Mine were corroded as well and when I touched the connector it broke right off.
I put new connectors on mine. I do not remember if I had to lengthen the wires.
In the end I am glad I replaced the lenses, put new bulbs in, new connectors,
and new bulb holders.
I am quite sure that I removed the rubber seal from the rear door above the
license plate so that  you can get a better idea what that area looks like.

Hans
Cumberland, Ontario
86 Westfalia
92 Cabriolet

developtrust wrote:

> 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