Replacing Sidemarkers Without Busting Something?
#1
Replacing Sidemarkers Without Busting Something?
Hi Everyone,
This has been discussed in detail even with a few pictures. I have removed the tiny plug in the wheel well, I have a plethora of small screwdrivers but I am very unclear (no pun) on exactly what angle the screwdriver goes in and in what direction you pry to remove the amber markers. Mine are in tight as hell and I am pulling gently as I maneuver the screwdriver around.
This is similar to using a coat hanger and trying to find the part you need to grab to unlock a door...
Thanks
This has been discussed in detail even with a few pictures. I have removed the tiny plug in the wheel well, I have a plethora of small screwdrivers but I am very unclear (no pun) on exactly what angle the screwdriver goes in and in what direction you pry to remove the amber markers. Mine are in tight as hell and I am pulling gently as I maneuver the screwdriver around.
This is similar to using a coat hanger and trying to find the part you need to grab to unlock a door...
Thanks
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: I'm not sell'n anythang... much..
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When you bought your car, in with the owners manuals you should have a 'credit card' looking card. on the card are detailed instructions with pictures on how to remove the side markers.
I forgot to mention you USE the card to remove them...
I forgot to mention you USE the card to remove them...
#3
Banned
First of all, make sure the wheel is turn inwards to give you the needed clearance.
2nd of all, you'll be pushing against a metal clip to release the unit. Tap with the flat screwdriver's blade until you make sure you hear metal on metal contact, as opposed to metal on plastic - hopefully your hearing is adequate to make that distinction.
Once you are sure of the metal-to-metal contact, press with the blade (use the largest screwdriver blade you can fit through the access hole with adequate clearance) and hold the marker unit with your other hand and pull slightly as you press against the spring clip to release it and allow the unit to come free.
2nd of all, you'll be pushing against a metal clip to release the unit. Tap with the flat screwdriver's blade until you make sure you hear metal on metal contact, as opposed to metal on plastic - hopefully your hearing is adequate to make that distinction.
Once you are sure of the metal-to-metal contact, press with the blade (use the largest screwdriver blade you can fit through the access hole with adequate clearance) and hold the marker unit with your other hand and pull slightly as you press against the spring clip to release it and allow the unit to come free.
#4
Hi Ben,
Wheel turned. Hearing great. Confirmed metal to metal, can actually see part of clip through the tiny hole. Did depress clip and was able to pull marker out of bumper maybe 3/4" then it met resistance. You know....the kind of resistance that says " pull some more and I'm breaking" resistance.
To the dealer....
Thanks for the speedy reply though, I appreciate it.
Likemystoppie, That card is used for the front fogs only.....no?
Wheel turned. Hearing great. Confirmed metal to metal, can actually see part of clip through the tiny hole. Did depress clip and was able to pull marker out of bumper maybe 3/4" then it met resistance. You know....the kind of resistance that says " pull some more and I'm breaking" resistance.
To the dealer....
Thanks for the speedy reply though, I appreciate it.
Likemystoppie, That card is used for the front fogs only.....no?
#5
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Likemystoppie?
When you bought your car, in with the owners manuals you should have a 'credit card' looking card. on the card are detailed instructions with pictures on how to remove the side markers.
I forgot to mention you USE the card to remove them...
I forgot to mention you USE the card to remove them...
#7
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Okay: I was wrong! LOL
Take a plastic tool the size of a flat head screw driver, wedge it in the front of the marker (closest to the front of the car) leverage the marker out (with a lifting motion and push backwards to the rear of the car) and you can grab it with your fingers. it'll pull out and rearward- it's not delicate, but don't force it. You'll see as soon as you get your fingers around it. It'll just pop out.
edit: d*mn it I posted LATE again!!
Take a plastic tool the size of a flat head screw driver, wedge it in the front of the marker (closest to the front of the car) leverage the marker out (with a lifting motion and push backwards to the rear of the car) and you can grab it with your fingers. it'll pull out and rearward- it's not delicate, but don't force it. You'll see as soon as you get your fingers around it. It'll just pop out.
edit: d*mn it I posted LATE again!!
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#9
Banned
Originally Posted by SYMA
Hi Ben,
Wheel turned. Hearing great. Confirmed metal to metal, can actually see part of clip through the tiny hole. Did depress clip and was able to pull marker out of bumper maybe 3/4" then it met resistance. You know....the kind of resistance that says " pull some more and I'm breaking" resistance.
Wheel turned. Hearing great. Confirmed metal to metal, can actually see part of clip through the tiny hole. Did depress clip and was able to pull marker out of bumper maybe 3/4" then it met resistance. You know....the kind of resistance that says " pull some more and I'm breaking" resistance.
If the blade is "vertical" or perpendicular to the plane of action there is the possibility of making contact right below the curved part of the clip, which if that happens (as it sounds like in your case) you'll be pressing as far as you possibly can but the clip still won't disengage. Use the contour of the clip on the new ones as your guide.
You need to be pressing against the outermost curved part of the clip, and the best way to ensure that is with the blade positioned as I described.
It's a blind application, to be sure. But with enough patience you'll be able to figure it out.
Or you can do as Dan did, and just yank those suckers out as you won't have a need for the old ones. If you do use the "yank and pull" method there's a chance you'll break off or damage the plastic tab that holds the clip in place and end up with a loose fitting side marker, as others have experienced.
#10
Rennlist Member
Or you can just leave the amber ones in and enjoy the car as is. I don't know why everyone thinks the amber ones are so bad. They add a little color to the front end of the car and complement the tail lights. I think they look fine.
#11
Originally Posted by 9elf S
Has anyone taken pictures of the replacement process?
#12
Listen to OCBEN, takes patience. One side took me 30 seconds of poking around and the otherside took 5 minutes. Look at your new side marker to get a hint of what you are aiming for in that little hole. I lightly applied outward pressure with my thumb so when it released I knew. Good luck.
Last edited by tkids; 01-05-2013 at 02:30 PM.
#15
Racer
Originally Posted by DrDrilZ
i looked through these threads when installing mine as well. the best advice i got was "just yank the b*tch out". and it worked.