Replace License Plate Bulbs

[RkyMtnHi]

How do you access the license plate bulbs? Do you have to remove the trim inside the rear hatch?

Thanks

Rky

2006 MO SE

[JayS]

Yep. Just did this last night to install my LED plate bulbs. Open the hatch, pop the little recessed handle out (use a flat head screwdriver, pry from front edge and it will pop right out). Remove the 4 flush mount clips from the bottom of the trim panel. Just push the little circle in the center in about 1/4" and then they pry out easily. After that grab the panel on the left or right side where it meets in a V and pull straight out. There are lots of little pop clips scattered around the entire panel so just work your way around and they should all pop out easily.

Once all the fasteners are off be careful as the wiring for your interior lights will still be connected. Reach up there and pull the plugs straight back toward the wires as they don't have any locking mechanism.

Once all that's off it's really easy to see where the light sockets are, simply twist lock to remove the socket and the bulbs just pull out.

When putting the panel back on start by hooking the wires back up, then line the panel up with the latch. Work forward on the left and right popping in the clips until you get to the V. Once secured on both sides you should be able to just press hard around the rest of the panel to get the other clips in.

Now go back to the 4 little clips. Push the center pin back so it's still out about 1/4" instead of being recessed 1/4". Insert the clips and push the center pin flush to lock them. Pop in the little recessed handle on the bottom of the door and you're done.

Curse Nissan under your breath for not including some sort of access panel or exterior access to these damn bulbs.

[RkyMtnHi]

Thanks for the great "How To", Jay. Maybe I will wait until they both burn out!

[nafddur]

That panel removal seems intimidating until you struggle through it the first time. Like many things, after you do it once, you see how easy it really is. It's a 5-10 (tops) minute job once you know how to do it.