2004 Sedan - License Plate light assembly rusted, and fallen back in to bumper
SubscribeMy License plate light assembly for my '04 G35x Sedan has rusted completely, and separated from the mounts. I did not get to it in time to replace, and now the light and assembly have fallen back in to the bumper and I cannot access/reach it. Any suggestions on how to access? Hopefully someone knows a trick or two...
Registered User
You should be able to get your fingers in there and grab the wires to pull most of it out. I just bit the bullet today and ordered a new one. I noticed that one lamp was hanging a little low and got the decrepit bracket off in time. Several calls to local salvage yards proved to be fruitless. Quite ridiculous the money the dealer demands for a little metal bracket.
Thanks Mark. I have tried to teach in with my fingers...but no luck. The bracket is gone. I may try a coat hanger or something. Is there a way to access that area without pulling the bumper? Maybe removing a tail light or the trim to trunk?
Registered User
Removing the bumper cover isnt difficult. Remove the trunk trim/liners, remove both tail lights and remove screws that attach the bumper to the quarter panels plus clips along the bottom. Should take you 20 mins max with simple tools.
Registered User
Quote:
This is good to know.Originally Posted by nizzan4u2nv
Removing the bumper cover isnt difficult. Remove the trunk trim/liners, remove both tail lights and remove screws that attach the bumper to the quarter panels plus clips along the bottom. Should take you 20 mins max with simple tools.
The same thing happened to my license plate light assembly and I just have them affixed to the inside of the bumper with double sided tape for now - but I was planning to pull the bumper and replace the assembly at some point soon.
Registered User
I don't believe that you have to pull the bumper to replace the lamp bracket.
Removing the bumper cover isn't difficult when you live in an area without winter and salted roads.
Removing the bumper cover isn't difficult when you live in an area without winter and salted roads.
Registered User
Quote:
Removing the bumper cover isn't difficult when you live in an area without winter and salted roads.
Or you can just use 3 zip ties and call it a day. You can't see the bracket anyway so who cares how the light is held in Originally Posted by markc
I don't believe that you have to pull the bumper to replace the lamp bracket.Removing the bumper cover isn't difficult when you live in an area without winter and salted roads.

Thanks all. Replacing the bracket isn't the issue. Retrieving the rusted one from inside the bumper is my problem. It has rusted from the mounts and fallen back in to the bumper. I will try to fish it out some how ...but don't feel it will be easy. I may have to pull the number as suggested. Anyone ever done a video of step by step? I have not been able to find one, and don't feel comfortable just doing it sight unseen.
Thanks again for all the comments!
Thanks again for all the comments!
Registered User
Surly you can retrieve a piece of the wire harness to pull out what is left of the assembly. I just replaced mine this weekend and had to create a clip for one of the lamp housings. If you're worried about the old rusty parts lying in the bumper, try a telescopic magnet gizmo.
Problem solved. Successfully fished out the wiring harness with a hanger, and replaced the housing with oem part from infinitiparts.com. Took about 30 minutes to fish the harness, and 2 minutes to install the replacement. Thank you all for your assistance...glad I did not have to pull the bumper!!!
Registered User
just went through the exact same thing with the exact same model drove 200 miles to a junk yard that promised they had an 04 sedan with the license plat elight bulb assembly in perfect condition to drive all the way there and find out they made a mistake .... needless to say I have it 3m double sided taped and th light is actually pointed at the plate better than when it was in the bracket