Fixing the license plate lights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Destructo · 12-03-2003, 05:49 PM

I noticed my license plate lights weren't working, so I should probably fix them before I get pulled over for it or something hehe. But anyway I have 12 volts coming down the wire that their connected to, but no lights. The wire was cut some and i'm going to fix that, but don't think its going to make the lights work. Can anyone tell me how to open up the housing to get at the bulbs? I can't figure it out! The plastic has turned completely white and cracked on one of them, I may just need to get new housings. They may actually be lighting up but not able to shine through he UV damaged plastic!

**old Rusty C10** · 12-03-2003, 06:21 PM

on mine it just twists out kinda like the marker lights on front i think napa sells aftermarket ones

Prerunner1982 · 12-03-2003, 07:06 PM

my license lights have a bunch of fingers on the back side that keep it in the bumper, i had one go out.. i pulled it and put my trailer light connection there.. i never figured out how to check the bulb.. i still have the light. if you have the same kind it might be easier to replace the whole thing, i think it only cost a couple bucks, probably as much as buying a replacement bulb. the just cut the wire and splice it....

loweredd · 12-03-2003, 07:24 PM

I think you replace the whole thing. The lense isnt clear, it is white.

*Zilverado* · 12-03-2003, 07:26 PM

My lights, mounted in the step bumper, are just bolted throught with two screws with nuts up in behind the bumber. I just replaced one of mine a couple of weeks back because the socket was rusted out and no longer worked.

The part was cheap and the swap was quick. Just splice the wire (unless it has a compatible plug) and screw the new housing in place. I used stainless steel fasteners to make future removal simpler - works slick.

BTW my lenses are clear (but they are not original equipment).

That's my experience.

Destructo · 12-03-2003, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Prerunner1982
my license lights have a bunch of fingers on the back side that keep it in the bumper, i had one go out.. i pulled it and put my trailer light connection there.. i never figured out how to check the bulb.. i still have the light. if you have the same kind it might be easier to replace the whole thing, i think it only cost a couple bucks, probably as much as buying a replacement bulb. the just cut the wire and splice it....

Thats exactly how mine is, I tried getting it apart but couldn't figure it out. I think I just have to replace the whole thing.

C-10volvo · 12-03-2003, 10:27 PM

my plate lights are clear. they are original too.

loweredd · 12-03-2003, 10:29 PM

what does the housing look like? The ones we sell here new are a NAPA part, chrome surround with a white plastic lens.

12-03-2003, 05:49 PM	#1
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	Fixing the license plate lights I noticed my license plate lights weren't working, so I should probably fix them before I get pulled over for it or something hehe. But anyway I have 12 volts coming down the wire that their connected to, but no lights. The wire was cut some and i'm going to fix that, but don't think its going to make the lights work. Can anyone tell me how to open up the housing to get at the bulbs? I can't figure it out! The plastic has turned completely white and cracked on one of them, I may just need to get new housings. They may actually be lighting up but not able to shine through he UV damaged plastic!

12-03-2003, 06:21 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,287	on mine it just twists out kinda like the marker lights on front i think napa sells aftermarket ones __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-03-2003, 07:06 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	my license lights have a bunch of fingers on the back side that keep it in the bumper, i had one go out.. i pulled it and put my trailer light connection there.. i never figured out how to check the bulb.. i still have the light. if you have the same kind it might be easier to replace the whole thing, i think it only cost a couple bucks, probably as much as buying a replacement bulb. the just cut the wire and splice it.... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-03-2003, 10:27 PM	#7
C-10volvo Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 1,028	my plate lights are clear. they are original too. __________________ Ken Morgan For fun: 1964 Volvo 122 For slow: 1984 Chevrolet C-10 For everything else: 1997 BMW M3

12-03-2003, 07:24 PM	#4
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	I think you replace the whole thing. The lense isnt clear, it is white.

12-03-2003, 07:26 PM	#5
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	My lights, mounted in the step bumper, are just bolted throught with two screws with nuts up in behind the bumber. I just replaced one of mine a couple of weeks back because the socket was rusted out and no longer worked. The part was cheap and the swap was quick. Just splice the wire (unless it has a compatible plug) and screw the new housing in place. I used stainless steel fasteners to make future removal simpler - works slick. BTW my lenses are clear (but they are not original equipment). That's my experience.

12-03-2003, 10:29 PM	#8
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	what does the housing look like? The ones we sell here new are a NAPA part, chrome surround with a white plastic lens.



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