Need help to change plate light

[by-life]

I have read some useful posts about changing the internal lights and plate lights. So I made decision to change all of lights/bulbs too.

However, I need you help for changing plate light/bulb.

I found that I couldn't take off the plate because it used special screws which are not normal standard. Screw shown in pics.

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs009.snc3/11633_172045902241_592492241_3401886_8141942_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs009.snc3/11633_172045912241_592492241_3401887_3419388_n.jpg


Also, I read the manual which shows the illustration that I "should put a cloth on the edge of the licence plate garnish. And use a flat-tipped screwdriver to pry carefully on the edge of the licence plate garnish until it pops out."

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs029.snc3/11633_172045917241_592492241_3401888_1346217_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs029.snc3/11633_172045922241_592492241_3401889_543412_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs009.snc3/11633_172045927241_592492241_3401890_7013695_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs009.snc3/11633_172045932241_592492241_3401891_7034464_n.jpg

should I take off plate first? If, yes, which model of screw driver should I use? If, not. It may be easy. Also, do you have any tips to take off the garnish? When put the cloth on the flat-tipped screwdriver, will be enough safe for the paint?

thanks for all of replies.

[iLlusion10]

You don't need to take the plate off, just get a flat head screw driver + a soft cloth and you can easily take it off, takes max 5 minutes.

and you won't scratch the paint if you use a cloth and just take it slowly

[by-life]

You don't need to take the plate off, just get a flat head screw driver + a soft cloth and you can easily take it off, takes max 5 minutes.

and you won't scratch the paint if you use a cloth and just take it slowly

Thanks, mate.

[dtngo]

you can change it from the underside of the boot. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e81PBLSP-K0. I tried this way but it's too hard to remove the clips.

I removed the garnish using a plastic card e.g. credit card. Just slot it in the gap, apply a bit of pressure the clips should pop out - 4 clips btw. I left my number plate on and had enough room to change the lights. I couldn't remove the garnish though, so I just pulled it downwards enough to get to the lights.

[by-life]

you can change it from the underside of the boot. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e81PBLSP-K0. I tried this way but it's too hard to remove the clips.

I removed the garnish using a plastic card e.g. credit card. Just slot it in the gap, apply a bit of pressure the clips should pop out - 4 clips btw. I left my number plate on and had enough room to change the lights. I couldn't remove the garnish though, so I just pulled it downwards enough to get to the lights.

Thanks for your tips, I will try it with credit card first.

[iLlusion10]

LOL Rep me now =P, if you can't get it working i can help you out =p

[by-life]

Just one more thing to confirm that the model of bulb for plate light is:
Wedge bulb T10 5w Led. right?

[iLlusion10]

yes, be careful about using LEDs, some users ahve reported that they blow really easily due to the voltage fluctuations.

[by-life]

I just changed the plate bulbs and I tried from the underside of the boot. It is much easier than removing the garnish.

I firstly tried to remove the garnish, but there was not enought space to take out the light assembly. My No. plate frame was there to stop me take off the garnish.

Also, the light assembly sucks firmly, hard to take it out. So, I tried taking off plate lights from the underside of the boot. It was done.

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e81PBLSP-K0

[Ken-f]

My plate cover was blocking my way, but i just forced it out, almost snapped the garnish. However, as i've done it more than once now, i konw that i don't actually have to remove the whole garnish, i just undo it from the 4 clips holding it, and leave it there, it gives me enough room to play with the light fitting and then fiddle it out through the hole and switch the bulb.

Yes, the T10 w5w bulb is correct. I think the max wattage LED i've seen is 1.5w

[by-life]

I try to put more blue+white lights on the plate. so which model bulb or LED should I choose?
For LED, T10 1.35W 12V 9-LED is right one?

[Ken-f]

what the hell. lol. just give me a link. I'll let you know.

As long as its a T10, it should be fine, some of them with more LEDs on the one piece are too long.

[dtngo]

Use these ones: http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13043. They're perfect - white, bright and wide. They are no good for parkers though because it doesn't project to the sides. Use these for the parkers: http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.17903.

I've got them both in my car and they're the best for the job IMO.

[Ken-f]

I have the first set. Was annoyed to see the colours dont match. one has a greenish tinge.