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Replacing the license plate bulb

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Whiteyprius, Oct 23, 2014.

  1. Whiteyprius

    Whiteyprius Active Member

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    I am aware that you get to the license plate bulb from the inside through the hatch - Instructions I've read say "Remove plastic panel inside hatch." OK, but how? I don't want to simply randomly pry around, not knowing just where the tabs are. Can anyone help? Pix would be great! We're talking a 2008. Thx!
     
    #1 Whiteyprius, Oct 23, 2014
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Without using any tools, grab one corner of the hatch panel and exert force to pull it away. Once you get a corner loose then you'll find it is easy to remove that trim panel.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Oct 23, 2014
    Merkey likes this.
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There are 11 tabs that go around the panel. Like in a rectangular evenly laid out format.
     
    #3 JC91006, Oct 23, 2014
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Unfortunately, it really is the entire back panel that has to be removed (they fixed this issue with the Gen 3 by providing little cutouts).

    A flatblade screwdriver can help you if you're not comfortable with exerting a lot of force on the plastic panel. Just be aware that the panel is pliable so be careful with the screwdriver. I usually start with the corners where the panel comes up the sides to meet the lower rear window, just prying it out a little, then go towards the centre where the latch hook is and pry that out a bit (A bit of an analogy is like prying up those old school metal lids on a tin can where you just use a flatblade to lift up the metal lid and you keep going around until the lid pops off). Hopefully it'll make it easier to pull off once you have a gap around.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Oct 24, 2014
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