TL-Rocks!

I had to jimmy a tool into shape from a pen clip, so I can use it to push the "clip tab" to release. I came to this procedure after breaking one of the "clip tabs" and had to order a replacement.


I used the WLED-5 white LED from superbrightleds.com and covered up the lone LED pointing sideways (when mounted) so that the light won't shine sideways. This resulted in a slightly dimmer light but you don't need much to see. Besides, I always thought the OEM light was too bright, so this works for me.


Use the small flathead screwdriver to pry open the lens just enough to fit the tool into place.


Push inward towards the "clip tab" and pull down to release lens.


Hope this helps!

NFLblitze1

EXCELLENT write up.....took me about 2 months to figure out how to take them off without breaking them lol...i know...pathetic...but still...great write up...the same goes for the trunk light, which is the same exact setup. might want to try the trunk before you do the vanity mirrors....when i did mine...i bent the metal frame that holds the plastic thing in place that u can see in picture 1 and picture 3

TL-Rocks!

hmmm...looks like the pictures got shuffled, but you get the idea.

Ron A

I swapped the pictures for you. Let me know if they are ok now. I'll delete these posts after I know everything is OK.

And now I have a favor to ask. I have a thread https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...230#post767230 that I use to answer questions about vanity light replacement, and I would like to copy this post into that thread, if it is ok with you. Let me know. Thanks.

mr drippington

Great work!! thanks for the nice write up!!

TL-Rocks!

No problem about putting this post with your thread. It'll be good to have this info consolidated somehow. Thanks!

TL-Rocks!

by the way, Ron_A, thanks for reshuffling the pics. Looks good and as intended!

erok72

TL-Rocks!,

Thank you for the great write-up with pics!!!
I ordered PIAA bulbs for the license plate, reverse lights and vanity lights all at the same time and was dreading the license plate/reverse light install the most.... Boy, was I wrong!!! The license plate/reverse lights was a breeze compared to getting these damn vanity lenses off!!!

I have been fighting with these vanity lights for about 2 weeks now.
I was being very careful, trying not to break the locking clip (I had read other posts where people had to re-order the lens). I'd get the screwdriver wedged in between the lens and metal frame and try to wiggle and pry the lens free... Nothing.

Seeing you fashion another tool to push the retaining clip in gave me an idea.... I used a flat-head screwdriver to move the lens down far enough, then used one of the wires from a binder clip to push the retaining clip in. Because the binder clip's wire is thick and not easily bent, it made the perfect tool for getting to those pesky retaining clips.... A quick read of your post, 2 min. to get to my TL in the garage then literally 30 sec. later, I had the driver's side vanity lens down and new PIAA Super White bulb in place!!! Another minute and I had the passenger side done (it took a little longer because I did it all from the driver's seat).

Thanks so much for all your help!!!

VelfarreClubber

Nice writeup w/ pics, helps me so much since my subs rattle that area. now i see why w/ the metal layer around, is it possible to sqeeze some felt around there?

TL-Rocks!

Yeah, definitely possible to put felt betwen the metal layer and the lens, but it will produce a dark ring when viewed thru the lens, of the color of the felt (white felt will probably be ideal).

Mine is kinda loose too, but I don't hear any rattling, probably because I have a visor mounted CD case that pushes up against it.