Help: Replacing license plate bulbs
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 11
From: Ashburn, Virginia USA
2020 AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic, 2015 smart fortwo Electric Drive
Help: Replacing license plate bulbs
I had two bulbs go out on me at virtually the same time. A headlight and a license plate bulb. I bought replacements at a local dealer and had the headlight changed in minutes. But for the life of me cannot figure out how to change the license plate bulb. I removed the two retaining screws from the rear trunk bevel that contains the two bulbs and their cover, but it seems fixed somehow still to the trunk lid. I cannot twist, pry, slide or bend this piece without fear of snapping it into pieces. There is no rear entry either, as the inside of the trunk lid is smooth all across the back of the lid.
This should be easy, no? So how do I do it? The owner's manual covers EVERY bulb--except this one!
2000 CLK430 Coupe
This should be easy, no? So how do I do it? The owner's manual covers EVERY bulb--except this one!
2000 CLK430 Coupe
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 11
From: Ashburn, Virginia USA
2020 AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic, 2015 smart fortwo Electric Drive
Here's How
I am going to reply to my own question, as I did the deed today by guess and by golly...
First, I removed the six retaining pins that held the liner onto the trunk lid. I used a pair of pliers to hold the head and pulled them out. Then, I took a small socket and undid the center peg that holds the light assembly on the trunk. I then unscrewed the two screws that hold the light assembly on the trunk. Pinching the plastic light assembly, I removed it from the trunk lid and then unfastened the two electric leads from it. I was then able to remove the old bulb and insert the new into the clip. I then simply reversed the procedure, placing the lamp assembly into the lid, fastening the lid assembly, and re-inserting the retaining pins into the trunk liner.
It took longer than ten minutes, but I imagine that's about how long it will take me the next time...
First, I removed the six retaining pins that held the liner onto the trunk lid. I used a pair of pliers to hold the head and pulled them out. Then, I took a small socket and undid the center peg that holds the light assembly on the trunk. I then unscrewed the two screws that hold the light assembly on the trunk. Pinching the plastic light assembly, I removed it from the trunk lid and then unfastened the two electric leads from it. I was then able to remove the old bulb and insert the new into the clip. I then simply reversed the procedure, placing the lamp assembly into the lid, fastening the lid assembly, and re-inserting the retaining pins into the trunk liner.
It took longer than ten minutes, but I imagine that's about how long it will take me the next time...
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Coral Springs, Florida
2001 CLK 430
CLK 430 License Plate Bulb
Thank you! I found your reply and did as you instructed. Took LONGER then ten minuets! However, with your help I got it done.
Again, Thank you.
Joey
Again, Thank you.
Joey
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
First, I removed the six retaining pins that held the liner onto the trunk lid. I used a pair of pliers to hold the head and pulled them out. Then, I took a small socket and undid the center peg that holds the light assembly on the trunk. I then unscrewed the two screws that hold the light assembly on the trunk. Pinching the plastic light assembly, I removed it from the trunk lid and then unfastened the two electric leads from it. I was then able to remove the old bulb and insert the new into the clip. I then simply reversed the procedure, placing the lamp assembly into the lid, fastening the lid assembly, and re-inserting the retaining pins into the trunk liner.
It took longer than ten minutes, but I imagine that's about how long it will take me the next time...
It took longer than ten minutes, but I imagine that's about how long it will take me the next time...
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
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To replace the license plate bulb 2000 CLK430
You do not need to unscrew anything or remove the pins from the trunk lid liner. All you have to do is open your trunk, look to where the trunk latch is on the lid and slowly just pull the liner out a little. You will then see the light bulbs and will be able to replace. Remember, you do not need to unscrew anything or pull any pins out. It should take less than a minute to do. Hope this helps.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
The problem when using needle nose pliers when replacing this type glass cartridge tube bulb is getting a secure grip on the bulb.
If it's to much, the glass breaks and if it's to little, the bulb falls into the honey combed inter lid shell, which will be about impossible to retrieve (been there, done that).
Instead, use a plastic fuse puller made for glass tube fuses. Their cheap, ubiquitous (e.g. at hardware/auto stores, online, even staples) and bullet proof (e.g. properly/securely hold the bulb).
Google 'fuse puller'
If it's to much, the glass breaks and if it's to little, the bulb falls into the honey combed inter lid shell, which will be about impossible to retrieve (been there, done that).
Instead, use a plastic fuse puller made for glass tube fuses. Their cheap, ubiquitous (e.g. at hardware/auto stores, online, even staples) and bullet proof (e.g. properly/securely hold the bulb).
Google 'fuse puller'
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Stockton, CA
2001 CLK320
Thanks for the info guys.
Anyone have a part number for the license plate bulb?
I had the 'Lamp Defective, Check Lamps' message come on and found out it was my license plate bulb.
I'm just gonna replace both.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks-
Anyone have a part number for the license plate bulb?
I had the 'Lamp Defective, Check Lamps' message come on and found out it was my license plate bulb.
I'm just gonna replace both.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks-
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
2003 CLK430
Any Autozone would have been able to look that up for you, but for reference it's 6418LL.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Stockton, CA
2001 CLK320
Got the license plate bulbs put in this afternoon. The Sylvania 6411LL bulbs are what I used, $5.89 from O'Reilly Auto Parts.
Things I learned:
It is nearly impossible to put the lights in by hand, as the area is extremely tight. I used a pair of curved needle nose pliers and was able to grasp one end of the festoon bulb and pry the contact point back enough for it to spring the bulb into place.
So for those who haven't done this, remove the 4 black plastic compression tabs and then go at it with the needle nose pliers.
Things I learned:
It is nearly impossible to put the lights in by hand, as the area is extremely tight. I used a pair of curved needle nose pliers and was able to grasp one end of the festoon bulb and pry the contact point back enough for it to spring the bulb into place.
So for those who haven't done this, remove the 4 black plastic compression tabs and then go at it with the needle nose pliers.
