ben
Administrator
Hi,
I need to replace one of my rear numberplate lamp units (not just the bulb - as the lamp cover retaining screw had rusted off internally) - but am having difficulty removing the rear tailgate exterior trim.
I've followed the usual guide notes:
- Remove tailgate (interior) trim - this was hard work prising the clips off
- Remove rear number plate (one of my bolt sockets was missing an inner thread - so the plastic bolt shear off when removing it. I'm going to tap it tomorrow and get a replacement plastic bolt).
- Unplug connectors for microswitches and number plate lighting
- Remove small retaining torx screws
This is as far as I can get. The next step says:
- Tilt the trim slightly rearwards and pull it upwards out of the vehicle.
I have no idea if this refers to the top or bottom edge of the trim (see attached image). The top of the trim has some delicate lugs that wrap underneath the rear window edges. The bottom of the trim feels pretty solidly attached. I daren't put too much stress on it.
Has anyone successfully managed to remove this without damage?
Failing this - any bright ideas on how to remove a sheared off self-tapping screw in one of the number plate lamps? I tried a fine Dremel drill - but the bit just slips into the surrounding plastic.
I've got some nicely sized stainless steel self-tappers to replace the originals for when I reassemble it all.
Ben
PS I've read:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8495
But it scares me...
I need to replace one of my rear numberplate lamp units (not just the bulb - as the lamp cover retaining screw had rusted off internally) - but am having difficulty removing the rear tailgate exterior trim.
I've followed the usual guide notes:
- Remove tailgate (interior) trim - this was hard work prising the clips off
- Remove rear number plate (one of my bolt sockets was missing an inner thread - so the plastic bolt shear off when removing it. I'm going to tap it tomorrow and get a replacement plastic bolt).
- Unplug connectors for microswitches and number plate lighting
- Remove small retaining torx screws
This is as far as I can get. The next step says:
- Tilt the trim slightly rearwards and pull it upwards out of the vehicle.
I have no idea if this refers to the top or bottom edge of the trim (see attached image). The top of the trim has some delicate lugs that wrap underneath the rear window edges. The bottom of the trim feels pretty solidly attached. I daren't put too much stress on it.
Has anyone successfully managed to remove this without damage?
Failing this - any bright ideas on how to remove a sheared off self-tapping screw in one of the number plate lamps? I tried a fine Dremel drill - but the bit just slips into the surrounding plastic.
I've got some nicely sized stainless steel self-tappers to replace the originals for when I reassemble it all.
Ben
PS I've read:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8495
But it scares me...
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