license plate light problem
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,379
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From: Florida
license plate light problem
On a whim, I checked the license plate lights today (on my '96 ES), and the left one (driver side) is out. Funny that the rear lights-out warning have never come up, but I guess that's just for the tailights. It looks pretty easy to change the bulb, but can someone lay out the proper steps to go about changing a license plate bulb, including type of bulb, part number and suggested place(s) to obtain the bulb? I assume the bulb can be purchased at any automotive parts store. Thanks!
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 204
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From: Illinois
Check with your owner's manual first, it will typically have the bulb type/size and how-to's. Otherwise, check with www.sylvania.com, under the automotive link, it should give you all the bulb types for the car.
Luc
Luc
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Florida
need more help
Originally posted by Luc
Check with your owner's manual first, it will typically have the bulb type/size and how-to's. Otherwise, check with www.sylvania.com, under the automotive link, it should give you all the bulb types for the car.
Luc
Check with your owner's manual first, it will typically have the bulb type/size and how-to's. Otherwise, check with www.sylvania.com, under the automotive link, it should give you all the bulb types for the car.
Luc
Now the big question is... how exactly do I change the bulb? I looked closely at the license plate light, and there seems to be no notch along the plastic covering where I could use a screwdriver to pop out. Do I have open up the carpeting in the trunk to get to the bulb, or is there another way to do this? I'd hate to take my car to Lexus to have it replaced when it's really a no-brainer job
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 204
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From: Illinois
I don't quite remember where the license plate lights are located at. Is it under the trunk hood right above the plate itself? If so, then you probably have to pull the liner/insulator off from the trunk hood. It's strange that there is no notches or screws holding in the reflectors.
Luc
Luc
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Florida
Originally posted by Luc
I don't quite remember where the license plate lights are located at. Is it under the trunk hood right above the plate itself? If so, then you probably have to pull the liner/insulator off from the trunk hood. It's strange that there is no notches or screws holding in the reflectors.
Luc
I don't quite remember where the license plate lights are located at. Is it under the trunk hood right above the plate itself? If so, then you probably have to pull the liner/insulator off from the trunk hood. It's strange that there is no notches or screws holding in the reflectors.
Luc
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 43
From: Georgia
When I added the chrome trunk bar to my GS, I replaced the license plate lights with Piaa Super Plasma Wedge Bulbs. I had to remove the trunk felt lining to access the bulbs. Should be the same on the ES.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,379
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From: Florida
Originally posted by KayGee
When I added the chrome trunk bar to my GS, I replaced the license plate lights with Piaa Super Plasma Wedge Bulbs. I had to remove the trunk felt lining to access the bulbs. Should be the same on the ES.
When I added the chrome trunk bar to my GS, I replaced the license plate lights with Piaa Super Plasma Wedge Bulbs. I had to remove the trunk felt lining to access the bulbs. Should be the same on the ES.
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If I remember correctly:
Take off plastic "trunk sill", strip of plastic across top of trunk opening.
Remove carpeting from trunk wall below sill (carefully pull about 4 plastic pegs)
Remove taillight assembly with 8mm socket, there's 4 bolts, and you may need a socket extender.
I believe the license plate lights are tucked into the side of the taillights.
Take off plastic "trunk sill", strip of plastic across top of trunk opening.
Remove carpeting from trunk wall below sill (carefully pull about 4 plastic pegs)
Remove taillight assembly with 8mm socket, there's 4 bolts, and you may need a socket extender.
I believe the license plate lights are tucked into the side of the taillights.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,379
Likes: 24
From: Florida
Originally posted by squarehat
If I remember correctly:
Take off plastic "trunk sill", strip of plastic across top of trunk opening.
Remove carpeting from trunk wall below sill (carefully pull about 4 plastic pegs)
Remove taillight assembly with 8mm socket, there's 4 bolts, and you may need a socket extender.
I believe the license plate lights are tucked into the side of the taillights.
If I remember correctly:
Take off plastic "trunk sill", strip of plastic across top of trunk opening.
Remove carpeting from trunk wall below sill (carefully pull about 4 plastic pegs)
Remove taillight assembly with 8mm socket, there's 4 bolts, and you may need a socket extender.
I believe the license plate lights are tucked into the side of the taillights.
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