Title: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: Picard on November 17, 2007, 02:53:08 pm
I cannot find out how to change the rear light bulb of my model 1995 (j63). When I unscrew the to upper screws the box is still stuck. I can see no more screws.
Title: Re: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: TonyG on November 17, 2007, 05:36:03 pm
Hi. In the manual it says remove the 2 screws and lift light unit off, but this is a Renault so there could be other screws holding light cluster in. Have fun. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: Martin Tyas on November 17, 2007, 06:41:30 pm
I just looked at a parts diagram and that confirms there are only 2 retaining screws at the top of each rear light but there's also a tongue on the bottom of the light cluster (just below the bottom of the bulb holder) that locates in to a bracket. Looks like the the lamp unit has to pulled away from the body at the top and then lifted up slightly to clear the tongue from the bracket.
But if the light cluster hasn't been removed for a good while then chances are that it's just the seal that has bonded itself to the body/paint and so needs a bit more force to release it.
Martin
But if the light cluster hasn't been removed for a good while then chances are that it's just the seal that has bonded itself to the body/paint and so needs a bit more force to release it.
Martin
Title: Re: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: Picard on November 17, 2007, 06:54:29 pm
Martin: This confirms my thoughts. But I have tried to force the top of the unit away but I'm afraid to break the plastic, and I have tried to pull the unit upwards. Both with no success.
Title: Re: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: Martin Tyas on November 18, 2007, 11:29:30 am
Only other thoughts then are to try a bit of easing fluid... WD40 or similar that won't attack the paint or permanently soften or destroy the seal but may get between the seal and the bodywork to help release it.
I'm not so familiar with the J63 but the back of the light cluster and bulb holder on a JE is also accessible from inside the car after removing the interior wheel arch trim panel. It's a big panel but on the JE its only actually secured by 6 torx head screws then lifts up off the clips along the window line... so it's relatively quick and simple to remove once you have the rear seats out.
Has the car been repainted in that area as far as you are aware?.... I have known for components such as lights clusters to have been refitted after accident repair and/or respray before the paint has gone really hard and the seals then embed themselves into the paint and become very difficult if not impossible to remove without damaging or destroying the seal.
Martin
I'm not so familiar with the J63 but the back of the light cluster and bulb holder on a JE is also accessible from inside the car after removing the interior wheel arch trim panel. It's a big panel but on the JE its only actually secured by 6 torx head screws then lifts up off the clips along the window line... so it's relatively quick and simple to remove once you have the rear seats out.
Has the car been repainted in that area as far as you are aware?.... I have known for components such as lights clusters to have been refitted after accident repair and/or respray before the paint has gone really hard and the seals then embed themselves into the paint and become very difficult if not impossible to remove without damaging or destroying the seal.
Martin
Title: Re: Change rear light bulb 1995
Post by: Picard on November 21, 2007, 08:11:52 am
I did it!
But I really had to struggle with the unit to detacht it. It's a french car, all right.
But I really had to struggle with the unit to detacht it. It's a french car, all right.
