I used a plastic squeegee, like the ones used to spread bondo, to stick behind the light to help push the light rearward while pushing on the bolts inside. Tap the bolts while pushing with the squeegee also but don't get carried away with the hammer!!!

 

Here are the instructions from the service manual:

1. Remove the trunk side finisher.
2. Remove the rear combination lamp nuts.
3. Pull the rear combination lamp toward the rear of the vehicle to remove it.
4. Disconnect the rear combination lamp harness connector.

I am guessing you will also have to release the slide clip and give it a good pull to get the light to come out of the grommets.

 

I'll give it another shot tomorrow. At least I don't have to remove the rear bumper. lol

Wish me luck. I hope I don't crack anything.

 

You do have to remove your front bumper to change your headlights though. I miss the days of the 5th gen where you could simply pull out the headlamps after popping your hood. On the 7th gen the whole headlight assembly needs to come out, which means that you need to readjust the headlight alignment each time you change your low or high beams.

 

I'm sure it's a lot easier to replace the headlights by removing the front bumper. I changed my headlights without removing the bumper or the wheels, but it was a pain in the a$$!!! If i had to do it again, I'd remove the front bumper.

 

Anyone have any suggestions on which LED works best for the rear turn signals? I bought some cheap ones off ebay and didn't seem too bright. Also, they flashed quickly (like what happens when one of your bulbs is burnt out).

I didn't have too much of a problem getting the tail light off the car. As mentioned before, remove the two nuts that hold the light on, and then use a hammer to lightly tap the bottom one until the light comes off. Not too difficult.

 

It was easier for you as well as all the crooks who stole the 5.5 HID lights. I see the 7 gen lights as having anti-theft features with the work it takes to get to them. Also i didnt have to remove the bumper to change bulbs and stuff but maybe if you have to remove the headlight.


You need a Load resistor (equalizer) to stop the rapid blinking. If I recall correctly I got my red rear bulbs from autolumination and they are definitely bright enough.