GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

HELP! Can’t remove these parking bulbs

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Old 09-30-17, 09:51 AM
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Propulsion
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Default HELP! Can’t remove these parking bulbs

So this is weekend #2 and my second attempt at upgrading my parking/city lights to LED.
HOWEVER, I cannot remove the OEM bulbs from the assembly housing. I’ve asked for help before but nothing seems to solve the problem. It seems the bulbs are part of the plastic assembly itself. I cannot remove them.


OEM parking/city Light (194)______________________

These are the LED bulbs I wish to install.
LED 194 bulbs UPGRADE

I know this upgrade has been done numerous times by other members, but I can’t seem to remove the OEM bulbs without crushing them. Please provide whatever advice you can. I want to complete this before returning to work on monday
Old 09-30-17, 01:24 PM
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MozartMan
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My bulbs came out pretty easy without any extra work. I don't remember, but if the housing is rubberized plastic try this idea.

Take a hair dryer and heat up that plastic housing, don't burn it. Then try to move the bulb gently.

Just an idea.

Last edited by MozartMan; 09-30-17 at 01:32 PM.
Old 09-30-17, 01:46 PM
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MX73
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I had to use a little bit of pressure on the bulbs to get it out. I was afraid to crush them as well. Maybe wrap some really sticky tape around the bulb, leaving a little tail to pull on.
Old 09-30-17, 06:35 PM
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XxGoKoUxX
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Here's a few tips:

1. WD-40 the socket and try to get some WD-40 inside the bulb housing (it's okay, you can clean it off later, just don't go overexcessive with it). After you get the bulb off, clean as much as you can off, then spray a good excess of alcohol in there and let it dry completely before installing the new bulb.

2. If you want to avoid the WD-40 route, you can try unplugging it by WIGGLIGHT the bulb left and right. get a feel for where the bulb is flat, and wiggle the bulb back and forth in the parallel position to the bulb's tail end.

3. LAST RESORT, as it's a bit dangerous and is hazardous. You can take a pair of pliers, wrap some electrical tape or painter's tape around the bulb, to your best ability, squeeze (NOT TOO HARD) onto the bulb and pull. While you pull, once again, wiggle back and forth the best you can and it should wriggle out.

FWIW, my housing melted into the bulb because the bulb was so hot. That's why, in my situation, it got stuck.

GL!
Old 10-04-17, 09:11 AM
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Propulsion
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UPDATE: Success!

I just want to thank you guys for the weird suggestions that ultimately helped me remove the stock 194 parking bulbs.
I tried the Gorilla Tape method first and it worked!



I gently wrapped some tape around the tip of the OEM bulb and wiggled it out of the housing with no problems.
Then I inserted the new LEDs pictured below.
New LED parking bulb

I’ll post some pics once the sun goes down. Thanks again guys. I’m happy now.
Old 10-04-17, 02:07 PM
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sha4000
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How did you get access to the bulb?
Old 10-04-17, 02:22 PM
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Propulsion
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Originally Posted by sha4000
How did you get access to the bulb?
Accessing the bulbs wasn’t difficult.
Removing them from the rubberized plastic housing is where I ran into trouble.
This video shows you how to easily access the parking bulbs.
https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2.../parking_light

Old 10-04-17, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Propulsion
UPDATE: Success!

I just want to thank you guys for the weird suggestions that ultimately helped me remove the stock 194 parking bulbs.
I tried the Gorilla Tape method first and it worked!



I gently wrapped some tape around the tip of the OEM bulb and wiggled it out of the housing with no problems.
Then I inserted the new LEDs pictured below.
New LED parking bulb

I’ll post some pics once the sun goes down. Thanks again guys. I’m happy now.
It's always the weird things that make things work. haha.
Old 10-04-17, 06:45 PM
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Propulsion
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Made a pit stop to snap a quick pic. I can’t believe how different these simple LEDs makes my car appear at night. Huge difference from those ugly yellow bulbs.


LED parking bulbs
Old 10-07-17, 08:58 AM
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RTGS350
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It seems like the longevity of the LED bulbs is a bit of a problem. I had to replace mine a couple of times and I used different brands each time.
Old 10-07-17, 11:38 AM
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MX73
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I've picked up these Sylvania Zevo LED bulbs from my local parts store. They have last a lot longer than the multiple LEDs that I've picked up on Amazon or superbrightleds.com

Amazon Amazon
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