License Plate Light Assembly Replacement

Hello all,

03 4Runner

I noticed I have a license plate bulb out and I have the common problem of the screws being rusted and refusing to budge.

I have tried WD-40, drilling them out, etc... I have pretty much beat on it so much the assembly on one of the lights is breaking.

So, my question(s) is...

PLAN A - How do I replace the assembly? I would like to avoid this BS in the future. I have done some research and it looks like I need to go in through the interior panel in the rear hatch.

Anyone done this? I am hesitant because there is the lock/latch and the power window in there. I don't want to go in and mess those up.

Is the license plate light assembly easy to reach without messing with the latch and window?

Any photos?

PLAN B - I may just try to break the plastic lenses to see if I would be able to get the screws that way with a little more room? If this works... I just replace the lenses, piece of cake! I will have to fight with it again when the other bulb goes out. If it wont work, I need to replace the assembly...

What do you guys think?

Thank you,

 

I've been checking this thread to see what you ended up doing...

Is it resolved?

 

Not yet... Hopefully this weekend.

 

Right on. Breaking the lens vs removing the liner....both would suck.

 

On my 2007 the license plate lights are two pieces. The lenses and the bulb housing. Once the screws are removed the housing drops down and the wires are holding it to the tailgate.

 

SWEET!

GOT IT!

The Dremmel I borrowed did the trick! What a pain in the A...

Thank you all for the help!

I was able to save the lenses and light assembly and just put some stainless screws in. Hopefully that helps in the future.

Thank you all again!