I removed the liner in a few mins, very simple. The problem I'm having is taking the bulbs out to replace them. I read a few threads here including this one: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/license-plate-bulb-replacement-3g-garage-g-052-a-584240/
The clips are so tight, and the space is so small that I cut my hand a few times.



Anyone have any tips or tricks?

 

its been awhile but I think theres just clips on both sides that gotta be pushed.

 

Yeah I'm having a hard time pushing the clips together, cause its so tight and the space is really small.

 

try some pliers. I know I had a hard time but once you take it off its easy the next time

 

It's easy just squeeze the sides of the plastic bulb holder and wiggle it out. If you look in there you can see the tabs that you have to push in in order to release it.

 

careful not to break the clips....

 

prepare for pain.

 

That is what I'm afraid of

 

I take my license plate off and do it from the outside, Kind of a sucks putting the light housing back in. It only goes ONE WAY, so pay attention if you do it that way.

 

I've been thru 3 pairs of license plate LEDs and after the first time you remove it you'll realize how easy it really is.

If you need to, try and use a flat head to pry the clip loose. You should be able to take it off by hand though.

Your supposed to put fingers on both sides and squeeze it together and pull out.

 

I broke a clip.


I have 'Afro Engineered' a way for it to stay without actually clipping.
as, I dont see myself buying that piece, ever.

 

I squeeze the white plastic piece and not the clear clips right? Do I really need to take of the clear clip piece?

 

I ended up breaking a clip from both sockets. They still remained in place when I put the sockets back in, so I left it like that. If anything, they don't cost that much to replace,

 

Yes, the white plastic piece on each side gets squeezed in. No - the clear triangle looking pieces are what the housing clips into. I just changed mine a couple days ago and I used a small flat-blade screwdriver to push one side in and that gave me enough wiggle to slowly work the other side free. Take your time.

 

I gave up, put everything back together and called it a day.
I spent another 45 mins or so - got the "clip" side of the clear clip out, but couldn't get the "latch" side free. I tried pushing from inside the trunk, pulling from outside the trunk, and it would not come out. I used a lot of force, and didnt want to force it anymore cause I didnt want to break a clip. I managed to cut my finger a few more times, so I said F it.

Maybe if someone is local they can help me one day. Pizza or beer my treat.

 

Damn really? I do license plate light installs all the time and never once had a problem. Just need to push the clips at the right angle and it's really easy. If you were in SoCal I'd help you out

 

Wear gloves to help with the pain.

Also, disconnect the license plate light connectors to give more room.

 

I think trying to remove the trunk light is a lot more difficult than changing the license plate lights. There's really no reason for it to be so difficult. Just push both side clips inwards towards each other and than push the whole thing forward.

Or if you can't do that than just simply start with 1 side. Use a flat head and press it in and than push it forward to pop that side out. Repeat for the other side if necessary.

By the way I recommend disconnecting the connection that plugs into the license plate lights before you do anything. It might give you more room to see or work.

 

I agree, replacing these lights should not be hard. Ive changed many bulbs in the past, but these 2 are a PITA! Ive tried every which way, the small clear plastic clip will not budge.

 

Mullet mechanic'd*