How do I change the bulbs in the front interior lamps above the rear view mirror

Interior lights and the power door locks are controlled by a electronic control module . Hooking up a factory or some other type professional scan tool an checking for codes an viewing input data to these control modules would be the first thing to do.
The interior lighting system consists of the following:

• lighting control module (LCM)
• driver door module (DDM)
• instrument panel
• dome/map combination
• courtesy/reading lamps
• orientation light
• door lamps
• footwell lamps
• luggage compartment lamp
• glove compartment lamp
• vanity mirrors
• door ajar switches
• viewing wiring diagrams an checking power and ground circuits for these modules would be the next step if no codes were found . Principles of Operation
  Lighting Control Module This vehicle uses a lighting control module (LCM). The LCM is a microprocessor-based module that controls several vehicle subsystems, responds to electrical input signals from various switches, sensors, and external modules and is located on the LH side of the instrument panel. LCM subsystem functions include:
  
  • headlamps with autolamps
  • turn signal lamps/hazard flasher lamps
  • cornering lamps
  • parking lamps
  • daytime running lamps
  • interior lamps
  • demand lamps
  • battery saver
  The LCM interfaces with the driver door module (DDM) via the standard corporate protocol (SCP) network for the illuminated entry feature.
  The interior lamp is illuminated by pressing the individual interior lamp switch. The interior lamp is also illuminated by door ajar switches located in the door latches, when any door is opened. A theater lighting feature gradually increases or decreases the light intensity when switched by opening or closing a door.
  The dome/map lamp combination are located on each side of the interior lamp. The map lamps are operated independently of the interior lamp by two switches located on the interior lamps.
  The interior lamps are illuminated by holding the panel dim switch in the UP position until the dome lamps turn on. The interior lamp also illuminates when a door is opened and actuates the door ajar warning lamp switch in the door latch.
  The front map lamps are powered by the demand lighting circuit and the interior lighting circuit.
  The rear passenger reading lamps are incorporated into the rear seat assist handle and are located over the rear door openings. These lamps are illuminated through power supplied by the LCM demand lighting circuit.
  Interior lamps (controlled by the LCM) are activated by using the dome lamp switch (instant ON/OFF response) or when a door is ajar. The following lamps illuminate for interior lighting:
  
  • instrument panel interior lamps
  • front map lamps
  • rear reading lamps
  • door lamps
  Demand lighting includes lamps that are illuminated by the customer by directly actuating a switch. The front dome/map lamps are located in the overhead console. Each lamp is controlled by its own switch.
  The following demand lamps are powered by the demand lighting output of the LCM:
  
  • glove compartment lamp
  • vanity mirror lamp
  • luggage compartment lamp
  Each lamp has a dedicated switch that closes to ground to illuminate the lamp.
  The front map lamps are powered by either the demand lighting circuit or the interior lighting circuit, depending upon the position of the switch associated with each lamp. When the customer turns the front map lamp switch ON, the front map lamp is illuminated through power supplied by the LCM demand lighting circuit. If the customer moves the map lamp switch to the OFF position, the power from the LCM demand lighting circuit is interrupted and the lamp is reconnected to the interior lighting circuit.
  The rear reading lamps are powered by either the interior lighting circuit or the demand lighting circuit.
  The luggage compartment lamp is controlled by the trunk ajar switch, and is powered by the demand lighting output from the LCM, and is mounted near the center of the upper rear panel.
  The glove compartment lamp system consists of a glove compartment lamp switch and wire and miniature bulb assembly. Opening the glove compartment door closes the switch which provides power to the glove compartment lamp switch and wire. The glove compartment lamp switch is grounded to the body sheet metal.
  The vanity mirror lamp system consists of a switch and bulb assembly in the RH inside visor and the LH inside visor. Lifting the vanity mirror cover closes the vanity mirror lamp switch and provides power to the lamps.
  The illuminated entry system is controlled by the LCM and provides interior lighting upon entry to the vehicle.
  Interior lamps will be illuminated for 25 (±1) seconds which includes a theater lighting ramp-up time (0.5 seconds). This time interval does not include the theater lighting ramp-down time. Interior lamps will be turned off before the 25 (±1)-second timeout if the ignition switch is turned to the RUN or ACC position.
  The illuminated entry system has the following additions to accommodate the remote entry system: pressing the unlock button on the remote transmitter will activate the illuminated entry system (with theater ramp-up). When the driver door module detects a button press, it sends a signal on the J1850 communication network activating the interior lamps. The lighting control module will turn off the lamps by sensing the all doors lock signal.
  The battery saver feature prevents excessive drain from loads inadvertently left on. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, power is interrupted to the interior lamps and headlamps (after a 10-minute timeout) and the demand lamps (after a 30-minute timeout).
  The battery saver has the following inputs:
  
  • luggage compartment door ajar switch
  • dome lamp switch
  • ignition switch status
  • illuminated entry signal
  • headlamp switch
  • driver/passenger door ajar entry switch
  • keyless entry remote transmitter
  • door unlock, luggage compartment door release

SMART ENTRANCE CONTROL UNIT PFP:28596 Description EKS003A2 OUTLINE The smart entrance control unit totally controls the following body electrical system operations. ? Warning chime ? Rear window defogger and door mirror defogger ? Power door locks ? Remote keyless entry system ? Vehicle security system ? Interior lamp ? Battery saver control BATTERY SAVER CONTROL Interior Lamp/Map Lamp/Vanity Lamps The lamps turn off automatically when the interior lamp, map lamp or/and vanity lamps are illuminated with the ignition key in the OFF position, if the lamp remains lit by the door switch open signal or if the lamp switch is in the ON position for approximately 10 minutes. After lamps are turned off by the battery saver system, the lamps illuminate again when: ? Driver's door is locked or unlocked, ? Door is opened or closed, ? Key is inserted into or removed from the ignition key cylinder. Rear Window Defogger/Door Mirror Defogger Rear window defogger and door mirror defogger are turned off approximately 15 minutes after the rear window defogger switch is turned on.

Warning chime Key switch (Insert) Ignition switch (ON) Lighting switch (1st or 2nd) Seat belt buckle switch LH Front door switch LH Warning chime (located in smart entrance control unit)

Does it have power locks ?

TIME CONTROL UNIT PFP:28491 Description (Without Power Door Locks) EKS003A6 OUTLINE The time control unit totally controls the following body electrical system operations. ? Warning chime ? Rear window defogger INPUT/OUTPUT System Input Output Warning chime Key switch (Insert) Ignition switch (ON) Lighting switch (1st or 2nd) Seat belt buckle switch LH Front door switch LH Warning chime (located in time control unit) Rear window defogger Ignition switch (ON) Rear window defogger switch Rear window defogger relay

Many turn signal lamps will have multiple bulbs in them. If "one" of the bulbs is faulty, the interior lamp or lamps will come on, indicating a bad bulb. You will need to turn on your left blinker and view the bulb and make sure all bulbs appear to be blinking on front and rear of the car, then repeat with the right blinker. If you find one that doesn't appear to look right or blinks faster slower or dimmer, then replace the bulbs in that turn signal. The interior light may begin working properly when you replace the "shorted" bulb for the turn signals. If it does not, check the fuses to make sure the "shorted" bulb didn't damage your fuse for the interior lights.

I am assuming you are talking about the interior rear view mirror and not the side rear view mirror. Most auto parts stores sell an adhesive glue to fix the interior rear view mirror. Most of these mirrors have two parts to them. One part is the bracket that glues to the windshield and the other part is the rear view mirror assembly. Before gluing the bracket to the glass check and see how the mirror assembly attaches to the bracket. There will often be a screw that fixed the two together.

Interior Lights Circuit Description
By using a feature called inadvertent power control, the body control module (BCM) supplies power to all of the following components:
• The courtesy lamps
• The dome lamps
• The rear view mirror reading lamps
• The instrument panel compartment lamp
• The rear compartment lamp
The left front door ajar switch turns the interior lamps on through the BCM by grounding CKT 394. When the left front door is open, the switch is closed. This condition provides a ground and a door open input to the BCM. The BCM then grounds the following lamps through CKT 156 in order to turn the lamps on:
• The courtesy lamps
• The dome lamp
• The rearview mirror lamps
The right front door ajar switch and the rear door ajar switches turn the interior lamps on by grounding CKT 395 from the BCM.
When the ignition key is removed from the lock cylinder, the interior lamps remain on for approximately 40 seconds.
The BCM provides an interior lamps-on delay after a door is opened. The lamps remain on for approximately 40 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. The 40 second lamps-on delay reduces to 4 seconds if a door is opened within 2 minutes of the ignition switch being moved from the ON position. The interior lamps immediately turn off when the vehicle begins to move.
The dome lamp OFF-DOOR-ON switch controls the dome lamp. When the switch is in the OFF position, the dome lamp remains off. When the switch is in the DOOR position, the dome lamp lights when a door is opened by the BCM grounding CKT 156. When the switch is in the ON position, ground is supplied through CKT 750. The rear view mirror reading lamps are controlled by the rear view mirror reading lamps switch or through CKT 156 from the BCM.
Voltage is supplied at all times to the BCM through the INT LPS fuse. The BCM supplies voltage to the interior lamps through CKT 1732.

Battery Run Down Protection
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, the BCM turns off the power to all of the interior lamps after 18-22 minutes.
The BCM will reset the inadvertent power control relay output when one of the following actions is performed:
• Open or close a door.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
• Turn off any interior lamps that may be on.
• Press the power door lock switch/keyfob button.
• Press the decklid release keyfob button.

Courtesy or Dome Lamps Always On
Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Did you perform the Lighting Systems Diagnostic System Check?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems
2
Use the Scan Tool in order to command the courtesy lamps OFF.
Do the courtesy lamps turn OFF?
YES - Go to Step 4
NO - Go to Step 3
3
Test for a short to ground in the courtesy lamps control circuit (156). Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - System OK
NO - Go to Step 7
4
Test for a short to ground in each door jamb switch circuit:
• Circuit 394-Driver door
• Circuit 395-Passenger door(s).
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - System OK
NO - Go to Step 5
5
Test each door jamb switch for proper operation. Refer to the following:
• Open switch with the door closed
• Closed switch with the door open
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find a malfunctioning door jamb switch?
YES - Go to Step 6
NO - Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
6
Replace the malfunctioning door jamb switch. Refer to Door Jamb Switch Replacement in Doors.
YES - Is the repair complete?
NO - System OK
--
7
Important: Perform the set up procedure for the body control module.
Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .
Replace the body control module. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.
Did you complete the replacement?
System OK
Instal the door jamb switch wire harness.
Install the door jamb switch (2).

i have the same vehicle... I will go out when the sun comes up and find out for you. I think it will let me post again to this question

please rate if this helps. Section 01-05: Trim, Interior 1995 Thunderbird, Cougar Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION The interior trim component Removal and Installation procedures generally apply to all models. If some of the steps do not apply to the particular models being serviced, proceed to the next step. Trim Panels, Door Removal and Installation

1. CAUTION: Do not pry front door trim panel (23942). Prying on front door trim panel will break the hook retainers.
   Disconnect battery ground cable (14301) .
   

1. Carefully pull front door trim panel finish panel (23712) away from front door trim panel .
   
   
   
   
   

Item Part Number Description 1 23713 Front Door Trim Panel Finish Panel 2 17B676 Outside Rear View Mirror Control 3 14028 Door Lock Switch 4 55928-S55 Screw (5 Req'd) 5 14529 Window Regulator Control Switch 6 23942 Front Door Trim Panel

1. Disconnect wires from front door lock switches (14017), outside rear view mirror controls (17B676) and window regulator control switches (14529) , if equipped; remove front door trim panel finish panel.

1. Remove front door trim panel retaining screw through front door trim panel finish panel opening.
   
   Trim Panels, Door
   
   
   
   
   
   Item Part Number Description 1 20124 Front Door 2 23942 Front Door Trim Panel 3 383356-S100 Nut (2 Req'd Each Side) 4 56903-S58 Screw (2 Req'd Each Side)

1. Remove interior lamp lens cover.

1. Remove screw through interior lamp opening.

1. Slide front door trim panel upward to disengage hooks.

1. Rotate top of front door trim panel away from front door (20125) , and lift bottom hooks from front door.

1. Disconnect window regulator jumper wire (14A630) .

1. Remove front door trim panel.

1. To install, reverse Removal procedure.

Carefully pull front door trim panel finish panel away from front door trim panel.
Disconnect wires from front door lock switches, outside rear view mirror controls and window regulator control switches, if equipped. Remove front door trim panel finish panel.
Remove front door trim panel retaining screw through front door trim panel finish panel opening.
Remove interior lamp lens cover.
Remove screw through interior lamp opening.
Slide front door trim panel upward to disengage hooks.
Rotate top of front door trim panel away from front door and lift bottom hooks from front door.
Disconnect window regulator jumper wire
Remove front door trim panel.

Remove the sail panel,the little panel on inside of door at the mirror.
Remove the window regulator switch plate, pry up on the front of it with a small pick or screw driver. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Remove the top door trim panel screw that is behind the sail panel you removed.
Remove door trim panel screw at window regulator switch plate opening.
Remove door trim panel screw in the courtesy lamp housing. Remove the courtesy lamp lens.Remove the screw.
Remove the inside door handle trim cover.
Remove the bolt.
Remove the inside door handle.
Lift upward to remove the front door trim panel.
Remove the courtesy lamp.
Turn the courtesy lamp bulb socket one quarter turn and remove.
Disconnect the power mirror electrical connector.
Remove the three outside rear view mirror nuts.
Remove the mirror.

check the touch wire on the rear view mirror one of them may be cut
did u check if the lamp work well?