Justwondering
Well-Known Member
This issue is the by-product of water in my trunk issue.
While the trunk stayed dry with a 2 inch rain, it gained over 1/4 inch of water with a 5 inch rain.
I've already sealed all the trunk seams and double checked the trunk weatherstripping. All dry. So the water has to be coming from the tail lights.
The inadequate directions for removing the lens are here:
Actually, you do twist the sockets from the back of the housing.
Then, you take a flat blade screwdriver and insert it under the bottom of the Center Chrysler lens and pry gently. The center section comes out.
Now you can remove the 4 screws holding the brackets in place.
And follow along with the six housing attaching nuts.
If you are very, very lucky.. you will also have the pleasure of removing three wasp nests.
AND
wait for it ....
Yes!
learning that the left side lens bracket attachment is busted.
Left side:
Right side:
Would one of you fine folks please chime in on what my next step would be to remove the lens on the right?
I've stuck my finger in the opening at the back that the socket was in and the entire lens assembly has water at the bottom.
I've gently pulled and it won't release.
I've gently tapped the back of the bolts on the inside and it won't release.
I've gently worked the putty knife along the edge and it won't release.
So, just before I break it, could someone tell me what might still be keeping it from releasing?
--- Post updated ---
Its a new day.
Got out my cardboard and looked under the car.
There are 9 rusty screws you need to remove to finish this job. And no, that isn't in the manual either.
Here's the scoop...
DO NOT USE A HAMMER! There are more fasteners to deal with.
There is a narrow metal flange that runs the width of the car.
This flange has 9 screws in it (or in my case, 8 screws).. three under each light and three under the center section.
The screws go up through the metal flange, through guide holes in the plastic bumper filler, and into receiving holes in the lens assembly.
My solution will be silicone around the lens assembly as a water barrier. The closed cell foam is wore out in places so this will have to be a solution to get me through the rainy days. I'll figure out something else this summer.
Bumper filler guide holes from above:
Receiving holes in the lens assembly. The red lens is sitting towards the rear of the car. If you were to rotate the assembly 180 degrees towards the car it would fit in place. The bolts sticking out are what fits through the rear metal to keep the lens assembly in place.
The left side surprise:
The right side surprise:
For a grand total of five wasp nests in the light assembly. Surely there is some award for this awesome accomplishment??
While the trunk stayed dry with a 2 inch rain, it gained over 1/4 inch of water with a 5 inch rain.
I've already sealed all the trunk seams and double checked the trunk weatherstripping. All dry. So the water has to be coming from the tail lights.
The inadequate directions for removing the lens are here:
Actually, you do twist the sockets from the back of the housing.
Then, you take a flat blade screwdriver and insert it under the bottom of the Center Chrysler lens and pry gently. The center section comes out.
Now you can remove the 4 screws holding the brackets in place.
And follow along with the six housing attaching nuts.
If you are very, very lucky.. you will also have the pleasure of removing three wasp nests.
AND
wait for it ....
Yes!
learning that the left side lens bracket attachment is busted.
Left side:
Right side:
Would one of you fine folks please chime in on what my next step would be to remove the lens on the right?
I've stuck my finger in the opening at the back that the socket was in and the entire lens assembly has water at the bottom.
I've gently pulled and it won't release.
I've gently tapped the back of the bolts on the inside and it won't release.
I've gently worked the putty knife along the edge and it won't release.
So, just before I break it, could someone tell me what might still be keeping it from releasing?
--- Post updated ---
Its a new day.
Got out my cardboard and looked under the car.
There are 9 rusty screws you need to remove to finish this job. And no, that isn't in the manual either.
Here's the scoop...
DO NOT USE A HAMMER! There are more fasteners to deal with.
There is a narrow metal flange that runs the width of the car.
This flange has 9 screws in it (or in my case, 8 screws).. three under each light and three under the center section.
The screws go up through the metal flange, through guide holes in the plastic bumper filler, and into receiving holes in the lens assembly.
My solution will be silicone around the lens assembly as a water barrier. The closed cell foam is wore out in places so this will have to be a solution to get me through the rainy days. I'll figure out something else this summer.
Bumper filler guide holes from above:
Receiving holes in the lens assembly. The red lens is sitting towards the rear of the car. If you were to rotate the assembly 180 degrees towards the car it would fit in place. The bolts sticking out are what fits through the rear metal to keep the lens assembly in place.
The left side surprise:
The right side surprise:
For a grand total of five wasp nests in the light assembly. Surely there is some award for this awesome accomplishment??