Replacing license plate bulb ?? grrr

[bob29r]

OK.. I give up, this is lame.. !! I need to replace a bulb in my '01 9-3 SE 5dr for one of the license plate lights. I have attempted to twist, pull, push the bulb.. whatever I do the bulb will not come out. It is not corroded or gummed up in there.. looks to be very clean. As a test I reviewed the other license plate bulb, it looks exactly the same but I can't get it out either. I just dont want to use too much force and screw something up.. what is the majic combination ? thanks so much.

[thaedge]

on my 96 900s you just bend the metal tabs on either side of the tube style bulb outwards and the bulb will come right out, I don't know if it is the same mechanism for you.

[bob29r]

Edge,, thanks but it's a pretty tight area and only the bulb is exposed, I can just get two fingers securely around the bulb, nothing else in the cavity to pry on. It simply looks like you can just remove the bulb by twisting it out.. it wont budge. But thanks for replying !!

[earthworm]

I commenced to use my needle-nosed Vise Grips and the bulb fell out, due to fear, I believe..

Maybe the newer cars are different, the '96 uses a C5W, USA # 06418 festoon bulb....p 120...with notes...

Beware of those who install the wrong bulb...

[JonRush01]

Originally Posted by earthworm

I commenced to use my needle-nosed Vise Grips and the bulb fell out, due to fear, I believe.. ;

I had to replace mine recently and the vise grip method worked for me after a little finesse

[lancelot8602]

just pull down on the bulb should come out, seems to be the same bulb housing as the fender indicator lights. The hardest part of the change for me was unscrewing the oh so small bolt that holds the little plastic lens.