walter schweigert

The FSM says to access the outboard bulbs on my 1988 from under the bumper by sticking your arm between the exhaust outlets and then up through a rectangular opening to the back of the outer assembly. There are several posts here which suggest removing the inboard assemblies first then using the opening to access the outboard. Neither technique works for me as I cannot get my hands or arms far enough in to do what is necessary. My arms are average sized. My nine year old son cannot even get his arms in there.

Has anyone come up with a better method ??

If I do not get it replaced to pass the Virginia vehicle state inspection it is going to have to sit, and that would be a shame.

CAJUN C4

It is very tight spaced...I don't know why they just didn't have screws from the outside like the later models.Might put it up on a rack ,,maybe you could see better? And do get the 1157LL (Long Life) Bulbs or the 2357LL's, the high filiment is 20% brighter

walter schweigert

It is my understanding that the proper bulb is a 2057 and not the 1157, at least according to the FSM and NAPA book. I do not know how it compares with either the 1157 or the 2357.

Oh yeah, there is nothing to see. It must be done all by touch.

F0RMULA

im not sure if its different for your '88, but i've changed all of mine on my '87.

take off the liscense plate (and there MIGHT be a bracket behind it to take off too) but then you can slide an average sized arm in there and do the job. to release the bulbs in there, twist, and then pull out.

hope that helps

walter schweigert

Formula: Did you use this method to get to the outboard (outer) lights as well??

markKlein

I think to access the outboard set you unscrew the inner lights. Time consuming but possible. (I agree with the poster above, screws on the insude make 100% more sense)

redrose

license plate.

bolts near license plate that hold rear fascia to alum frame.

lower the spare tire and its carrier.

remove three bolts holding the back spare tire carrier bracket on and lower (do not remove) the bracket...use temp wire to support bracket.

remove back-up lamp assy(s).

pull lower edge of rear fascia rearward and use temp spacers to maintain rearward position.

reach thru hole in fascia where license plate mounts and remove two screws that hold inboard tail laight assy (10mm heads, racheting box end wrench preferred).

inner tail light assy removes externally

reach in thru fascia hole for inner tail light to access outer tail light assy...squeeze bulb holder tab to unlock, rotate, and remove.

walter schweigert

Thanks, it works.

rodj

miscstudent

Awesome picture!

I did it this way: by reaching through the license plate to unbolt the two inner ones, then reaching through the inner light holes to reach the outer ones. Super time-consuming but, it is what it is.

walter schweigert

You guys are right, this is what I ended up doing. I found it most helpful to unfasten the bolts at the lower right and left of the opening which holds the fascia to the aluminum support. It allowed a bit of flex in the fascia and more room for my fat arm. I did not have to drop the spare tire and carrier. Once the two inboard light assemblies are removed the outer assemblies are extremely simple to get to through the inboard light holes.

Great pics!
Thanks everyone.

RLG

This is the way I did it on my 90.

megtom2

I guess I am lucky. Our 86 has muffler eliminators so for the outer ones I was able to reach them from around the pipes.