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Tips for changing license plate bulbs?

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Old 09-03-2011, 12:50 PM
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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.
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Old 09-03-2011, 01:18 PM
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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.

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Old 09-03-2011, 01:55 PM
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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.
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Old 09-03-2011, 02:39 PM
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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?!"
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Old 09-03-2011, 02:55 PM
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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.
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Old 09-04-2011, 12:30 AM
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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.
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Old 09-04-2011, 12:56 AM
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Old 09-12-2011, 12:42 PM
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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.
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Old 03-01-2012, 03:59 AM
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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.
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Old 03-02-2012, 06:54 PM
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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./
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Old 03-24-2012, 06:22 PM
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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!
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