I'm mystified. Now both lights won't turn on. Could I have burned out both
bulbs? I checked fuse #20 and it is still good. The black housing seems
tricky to move and also seems to screw into some metal above. I'll try to
figure it out during daylight tomorrow.

In the engine compartment at the back where wires go to those lights I took
both connectors to the bulbs apart and it is quite corroded so I guess I'll
buy some of that electrical contact spray for it. Anyone have ideas on
cleaning those connectors? Maybe that CLR kitchen cleaner?

I just don't want to get stopped by an eager police cruiser and go through
the inconvenience of an equipment violation which I now understand costs
about $15 for the administration of it.

Frustrating.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE

----- Original Message -----
From: "Hans Brouwer" <h.brouwer@SYMPATICO.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2002 6:52 PM
Subject: Re: license plate lights

> Hi William,
>
> The complete license plate light unit (black plastic housing and lens) can
be
> wiggled straight off, at least on my 86 Westfalia. Be careful with the
black
> plastic housing, because you can easily snap the plastic (like a bobby pin
for
> your hair). I did snap it and now I am the wiser. I was able to fix it
with
> some glue and a piece of plastic that acts as a splint.
>
> Once it is off disconnect the the two wires and from this point on you can
> separate the the complete unit.
> On mine I had to replace the bulb holder and the lenses. If I remember
> correctly the bulb holder, black plastic housing, and rubber seal are
dealer
> parts only.
>
> Hans Brouwer
> Cumberland, Ontario
> 86 Westfalia
> 92 Cabriolet
>
> developtrust wrote:
>
> > I need to reapair my license plate lights as one of them does not light
up.
> > I can't find a reference of how to get the holder out of the body. I
tookt
> > he lens off and discovered the bulb is just loose and needs more tension
> > from that little clip in the center. However, it is very difficult to
get
> > the screws back in (bad angle.)
> >
> > Is there a way to get that black plastic housing out?
> >
> > William Polowniak
> > 1989 Vanagon GL
> > 1988 Mercedes 300 SE