[Euro] license plate lights - how to replace? [Archive]

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EuroDude

13-08-2006, 04:13 PM

Does anyone know how to replace the two bulbs that light up the license plate?

I have the workshop manual for the 03-05, has it changed for the 06?

I cant seem to get that clear plastic light assembly out. I have unclipped it, but its wedged under the color-coded plastic panel that surrounds the edge of the license plate area and its too large to come out. Do you need to remove the large cover first?

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8790/licplatelightjt0.gif

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3998/dscf1544lx1.jpg

BusterSonic12

13-08-2006, 04:29 PM

read your owners manual, it's really easy.
same bulb as parker lights. you need to remove the panel thing first, that manual has it.

EuroDude

13-08-2006, 04:50 PM

Its all done.

I found out how to do it myself, you just need to remove part of the inner trunk lining/carpet (three screws and two bump stops) and unclip the white bulb assemblies from the back and pull them out. Then replace the bulbs and re-assemble it all. There is no need to remove that cover on the outside :thumbsup:

I installed some white LED lights, may take a pic later when dark if anyone wants to see how it looks.

BusterSonic12

13-08-2006, 05:37 PM

i installed white too ;) but not as bright as stock yellow... but looks better lol

EuroDude

13-08-2006, 06:32 PM

lol they are very dim. Maybe I should use a 2-LED bulb :p

The LED bulbs are 12v and so are the original bulbs. But are they powered by 5volts from the car?

15NVD

14-08-2006, 08:32 AM

Hi,
i used 3 led bulbs and they were also very dim, so i put in some 6 led bulbs i bought of ebay for next to nothing and they are bright and look really good.

EuroDude

14-08-2006, 09:09 AM

Thanks yeah I may get some multi LED bulbs.

Claymore, they are just direct replacements.

power_of_dreams

03-01-2008, 09:58 PM

*bump*

I just installed single LED wedge bulbs and they look pretty dim. I'm not even sure it might be legal :S

Can you guys post your pictures for comparison?

EuroDude

03-01-2008, 10:09 PM

Single LED's are no good, they point in one direction only, and only light up a small portion of the plate.

You need to buy multi-LED bulbs so they spread the light over the plate properly, or a high-output flux LED (a new type of LED that is 3 times brighter).

tony1234

04-01-2008, 08:27 AM

I got some from Leo at JDM Concept,nice white output,(the're not LEDs)they also give good light coverage on the number plate.Replaced the front parkers with the same ones,$15 a pair.:thumbsup:

aaronng

04-01-2008, 08:34 AM

Even the high-output LEDs die after a year because of voltage fluctuations when the A/C compressor kicks in. The best would be what tony1234 recommends. Since those bulbs use a filament, they won't fail prematurely.

power_of_dreams

04-01-2008, 05:10 PM