Chazz

I had asked several people about this procedure and the answers were all about the same: “just pop it off, push on the little projection and there you are”, so I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But then I had previously explored these nether recesses of the old girl and I knew that there was just room for either my fingers or something else, but not both.
Well, today we had another intimate encounter but, sad to say, consummation was not achieved. Sure, Ok, I did finally got the rubber part off but that was it. We could go no further. Then, to at least restore some propriety, to get the rubber part back on, oh my goodness how we struggled, all red faced and sweaty, right there in the driveway. Ultimately, she had her way with me; her rear passenger side marker light will only come on when she is in the mood and nothing I can do will change that.

RngTrtl

Did you talk sweet to her first or just "go right for it"? I always talk sweet first it seems to help.

Stan.Shaw@Excell.Net

How about removing the marker light from the body panel first?

It is held in place by two small nuts that hold retainers in place. Once you remove the nuts, and retainers, you can pull the marker light out side the body panel and clearly see, and access the rubber boot, wires, etc.

SharkSkin

You really need to remove the side marker to do anything useful with it. Two wingnuts, "just pop it off".

Or try some KY.

chaadster

Also, Chazz, under the mat in the rear hatch area are the plugs for the marker light harnesses; affirm those connections, maybe clean up the contacts. I had an intermittent problem like yours that was solved by making sure those plugs were well connected. They are white plastic, btw, and on the left and right sides of the car. If I can find a pic, I'll post for you. Oh, I used a bit of dielectric grease on 'em.