Help! Removing rear tail light assmbly on 1993 Corolla!

[winks]

The right (inner) tail light is out on my 1993 Corolla and I'm assuming the bulb needs to be replaced.

From the looks of the owners manual it seem you just remove 2 outside bolts and an inside nut and the assembly should come out (giving access to the bulb itself).

I removed these 3 and the assembly won't budge. It *appears* to be hung up on 2 plastic attachments that come in from lens on the side (at a right angle), preventing me from removing the lens.

Does anyone have any experience removing this lens? I have an safety inspection coming up and need help fast!

Thanks
Steve

[VooDoo]

it doesn't go off easily, you need to yank it a bit

[winks]

Originally Posted by VooDoo

it doesn't go off easily, you need to yank it a bit

Have you done this and do you have the same model Corolla? I've tried and it definately seems like it ain't budging and it's gonna break if I force it.

I've searched the web for help and all I could come up with it 2 others who had the same problem - neither posted a fix (1 gave up and went to a mechanic)....

http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/ForumPost.a...ing.google.com

http://www.car-forums.com/archive/t4596.html

Anyone replaced the tail light lenses in a 93 Corolla or have any experience with what I've described? I do NOT want to have to take it to the dealer and be charge $40 in labor to replace a $2 bulb!

[VooDoo]

i have a 1997 corolla (same body type as the 1993... click my sig to see my cardomain ) and i've changed my bulbs a few times already.

[winks]

Originally Posted by VooDoo

i have a 1997 corolla (same body type as the 1993... click my sig to see my cardomain ) and i've changed my bulbs a few times already.

Assuming that your 1997 is exactly the same, do the 2 plastic pieces I mentioned come into play at all? If not, I really don't understand what is hanging it up - it should just come off.


In any case - thanks for the replies voodoo.

[VooDoo]

if i'm not mistaken, they're just snap on supports for the light.

[winks]

Well I got it off. Bad news is I gave up and went to the dealer. Good news is it didn't cost me anything (other than giving the guy a $10 tip).

I understand now how the plastic pins were involved and why the lens assembly wasn't coming off. Those things s*ck. In fact, both are basically broken now and I am glad I won't have to deal with those things again.

For replacing a stupid bulb (which I have done many times in other cars) that was a pain in the ass.

[Ukrainian102]

Yea had the same problem when I wanted to change my tail lights, damn thing wouldnt budge and I thought those plastic pieces were part of the deal too. Turns out you really do need to yank it hard!

[thespud]

that is one of the joys of having a hatch... three screws and the thing practically falls off..

[duke_togo]

I have a 1994 Corolla and I got stuck in the same spot. So am I supposed to be yanking the assembly towards the rear of the car or towards the side? Just wanted to be absolutely sure before I applied force to a piece of plastic.

Thanks!

[duke_togo]

For the record, you yank straight back towards the back of the car, not towards the side. Then you'll probably have a DUH moment when you see the posts come out of the plastic retainers and wonder how you could have thought it'd come out any other way.