Number plate lamp removal and replacement

A2Si

A2Si

Member
Can anyone help with info on how to remove the back part of the number plate light. The clear part has come off but the screws are chewed up so it would be easier to get it on the bench to remove them . Can’t find a how to maybe there is and someone can point me to it . Hope i don’t have to remove rear trim panel on the tailgate …


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A2Si said:
Can anyone help with info on how to remove the back part of the number plate light. The clear part has come off but the screws are chewed up so it would be easier to get it on the bench to remove them . Can’t find a how to maybe there is and someone can point me to it . Hope i don’t have to remove rear trim panel on the tailgate …


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You certainly do have to remove the trim panel! It then makes it so much easier to work on, as you say.

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It certainly is a lot of work taking the tailgate apart to get to the light housings.
Now the clear plastic is out of the way how much of the screws are left? If the majority is still there then soak with release agent for a day then clamp tightly with mole grips and slowly TIGHTEN the screw a very little then try to slacken a little. More release agent and repeat until the screw starts to turn easily then remove them. If they shear off then I have drilled into the head / shank then used a small torx bit in an electric drill and been able to remove them that way ( the flutes of the bit digging into the circumference of the drill hole ). If all fails then you will have to take the tailgate apart. The new lenses are then fitted with good stainless steel screws.
 
Last stage before I have to take the tailgate off . I didn’t quite get the idea with the torx bit . I was thinking to use the the torx sockets but thought they would have to be tiny. Then I re- read and realised the idea is to use it like an easy out or something similar . So drill a small hole then use a impact torx bit to drive the screw out anti-clockwise .. project for tomorrow evening .


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Yes that is exactly the principle. The external flutes of the torx bit bite into the bored hole. I did not use impact but a slight wobble while using the drill anti clockwise aids the grip against the wall. Have now removed 5 rusted screws using this method. To drill the hole a long drill bit certainly helps keep the drill and chuck away from the paint work. Just take care and it is relatively easy.
 
Or you could just do what the previous owner of my car did and use foam adhesive no more nails tape to glue the lights into place without screws.

Worked well because I didn’t realise until one of the bulbs blew…


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I think the previous owner or one previous has used seam sealer or similar .. looks like it might end up being a battle with the trim panel. Still got to try drilling and using a torx bit as an extractor . Might even try a bit of heat once I have it held into the screw … sometime this morning is the plan


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