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Help Removing Tail light to install LEDs

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Old Jul 10, 2017 | 09:24 AM
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Removing Tail light to install LEDs

Hey guys so I bought an LED light for the backup lights on my 09 g37x coupe. In order to do it I have to remove the whole rear taillight. To do that I apparently have to break two seals that hold the thing in place and keep water and stuff out. I was wondering if I do this are the seal replaceable or will I have to do without them?
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Old Jul 10, 2017 | 11:10 AM
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Are you just replacing the bulbs? I didn't have to remove my lights to replace the reverse bulbs.
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Old Jul 10, 2017 | 12:45 PM
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^Exactly. Not sure why you would need to crack them open to install LED reverse lights...Just a bulb replacement.
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Old Jul 10, 2017 | 05:59 PM
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See i thought i didnt either but i then realized that my taillight is all one unit with my backup lights. Only way to access it is to take the tail light out [according to diode dynamics]
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Old Jul 10, 2017 | 07:51 PM
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Ok thinking back now I remember having to remove the entire housing by gently hammering the two pins holding the light from behind the carpet. Don't pull on the trim or it'll break. Good luck
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by NealP
Ok thinking back now I remember having to remove the entire housing by gently hammering the two pins holding the light from behind the carpet. Don't pull on the trim or it'll break. Good luck

are the pins you're talking about the seals? seems like there are two on each side. Once u take those off are you able to put them back on or do you have to buy new seals?
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by hockeyzbh
are the pins you're talking about the seals? seems like there are two on each side. Once u take those off are you able to put them back on or do you have to buy new seals?
They are not seals but pins or clips. They had a small piece of rubber or foam that was used as a washer. I believe you just pull the carpeting back and you see the pins and the nuts to remove. There should be some posts about it with pics if you search for it.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 02:01 PM
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Wait, what? I replaced mine by just peeling back the trunk liner and then pop out, pop in. Mine is a 2013, maybe its different. Takes like 10mins.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by JustROLLIN
Wait, what? I replaced mine by just peeling back the trunk liner and then pop out, pop in. Mine is a 2013, maybe its different. Takes like 10mins.


I think either the newer models are different or the sedan is different. That's what I thought I had to do but tails are all one unit and not part of the trunk :/
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 02:47 PM
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Gotta be a sedan thing then. The DIY for a bulb replacement does not mention anything described above regarding pins, seals, etc...
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 03:39 PM
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2010 Coupe here and installed LED signal lights a few months ago. Needed to remove the entire housing.

It was a struggle but I had to pull the housing straight out gripping from the back. Felt like I was gonna snap those tabs in the back or break something. Managed to get the housings out and just slipped them right back in afterwards without replacing anything. Everything seems OK
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Old Sep 1, 2017 | 04:35 PM
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Check ddm to see they make aftermarket lights I used them on other cars
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 11:11 PM
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There's a really easy way to pop them off. It takes a bit of bravery initially but it works like a charm with no damage. First, you'll need to pop off the top plastic covers. Make sure you have double sided tape to put them back on.

Once the plastic covers are off, you can take a straight crow bar, put a small towel over the end, and slide it down behind the taillight close to where the clip is. Pry back towards you quickly and it'll pop right out. I've done it twice on mine with no issues.
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