Notices
Scion xD ICE & Interior In-car entertainment and electronics...

Tips for changing license plate bulbs?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 3, 2011 | 12:50 PM
  #1  
CWB211's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27
Default Tips for changing license plate bulbs?

Hey guys,

I'm currently in the process of changing all of my lights to LEDs but I've hit a snag... I can't seem to get the passenger side license plate light out of the housing. I admit I have big hands, but the driver side one came out easily... I just turned it clockwise and it unscrewed, but I just can't manage to get the other side out! Its almost like its glued it.

Does anyone have any times for getting this bulb out of the housing? I've tried needle nose pliers but they don't give you much room to turn on the passenger side... and my hands barely fit up in the small hole to even grasp the socket.

Thanks.
Old Sep 3, 2011 | 01:18 PM
  #2  
cobaltbravo's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,285
From: Delaware
Default

I pulled the interior hatch trim off so I could get a good grip on the assembly. It takes a little longer but I couldn't fit my hands in those tiny holes either.

Sent from my rooted Droid
Old Sep 3, 2011 | 01:55 PM
  #3  
Nateson's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 454
From: Chattanooga TN
Default

I also removed the hatch trim, but be careful when reattaching the trim around the third brake light. The little plastic clips that the the trim connects to the hatch with can easily be pushed into the hatch void. (pushed into the hatch hull) Mine are still in there, but I hope some time and spirited driving rattles them back down to where I can get at them. Remove the trim though, it makes life easier.
Old Sep 3, 2011 | 02:39 PM
  #4  
CWB211's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27
Default

I finally got it off. I was leery about removing the trim for that reason you mentioned so I just stuck with trying from the outside.

It took searching through my tools for a vise wrench... but it got the job done. I just clamped on to it and turned it. When I started working on installing some of my mods today I never figured changing a light bulb would be the most time consuming part... guess that odd saying is true... "How many people does it take to change a light bulb?!"
Old Sep 3, 2011 | 02:55 PM
  #5  
ThisorThatxD's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 366
From: Stafford, VA
Default

haha. yea i lost some of those clips when i removed my rear wiper. i just go through those small openings with some pliers. ive done it like 5 times now (inspections ftl). it takes some patience for sure.
Old Sep 4, 2011 | 12:30 AM
  #6  
andrewjc's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 179
From: HdG, MD
Default

I did the LED swap and it was the biggest pain. Sad part is that they both failed and have to go back to stock.
Old Sep 4, 2011 | 12:56 AM
  #7  
cobaltbravo's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,285
From: Delaware
Default

Autolumination.com


Sent from my rooted Droid
Old Sep 12, 2011 | 12:42 PM
  #8  
Swbari00's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 237
From: TN
Default

easiest way to deal with those clips is to take them out and put them on the trim, then put the trim back onto the hatch.
Old Mar 1, 2012 | 03:59 AM
  #9  
bjb120's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15
From: saint louis
Default

Once you do get them out i suggest spraying some wd-40 on the tips of the housing for an easier removal the next time.
Old Mar 2, 2012 | 06:54 PM
  #10  
kervin204's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
SL Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 162
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

open the truck. use a flat screw to take it.

its hard to take it off because my hand won't fit
but i analyze it. you can see the clip whatever you call.

just use the flat screw then. take out the bulb./
Old Mar 24, 2012 | 06:22 PM
  #11  
mikejsmith1985's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 8
Default

Originally Posted by CWB211
Hey guys,

I'm currently in the process of changing all of my lights to LEDs but I've hit a snag... I can't seem to get the passenger side license plate light out of the housing. I admit I have big hands, but the driver side one came out easily... I just turned it clockwise and it unscrewed, but I just can't manage to get the other side out! Its almost like its glued it.

Does anyone have any times for getting this bulb out of the housing? I've tried needle nose pliers but they don't give you much room to turn on the passenger side... and my hands barely fit up in the small hole to even grasp the socket.

Thanks.
I just did my install I unplugged the wire and slipped the back end of my 5/8" ratchet wrench around the black base and turned. It came right out reverse procedure to install. Hope this helps!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
horsefeathers
Scion xB 2nd-Gen ICE & Interior
8
Sep 17, 2023 11:12 PM
anti_virus347
PPC: Misc and Lots
1
May 28, 2015 06:01 AM
anti_virus347
PPC: Engine / Drivetrain
8
Apr 3, 2015 05:17 PM
mc1114
Scion tC 1G Owners Lounge
5
Mar 11, 2015 02:34 AM
edwinisdumb15
Regional - Pacific South
3
Dec 9, 2014 11:20 PM




All times are GMT. The time now is 05:12 AM.