I had the tail lights and center panel off today to dry out some condensation in the reverse light lens. When I re-intalled everything I realized that there is too large of a gap between the side indicator lights and the center reflector/brake light. In fact, the 3 prongs on the end of the side indicator lights don't even reach into the holes on the end of center piece.

What's up with this? I know they didn't shrink...

All suggestions appreciated.

 

Did you look in your manual under replacing the rear bulbs? There is a good description of the center piece adjustment screws that are on the top of the rear panel. It sounds like you didn't loosen them up when you took the panel out so now they are not letting you slide the piece back end completely. Don't ask me how I know....

 

In fact, I did check that and the center piece is in tight, flat and correct. It's almost as if either the center panel or the side lights are too short by 1/4 of an inch.

 

There are supposed to be little rubber flaps attached to the centre piece that fill the gap between the centre piece and the side lights.

Marc

 

I don't see that rubber piece in the parts catalogue or other sources. How do I replace this without buying a whole new center piece?

Also, this would fill the gap visually, but I would not solve the problem of the 3 prongs on the side light fitting into the side of the center panel.

Thanks

 

Not sure about the rubber flaps bit, there is a rubber edge behind the plastic leading edge, I guess yo mean this but I doubt if this is lost or would cure your problem.

Try locating the corner lights into the reflector 1st (3 prongs in) then locate the screw on the light in the hole and you should be able to move the light unit a little before screwing it up fully

 

Yes I did that, but to get the screw in hte hole for the side light, the piece has to move over and then the 3 prongs move out of the holes.

 

They are an integral part of the centre panel.

Marc

 

I would expect that means the replacement of the entire center piece which is very expensive.

Thanks