General Replacing number plate light

[TagSouth]

Is there a recommended way to get at a numberplate light to replace it? I've seen some posts on here about how fragile the plastic can be, and would like to get it out in one piece if possible.

I've just got an MOT warning because one of the lamps is out. It's the first bulb that's gone in nearly 14 years of owning the car.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi
I small flat screwdriver and a little time

I've done mine a few times (poor connections on the festoon bulb)

Pics on here somewhere..

Tailgate up
Screwdriver in that small gap on the RightHand end of this Lens

DoNotTurn..
Just prise the lens Left.. Then out
(it has a Scroll Spring.. which you are compressing to release the lens)

Often giving the bulb a twist will restore the connection

 

[varesecrazy]

Edit:

The photo is a 312 of 2013.. But your 169 won't be much different

Our 2004 needed no bulbs or fuses in our 14 years..

This basic system is 20+ years old

 

[Yolanda]

Nice view.

 

[varesecrazy]

Nice view.

Bootiful British scenery..?

 

[varesecrazy]

Is there a recommended way to get at a numberplate light to replace it? I've seen some posts on here about how fragile the plastic can be, and would like to get it out in one piece if possible.

Did you get anywhere with this?

 

[TagSouth]

Did you get anywhere with this?

Not yet. I haven't had time to get to a motor factor to buy a new bulb.

 

[varesecrazy]

Not yet. I haven't had time to get to a motor factor to buy a new bulb.

I reckon it just needs a twist.
Had to twist our panda festoon bulb a few times.. Hence the photo

 

[The Panda Nut]

Its a lot easier to see, and to get at if you open the tailgate part way and get an assistant to hold it while you work.

 

[varesecrazy]

I now appreciate this isn't a 312 like my pic.. But a 169

Pretty much all of the Fiat numberplate lights seem to use a Similar Light Unit


But varying bulbs..
Festoon.. (long tube.. Cap either end
Or the 'plug in' Type with wire outside the glass ( like front sidelights)

Do let us know what you find

 

[TagSouth]

I finally had a chance to look at it today. My 2009 Dynamic Eco takes a 12V 5W festoon lamp. One new lamp from Halfords and it's working again.

The plastic cover wasn't too difficult to get out. A gentle shove in the slot with a fairly large flat bladed screwdriver unclipped it intact.

 

[varesecrazy]

I finally had a chance to look at it today. My 2009 Dynamic Eco takes a 12V 5W festoon lamp. One new lamp from Halfords and it's working again.

The plastic cover wasn't too difficult to get out. A gentle shove in the slot with a fairly large flat bladed screwdriver unclipped it intact.

So you had actually blown a bulb...

 

[TagSouth]

So you had actually blown a bulb...

Yes, I have the old one in front of me. It's blackened inside and the broken filament bounces around inside.

 

[MLW]

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