Originally Posted by AlphaTrion
Ok. I promise this will be the last time I bug you. I got my LEDs. How do I access the rear tail lights to get the bulbs out? I was getting pretty frustrated trying to figure it out. I figured it would be a simple rear access panel. I see alot of flat circular plastic tabs across the back of the carpet and the hard plastic panel in the center. I tried pulling one out with a flathead screw driver and couldn't get it to come out. I didn't want to use too much force and didn't want to damage the carpet.
Also, since you have installed the LED's have you had any issues with excessive heat with the ones that have the built in resistors. They haven't caused any damage or caused any plastic to melt etc.? I thought I would ask before I put these in. You never know.
Thanks again
Happy to help!
I have the roadster, not sure if you have the same or the coupe but if you have the coupe take note it may not be the same. For me, i had one twist off tab near the top of the trunk opening, one on each side, and two locking (push pull) plastic buttons on each side. The two plastic buttons require you to pull out the center button, 4 total in the trunk area, 2 on either sider of the hard plastic center section.
Long ago I purchased a puller designed specifically for those type of plastic tabs. I have seen the pullers at various auto part and tool stores or you can get them online. Like I said, got mine long ago so I cant even remember the proper name to search for, SORRY. A set of needle nose pliers work well to pull the center button up as well thought its harder not to scratch them that way.
Once you get the three plastic buttons (one twist and two locking) out, just pull back the carpet. You can then either use a wrench on the three nuts and pull the entire taillight out or you can reach in and twist out the bulbs with it still installed.
I have not had any issue with the built in resistor units but I only installed those in the blinekrs which do not stay on for long at all. All of the ones that STAY lit are non resistor models since I disabled the light out indicator.