How Do You Remove a Running Light?

[acstokes]

Bruce,

I can empathize with your clearance light dilemma and can offer a few suggestions based on my own experience. As you are finding, the lenses tend to get brittle with age and the tabs easily break. All I can suggest is you be gentle when removing them:

1) Be sure to either install a snug fitting gasket and/or caulk between the AS shell and the clearance light base. I had one installed by a dealer and later discovered water poured in between the gap they left when it rained. Do not use any kind of silicone caulk because it is incompatible with aluminum. Use only those that are appropriate such as TremPro 635 or a long list of others.

2) With LED lights, it's especially important that the LEDs have gaskets or are otherwise sealed against moisture intrusion. Incandescent bulbs generate heat and will evaporate any moisture that gets inside. Not so with LEDs because they don't generate much heat and are more prone to failure when exposed to moisture and high humidity. I also have an '09 Classic with factory-installed LED taillights that burned out. When I removed them they all had moisture and it was obvious the original lens covers were never sealed properly. It cost me ~$100 for replacements.

3) When attempting to pull clearance light wires be very careful. I had one pull completely out because the connector had a poor crimp. I was able to fish a new wire over to the next clearance light.

BTW, hope the camera system you purchased from us is working to your satisfaction. Email me if you have questions.

Thanks,

[StagrLee]

Would upgrading from the older ungasketed LED running lights to the newer parts with gaskets be the solution after polishing and coating the filiform corrosion around the running lights? Do the newer style running lights have the same rivet hole spread for mounting? Does the gasket fit the older LED running lights?

• Part 512859 qty 4 - amber running light
• Part 512860 qty 7 - red running light
• Part 382389 qty 11 - running light gasket

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by ltorgy

I now have tons of ideas for power to a backup camera. Now the question is: where is the best place to mount the camera? If it doesn't matter, I might mount it near the listen plate light rather than on top near the tail running lights.

My rule....drill no unnecessary holes.
I used Velcro. Centered over rear window.
Ran wiring down the rain gutter, under the window seal, inside to a 12v power outlet, using a switched adaptor.
Nice feature...the camera can be removed for Winter storage if needed.

Bob
🇺🇸

[DoublTrouble]

I changed one a couple of weeks ago. Only 3 diodes were still working. I may suggest that once you get the light off, screws out and clean inspect the area, gently remove the grommet before tugging on the wires. Then get one lead at a time through the hole. Then you do not need to worry about losing a wire inside under the skin. Seal it all up and as a Wise Person told me, "leave an open spot on the bottom for water to get out". Thanks Robert and Bob...

[Roadroamin]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

No fear, you are not the first, nor last, to be intimidated by the LED light issue. Here is what it looks like separated from the base. You should be able to see the two tabs that 'click' into the base.

Finally a picture, it is so helpful. Thank You

[linda7915]

Is a 2002 done the same? We are adding camera to our 2002 25' Safari.