Long time lurker here finally joined last week. Some very informative post's on this forum. Got a 2008 RX that I bought last Nov. Have a burned out license plate lamp that I need to replace. I have the manual and it says to disconnect the rear light then just pull the hatch cover off to get access to the bulbs. My hatch cover seems to be held on very well, and it seems that something will break or crack it I pull on it any harder. Any secerets or tips to get the cover off?? Tom

 

If I am not mistaken they are held by screws. Have you removed the screws?

 

You'll need to pull off the lower rear panel on the hatch door. I suggest pulling from one corner and working your way popping out all of the tabs. I did this myself so I know exactly what you'll have to do. I used a panel remover to get the tabs off so you might want to invest in that, if not a long screw driver will work just as well (be sure to wrap the tip so it doesn't scratch the paint when you try to twist the tabs off). After you remove the panel you should have access to the bulb.

Once you get the first tab off the rest should be fairly simple. Reinstall is as simple as popping tabs back in.

 

Thanks for the info. It seems like the panel is really in there!!

 

Yeah it feels like that but it is somewhat flexible, just don't bend it too much.

 

yeah its a pitta the first time you pull it off.

 

it is a PITA first time u pull it off.. i put in led's recently and experienced this. felt like it was going to permanently bend out of shape i had to pull so hard

 

I literally just did this and swapped out to LED's. If you pry the very corner you can get a flathead screwdriver under the first clip, after that just swift tugs and it pops right off.

 

Thanks for the good info/advice. I want to do it, but may wait until warmer weather so as not to crack the piece.

 

you're gonna break the white plastic clips that hold it in before you brake the trim piece itself. I did the swap last night in my 30 degree garage with no problems.

 

i had one of the clips break on me, one near the corner. i was worried it may make a rattle but it didn't. and that corner is in place as flush and snug as if the clip was actually in there

i may replace it whenever one of the license plate, or trunk light on the door, burns out. anyone know where to find replacement clips?

 

^^a dealership

 

there's 4 clips that just pop out along the bottom edge I did it with my hand starting from a corner.
then there's three in the second row which I used a longer screwdriver to pry off.
then I think its a 45 degree counter clockwise turn and the bulb comes off from inside the door.
changed my bulbs on an 08 RX400h took total 10mins

 

Yeah, I agree that it's not difficult. I did however break one of the clips. Not going to the dealer, rather going to find it on the net....it's easier.
The LED's make a huge difference!

 

www.clipsandfasteners.com

They have tons of these clips and fasteners

Also: Go with some led bulbs, they look great and should outlast the vehicle.