Dorman 68203 Under Hood Lamp

Curated from 64 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 28, 2025

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Dorman 68203 Under Hood Lamp

Brand: Dorman
Price: $12
Snoop Score:
4.8
Sentiment
6.3
Popularity
8.8
Technical
3.8
Buy on Amazon for $12See All Under Hood Lights Reviews
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Snoop's Take

The Dorman 68203 Under Hood Lamp is a reliable replacement light designed specifically for select vehicle models. It aims to restore functionality for lights that have failed due to various factors such as heat or moisture infiltration, ensuring you can see clearly under the hood of your vehicle. Consumer feedback has highlighted several positive aspects of this product, particularly its ease of installation. Users have noted that “two 10mm bolts are all that hold the thermostat housing in place,” making it accessible for those with basic tools. However, there are concerns regarding fitment issues, with some users expressing dissatisfaction with Dorman parts in general. Despite some negative sentiments about fitment, the majority of users have reported successful installations and no leaks post-installation, suggesting that the Dorman 68203 Under Hood Lamp can be a good choice for those in need of a replacement light. Overall, it is recommended for its category, especially for those familiar with DIY repairs.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Under Hood Lights

I recently installed the dorman with the updated rings and seals and thus far, no leaks.

Positive Feedback

Protip: Dorman parts suck dick I made the mistake of picking up some Dorman oil cooler lines.

Negative Feedback
Product
4.8
Dorman 68203 Under Hood Lamp
Buy on Amazon for $12
Routine Engine Bay Inspections
1 / 10
Nighttime or Low-Light Repairs
1 / 10
Detailing and Show Prep
1 / 10
DIY Upgrades and Customization
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Under Hood Lights

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
No leaks reported after installation
“I recently installed the dorman with the updated rings and seals and thus far, no leaks.”➕
Installation is easy with basic tools
“Two 10mm bolts are all that hold the thermostat housing in place.”➕
“Ripp auto sell pretty good thermostats. Easy to replace with a you tube video.”➕
Easy installation with basic tools
“Thanks for all the replies! I've scheduled for it to be repaired this upcoming Wednesday, and it'll be covered under the 36 day warranty that was guaranteed to me upon purchase.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Dorman parts have fitment issues
“Protip: Dorman parts suck dick I made the mistake of picking up some Dorman oil cooler lines.”➕
“the searching I did revealed a thread that was years old and my emails to the guy went unanswered.”➕

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
OEM parts are preferred by some users
“my check engine light just came on I took it to AutoZone and the error code is showing my thermostat seemingly needs to be replaced.”➕
Discussion on quality replacement parts
“I’ve always wondered this and now I need to buy some stuff but I’ve never been told where to buy quality stuff even though I have plenty of family that races”➕
“This basically, they separate the parts by economy, standard replacement, new, remanufactured etc.”➕
“NAPA holds OEM standards.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Users share experiences with DIY repairs
“Thanks is there any specific website to order the part? Are there would the part from AutoZone work just as well?”➕
“100% chance OP lost his 10mm socket and they are out of stock at Harbor Freight.”➕
“Tester works when put up to battery but wont work on any fuses. Tried under the hood, under the driver side dash but none of them are lighting it up is my tester just require a higher voltage then the fuses can put out?”➕
“I bought the 24F AGM "Everstart" battery from Walmart ([https://www.walmart.com/ip/286630898](https://www.walmart.com/ip/286630898)). This battery is made by Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls) and sold under a variety of brand names including Interstate, Champion, Duralast, and DieHard (and no doubt many others). Walmart had the longest warranty at 4 years, and the cheapest price (you need to go to a Walmart with an auto service center, don't believe the web site that they are out of stock).”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Collectors of OEM parts
“And yes I seriously have kept them.”➕
Alternative options available on Amazon
“The units /u/Chemical_Actuary_190 linked to are cheaper on Amazon”➕
“They clip right into the existing wiring and include the whole light unit.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
General discussion about car repairs and maintenance
“Smoke or steam under hood? I know literally nothing about cars so I really apologize for this, but I'm wondering if anyone has any idea what this could be?”➕
“I don't see OP taking this on their own. They "literally know nothing about cars".”➕
“High temp stuff before put back in other wise heat off turbo will seize bolts in plus makes it way easier to get off next time.”➕
Discussion on coolant issues in vehicles
“White smoke from under passenger side hood. I’ve had my 07 for about four years, and had no trouble besides a bad alternator.”➕
“If it’s very clean white smoke then that points to a coolant leak. Check your coolant level.”➕
“It could be a cracked coolant reservoir. I sold a lot of those heater hoses with the plastic t built into them.”➕
“Replace the plastic T-junctions with some new ones, refill the coolant, bleed the air, and you're good to go.”➕
Discussion on preference for OEM parts over Dorman
“The Dorman intakes are pretty bad.”➕

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