License Plate LED's Job Becoming a PIA

[sport2004]

So, I got the nice license plate lenses and lights from 4Runner Lifestyle, but the old screws needed drilling out. Took it to a place for other installs and they buggered the right side, I think they broke a bracket inside, or something. They jury rigged it somehow, but it didn't work, and the lens/light is hanging down. The left side is installed fine.

Has anyone ever taken this apart and replaced a bracket that holds the screws? Is the part available separately, or is it part of some larger assembly? Thanks...

 

[Corbet]

I've not had that apart yet. Posting some pictures would help to see the exact issue

Looking at my son's truck and online it appears everything for those lights are contained in the plastic piece of the tailgate so its should be available from your local dealer.

But why isn't the shop that did the work fixing it? Most shops stand behind their work.

There are also ways to plastic weld and the little tab I saw in the youtube video looks like it could be a candidate for that kind of repair.

 

[sport2004]

I've not had that apart yet. Posting some pictures would help to see the exact issue

Looking at my son's truck and online it appears everything for those lights are contained in the plastic piece of the tailgate so its should be available from your local dealer.

But why isn't the shop that did the work fixing it? Most shops stand behind their work.

There are also ways to plastic weld and the little tab I saw in the youtube video looks like it could be a candidate for that kind of repair.

Thanks much for your comments. This happens to me all the time. Shops don't know what they are doing, but have no problem taking the money and handing over the keys.

My policy is if the shop is dumb enough to let it go back to the customer in that condition, their judgment on how to make it right probably isn't worth a d_mn. Occasionally, I'll let them try to make it right, but it's very awkward, likelihood of going back for anything else is nil.

Was just looking for a bit more background in case my BS meter has to go off.

 

[rdruss]

Your experience is why I haven't tried to upgrade my '03.

 

[1000MPH]

This part?

Try this thread…
Removing rear hatch cover

 

[sport2004]

Thanks a bunch for that…

 

[1000MPH]

As you can see from the pic, it’s a pretty simple setup and you should be able to fix it without replacing the whole assy.
It does take a little time to remove and you should be careful, especially with the lock. Might want to get some of the clips before you start since you’re likely to break a few. Also check if you need to replace the rubber switch cover. Hopefully they came up with a better quality part since 2010.

 

[sport2004]

Here's what I just got back from a shop. The one on the left is installed correctly, and doesn't move around at all.

The right was the problem one, hanging down after the installer apparent broke a tab or something. Another shop ordered a bracket, but you can see it is now installed upside down, and it is not solid and moves if you push in on it. I also noticed a tab that is on the lower right of the opening on the left side, is missing on the right side. The first shop either broke that, removed it, or both. It is not correctly installed like the one on the left. I'm beginning to think you have to replace the entire tail gate to fix the problem...??!! WTH

 

[1000MPH]

The lamp assembly comes out with the two screws doesnt it? What does the bracket behind it look like?
That tab is only on the left. Probably needed due to the backup camera opening.

More pics in this thread.
5th Gen 4Runner Mods - Step-By-Step Rear Hatch Trim Removal

 

[Saker]

Please take the lens off and take a photo of said bracket in question.

It looks like the lens on the right is too far up and not centered.
Maybe he missed the threads...

 

[sport2004]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I'll see what I can do.

I'm guessing you're like me. Burning curiosity to see what is behind the mess. Need to know why they couldn't obtain a part(s) or assembly to have it installed exactly like it's supposed to be. All the while bothering the h_ll out of me with this part installed like that!

When I picked it up, I asked the guy is it OK to remove the screws and put some grease on them to prevent freezing up again. He was very surprised. Now I'm wondering what is gonna fall apart or drop outta there if I remove the screws...?! LOL

 

[1000MPH]

I noticed today that my replacement screws on the liftgate switch cover are totally rusted. Will look to replace with stainless. At least the rubber didn’t turn to gum yet. The stainless screws I used on the light assemblies still look good.

 

[sport2004]

^^^^ Thanks for sharing the pics. I'll probably order some spares from 4runner lifestyles. Good chance of buggering up the new ones.

 

[gr8filed]

My tab broke off on the right side while replacing the bulb. Could not be helped. I tried to drill it out. Shitty design, the screws get stuck in the lamp housing, the screws go into a plastic tab. It breaks when you take it apart, can't be helped. It is held on by only one screw now but it is not a problem. On a side note, I heard a rattle when opening the lift gate. I removed to panel and found a nut rolling around inside the lift gate. It had fallen off the stud the holds the license plate asm to the lift gate. I installed the nut and tighten all the rest, 1 other screw was loose.