I would like to install an LED in my trunk light. However it seems every post about it involves it breaking upon removal. I've inspected it and I also cannot figure out a way to pull it without breaking it. Has anyone done it without breaking it?

 

I snapped one of the tangs off the cover when I yanked mine. It was $10 for a new cover. No biggee

 

I used a butter knife and firmly pressed against the side (right or left, I can't remember) to release the cover. Easy to do and nothing was broken!

 

If you're careful and patient it should not break off but mine did break.

 

I used something similar to a butter knife. Try to pry it slightly open from the right side, then once you see a a slightly protruding plastic part press it in with the knife. This worked perfectly for me each time. Comes off with very little effort. I don't know how I can explain in exact detail, but hopefully this will give you enough insight.

 

Well, I bought a professional type interior kit that has 9 different soft and hard plastic blades for getting clips and plastic off and on and I still broke it, a little

 

I broke mine too but still able to put it back in without it being too loose. Pretty securely in there, but would love to replace it if it's only $10. Where did you order from and do you have the part number? . Thanks

 

I broke mine and after the mistake and getting the replacement clear cover, I've learned the correct way to remove it.

You need a prying tool like this. This is a very common and cheap tool set available in the Japan market. It is made of shiny plastic and won't mar the surface if the tool is used properly.

I am sure you can find something similar.

The most important thing is you need a tool whose head is flat with a width similar to the tab of the plastic and you insert the tool as shown in the picture. Gently insert the tool between the gap and used a forward and slightly upward movement. After two attempts, the whole trunk switch assembly should be popped up.

Be ware that the trunk switch assembly is very bulky and tall. It appears to be "stuck" in the opening. So don't pull too hard. Just do things gently and you should be able to pull the whole trunk assembly out. The prying point is on the right hand side of the car.

Recently I removed the trunk switch again because i I needed to do something with the trunk open and I removed the switch in order to avoid draining the battery (despite the light should go out in a few minutes by itself)

With the right tool, I can repeatedly remove the switch with breaking it.

 

I got it from Sewell Lexus some time ago.

 

AndyL, thanks. I got the light out without breaking it.

 

waiting on a response from sewell via email.... did the led conversion from hidpowerhouse but when i was removing the housing in the trunk i also broke mine......googled but couldnt find it online anywhere

 

Lol broke mine too

 

http://is.sewellparts.com/oem-catalo...S350-2014.html


i just ordered the replacement lens- $32 bucks with shipping