Thanks to several list members I figured out how to remove the black license
plate housing. I discovered it helps to have the hatch opened as the
housing can be better removed if the rubber door seal is lifted for a better
view. That light bulb housing takes some effort to get off but it is easily
removed with proper effort.

The intermittant light bulb shorting out was a continuing mystery so I
cleaned all connections and terminals with that CLR kitchen cleaner
(Calcium, Lime & Rust remover.) I also roughed up all connecting surfaces
with fine sandpaper to create a better connection. Still no lights but when
fiddling with them the bulbs would light up now and then.

I decided to try new light bulbs. Presto! Working perfectly with no shorts
or intermittant lights on or off mystery. It appears my old bulbs were
faulty or just old & weary.

New bulbs would probably have worked without cleaning everything but it is
good to know that all connections and terminals are clean as well.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE