Hello Forum,

I have a 2004 G35 Coupe and I want to replace my blown side marker light on the passenger side. I've searched high and low for DIY, PICS, etc on how to remove the tail light. So far I'm able to disconnect the elec. cable and remove 2 nuts to loosen up the right side of the tail light. The tail light still won't slide out as something is still attached on the left side (see attached). I've searched over and over inside my trunk for the screw\nut that's holding the tail light in place, but I can find it all. Can someone please help me locate this?

TIA

 

The picture pretty much tells it all, not sure what trouble you are having? There is one screw right behind the circular reverse light, another one a couple inches to the right, and then one last one is even more to the right passenger side and kind of concealed that is a pain in the *** to get out.

Did you take off the trunk liner? Maybe that is concealing the last screw.

After the three screws come out you pull out the tail light, disconnect the harness (white color), and pull the rubber portion lodged in the frame outward so the entire light is loose.

 

Thanks for the response. You have to forgive my ignorance in advance on all of this. I'm sure I'm making this way harder than it needs to be. Rather than stumble across my words in trying to describe the issue, I took some pics to give an idea of the problem I'm having.

Pic1: I'm not exactly sure what you mean by the "trunk liner" so I took a shot of what I think you're referring to. If this it, I have no idea how to get this off - I tried feeling for screws, clips, and can't seem to find anything to even make this budge. It feels like this trim is welded to the damn frame.

Pic2: This is a shot of the screws\nuts I was able to remove. My problem is finding the third screw to fully release the tail light.

Pic3: According to the diagram shot in my first post, I believe the screw\nut should be in this area, but I can't find anything. Am I looking in the wrong place?

TIA and let me know if you need me to take more pics.

 

No problem, glad to help as I just recently swapped my tails.

The portion circled in your first pic is what I was referring to (the black strip where it becomes ribbed as you slowly get to the trunk latch). You need to take that off and the third screw will be evident to you.

If I remember right, there are three "pop screws" that attach the liner to the car. They are the same kind that is used to attach the top of your grill, if you need reference. I'm not sure what they are called. They are on the inside of your trunk. The best way I can describe is if you wrap your hand on the trunk liner, the screws should be on the side that your fingers are facing. Although I'm not sure if that just confuses you more. But look around ON the surface and you'll find the screws.

Pop those out and you will be able to jiggle free the liner. It will be attached by three tabs which you should be careful not to break. Just jiggle it and take it slow.

 

Tragedycat,

Just wanted to say thanks bro for helping me out. I finally figured out how to get the trunk liner off. My liner has plastic clips holding it in place, so I used a screwdriver to pop out the first clip, then started pulling upward to get the rest of the clips to pop out. Just like you said > as soon as I took the liner off, there was the third screw

Took the tail light out, replaced the burnt out side marker with a Sylvania 194LL > good as new

Thanks again for the help - This forum is great

 

Hi JRTek,

It's great that you got to replaced your bulbs...But it seems that I'm also having problems trying to find that LAST screw...So when you take the liner off?...

Is this the liner you guys are talking about?..how do you even take that off...I tired pulling it..looking for clips...I was scared I might break it...

<img src="https://g35driver.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=97595&stc=1&d=12255849 49"/>

 

Yes, that is the liner. Just pull real hard and it will come off. Its always hard to pull off the first time.

 

So just pull it upwards and it should come off....should i pull from the middle or the left/right sides?

 

the sides will give you more leverage.

 

Yes, start with the sides. At first, it feels like the liner won't buldge at all, but once you get the first clip to pop out, the rest come out much easier. I used a screwdriver to apply a little "push up" pressure on releasing the first clip.

 

Thanks guys! I was able to take out the liner and the tail lights...I've replaced the reverse lights to bright white LED's...better to see at night...looks great