LED bulb (bottom); stock DE3175 filament bulb (top)...
The only tricky part of the mod is removing the clear lenses to access the bulbs. The most common way to do this is to use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the lenses off (see pics below as to exactly where to pry). Be careful to not scratch or gouge the plastic trim when prying off the lenses!!! Use masking tape to wrap the screwdriver and cover the lens trim to prevent this from happening.
Alternatively, I devised a method which would eliminate any possiblity for scratching/gouging the plastic trim. I used Scotch heavy-duty mounting tape to attach small plastic pieces to the lens (again, see pics below); you must use Scotch (3M) brand tape; cheaper tape likely won't stick as well. The plastic pieces were cable guides that I found in my toolbox...you can use anything that has a flat surface. Nonetheless, they function as "grab handles" which allows me to yank off the lenses (pull quickly). Once the lenses are off, remove the handles by TWISTING them off, then peel off the mounting tape.
I also used the suction cup mount from my portable GPS unit as a "grab handle" and it also works well in safely removing the lenses.
Map light...
Dome light (cargo light is same)...
Actual bulb replacement is simple "plug-and-play"...
Here is the stock map light bulb. Just pull it out by hand (it is clipped in)...
LED map light bulb installed. Careful not to touch the yellow dots on the bulbs (actual LED's). I angled the bulb slightly to the side...
LED dome light bulb installed (cargo light is the same)...
Side-by-side comparison of map light bulbs...
Stock dome light bulb...
With LED dome light bulb...
As you can see, the LED's are noticably brighter and produce a much whiter light. I'm pretty happy with the result.
Also, check out my LED license plate light mod.