2002 DeVille License Plate Bulb Replacement

[Obersturmführer]

Hello Everyone:

Just wanted to introduce myself, I just sold my '04 Escalade (had horrendous payments and lost my ass on the sale, but oh-well as they say!) and purchased cash a pristine 2002 DeVille, simply in an effort to downsize a bit, but still keeping the prestige of a Caddy at the same time.

Everything works great, however, I have one bulb on the driver side over the license plate that is out, and I've already purchased the bulbs to install. Model 194 bulb I believe. I know this is quite the repetitive question, however, I have done extensive research and searches on how to change it out and I have bascially arrived at a dead-end...

In a few threads ive read to simply "press the right side of the lens to pop it out, then change the bulb", however looking at the entire casing around the bulb it appears as theres no where to "press" the lens out, it appears to be completely stationary and completely impossible to budge. Although, it does appear it's meant to be changed by this method because there is a small "clip" in the housing of the actual bulb that can be accessed once the lens is removed. Once this clip is pressed inward I would assume the whole assembly would pop out, allowing for the bulb to be changed with much ease. But again, the lens appears to be completely in-place and nothing can be done to detach it without possibly breaking it... Or am I just not pressing hard enough??

On the other hand I've also attempted (the MUCH more difficult method, to no avail) to remove trunk lid lining and access it that way, however with all the metal plating and tiny holes everywhere it appears as thou this is not the correct method to access the bulb housing.

So bascially Im at a Loss... If anyone can please reply to me with precise instructions on how to do this it would be MUCH appreciated, going into as much detail as possible, as I have never been "mechanically inclined" so to speak... In other words I never excelled in Shop class I suppose you could say =)... Thank you for your time.

[raysteen]

Open the rear compartment lid, push on the right side of lamp housing and pull down. The housing assembly will come out and the lamp can be removed. Not sure on your 2003, but my 2005 used the PC194 lamp. I couldn't locate it locally and had to purchase a PC adaptor.
Ray

[Obersturmführer]

Originally Posted by raysteen

Open the rear compartment lid, push on the right side of lamp housing and pull down. The housing assembly will come out and the lamp can be removed. Not sure on your 2003, but my 2005 used the PC194 lamp. I couldn't locate it locally and had to purchase a PC adaptor.
Ray

Thanks for the reply!

I'm sorry to keep nagging the issue, however, it just isn't that simple I tell you... Once the lid lining is removed with those flimsy plastic "screws" it unveils a complex intermingling of metal, screws, wires, and housings. There just dosen't appear to be any spot whatsoever to simply "push down" on and expose the lamp housing. It just isn't there. It's perplexing to me how one simply removes the REVERSE lights, let alone the plate bulbs! I have a 2002 BTW.

If anyone can please provide a more detailed explaination on how to change this damn bulb I would surely appreciate it. I really don't want to bring her into ol' Ed Morse Caddy just for a bulb replacement and pay $80+ per hour for additional frivolous charges.

I've purchased the bulbs already but I just can't figure out how access the bulb "housing".. I can't believe automobile engineers would design some items so difficult to change/replace on their end products.

[submariner409]

Not sure on a Deville, but on my Seville the entire license plate/light section comes off the trunk lid by removing 10 nuts off long studs. It's a one-piece assembly with the wiring harness and sockets.

You might take out a subscription for your car on www.alldatadiy.com - every sort of info you will ever need: service manuals, recalls, labor times, part numbers, TSB's, all DTC's by system and code, wiring diagrams, everything. Probably $40 for 3 years, but a new Helm/GM Factory Service Manual is $135. www.helminc.com

[dadfrost1]

Originally Posted by Obersturmführer

Thanks for the reply!

I'm sorry to keep nagging the issue, however, it just isn't that simple I tell you... Once the lid lining is removed with those flimsy plastic "screws" it unveils a complex intermingling of metal, screws, wires, and housings. There just dosen't appear to be any spot whatsoever to simply "push down" on and expose the lamp housing. It just isn't there. It's perplexing to me how one simply removes the REVERSE lights, let alone the plate bulbs! I have a 2002 BTW.

If anyone can please provide a more detailed explaination on how to change this damn bulb I would surely appreciate it. I really don't want to bring her into ol' Ed Morse Caddy just for a bulb replacement and pay $80+ per hour for additional frivolous charges.

I've purchased the bulbs already but I just can't figure out how access the bulb "housing".. I can't believe automobile engineers would design some items so difficult to change/replace on their end products.

A gentleman answered your question in here,also mine with the same cure. He said put a small screw driver in the right side and pry it to the left and the houseing will come out in your hand. I want to thank that guy too!