License Plate Lights

[millsj]

The problem I have found with replacing the license plate bulbs is that it is easy to break the "ears" off the plastic bulb holder when you go to pop it out of the lid.  I little dab of caulk will hold it in place if you do break one.

[bigern79]

Old thread, but maybe you guys can help.  Let me preface by saying "I feel like a complete idiot and I'm embarrassed".

Now that we got that out of the way, how the hell do you get the license plate/trunk light housing off?  All I want to do is change a burnt out bulb.  I slide the housing over, but it seems like some tabs are keeping it from coming out?  I don't want to break them, but I'm not entirely sure how how to get this thing out so I can swap the bulb.  Any ideas?

[tuckermon]

I used these over the OEM openings.

http://www.amazon.com/BRIGHT-CLEAR-WHITE-UTILITY-MARINE/dp/B013XBOL20/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1453833482&sr=1-5&keywords=led+strip+12v+6%22

[joeereid]

If you look at the lense, you will see a little arrow. You need to push/slide the entire housing over in the direction of the arrow and then the end opposite the arrow is pulled/pried/tilted away for removal. You have to push over hard and make sure the upper gasket is not binding. 80% chance something is going to break because they are junk. I think they are actually a "Lucas, Prince of Darkness" design/part...so "English junk " You can caulk them back in or I just drilled a hole thru the arrow end and the deck lid and put a screw in there. Good luck.

[bigern79]

If you look at the lense, you will see a little arrow. You need to push/slide the entire housing over in the direction of the arrow and then the end opposite the arrow is pulled/pried/tilted away for removal. You have to push over hard and make sure the upper gasket is not binding. 80% chance something is going to break because they are junk. I think they are actually a "Lucas, Prince of Darkness" design/part...so "English junk " You can caulk them back in or I just drilled a hole thru the arrow end and the deck lid and put a screw in there. Good luck.

Thanks - I'll give it another try.  I'm giving it a 95% chance of breaking 

[joeereid]

I bought some new Dorman brand housings for my donor Aero trunk lid. There was way too much effort involved in trying to get them in so I modified the lock/fixed tab so they would be easier to remove next time. The lock tab is at the end without the arrow You'll see what I mean if/when you get them out intact. The Dorman lock tab has a bigger 'Lump' on it than the OEM I filed it down to match and then some.