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Old 02-06-2020, 10:22 AM #1
chester4Run chester4Run is offline
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Dagnabit -- License plate light screws
Something to add to the list for new 4Runner owners -- change your license plate light screws to stainless (4 screws).

Mine were badly corroded and when I went to replace a bulb I had extract one of them the hard way. I pushed too hard with extraction bit and snapped off the plastic tab it fastens too up inside. Now I get to replace that whole plastic piece, so it looks like I need to disassemble the tail gate.

Those factory screws were all badly corroded to the point that the heads were completely or nearly gone.
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Old 02-06-2020, 10:44 AM #2
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The screws from the dealership are usually low quality, which is a funny place to skimp. My father has been a used car manager for many years and I always found it funny how every time I buy a new (see "used") car, the first thing out of his mouth is, "Go to Lowe's and get stainless screws." They really do work.
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Old 02-06-2020, 11:10 AM #3
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This is my list. I was surprised how bad they were after a year. It was brutal getting them off.
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Old 02-06-2020, 01:09 PM #4
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Ace Hardware had a nice selection of plate bolts in all sizes and materials in their nut/bolt/washer section. It's in one of the little pull out trays.
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Old 02-06-2020, 01:28 PM #5
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I believe the OP is referring to the screws securing the lenses for the license plate lights. But it is also important to use stainless bolts on the actual license plate(s), along with a license plate frame that doesn't rust. If the frame isn't plastic or aluminum, it doesn't last one Ohio winter for me.
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Old 02-06-2020, 02:40 PM #6
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Question What size replacements?
I had similar problem when I replaced one of the light bulbs last fall. Pushed the tab up, and it's kind of out of line now.

I wanted to replace the screws, but what size? If you did, then do you recall what size screws? Did you get stainless replacements at hardware store/big box/marine supply?

Thanks.
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Old 02-06-2020, 03:07 PM #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by curmudge1 View Post
I had similar problem when I replaced one of the light bulbs last fall. Pushed the tab up, and it's kind of out of line now.

I wanted to replace the screws, but what size? If you did, then do you recall what size screws? Did you get stainless replacements at hardware store/big box/marine supply?

Thanks.
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I used stainless sheet metal screws from Ace. I don't recall the size, but it's easy to match against the screws you have. It's going into plastic, so mostly just make sure the head isn't much larger than OEM.
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Old 02-06-2020, 03:10 PM #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MannMade82 View Post
I believe the OP is referring to the screws securing the lenses for the license plate lights. But it is also important to use stainless bolts on the actual license plate(s), along with a license plate frame that doesn't rust. If the frame isn't plastic or aluminum, it doesn't last one Ohio winter for me.
Confirmed. I'm talking about the lights above the license plate, specifically the screws that hold them in. I also have stainless screws in the license plate and this silicone license plate holder. Since it has a back and is nice and soft, there is no scratching and no rattle when you close the hatch.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 02-06-2020, 03:30 PM #9
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If you can find new stainless screws for the clear bulb cover great, if not remove screws and coat with fluid film or the like to prevent corrosion and decay. I should pull my bulb cover screws and practice what I preach. I had this issue on a 3rd gen and I can see my 5th gen screws getting rusty.
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Old 10-05-2023, 10:57 AM #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chester4Run View Post
Something to add to the list for new 4Runner owners -- change your license plate light screws to stainless (4 screws).

Mine were badly corroded and when I went to replace a bulb I had extract one of them the hard way. I pushed too hard with extraction bit and snapped off the plastic tab it fastens too up inside. Now I get to replace that whole plastic piece, so it looks like I need to disassemble the tail gate.

Those factory screws were all badly corroded to the point that the heads were completely or nearly gone.
Were you able to find just the plastic clips to replace or did you have to replace the whole plastic piece? Just did the same thing yesterday...
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