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License Plate light Lens Removal Tips/Tricks? 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara

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There has to be some Tips/Tricks, or a tool, for easily removing the licence place light lenses?
Mine won't budge. I had this neat jar opener <strap wrench) with no handle and I couldn't quite get it with that either (simply because the strap wasn't made of a sticky enough rubber).
I read of people taking the door apart to fix it, lol, that wouldn't gain them much if anything imo.
Frustrating, for something that should be so easy.
(The problem is the 2 lenses are hidden away on a surface that's at a 45 degree angle, which means that if you can get a wrench-like tool with a handle on it, you can't turn the wrench because the handle will hit the licence plate/door.
If the lens had instead been mounted either facing straight down, or mounted at 90 degrees, facing sideways, then we'd be much more able to work with it if it gives problems.)

So how do the Pros cope with this problem?
« Last Edit: October 27, 2015, 01:25:20 PM by optimizer »
Car = 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6, 5 speed / stickshift. US version. Flowmaster Series 40 Delta Flow w/ QTP Cutout.

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Offline Junk-Yard-John (03-SWB Vitara)

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Re: License Plate light Lens Removal Tips/Tricks? 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2015, 06:53:06 PM »
ive never had to do one yet- however i did see a (possibly helpful) 99 tracker plate bulb change video on youtube. 
2003 Vitara 2.0L 2DR trail buggy- 31.5"x16" E-rated tyres - Custom 2" suspension lift - 2000Lb  SuperWinch

Re: License Plate light Lens Removal Tips/Tricks? 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2015, 11:12:40 PM »
Yes thanks, I saw a video from people who do a lot of helpful videos on Suzuki, but, sadly, that video really doesn't present anything to do with the "lens" very well, not even which way to turn it.
It does provide a tip for the light bulb though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JmO8S67PrY
So we still need Tips for the Lens, as this is a known severe problem for Suzuki owners, and shouldn't be.
« Last Edit: October 27, 2015, 11:15:47 PM by optimizer »
Car = 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6, 5 speed / stickshift. US version. Flowmaster Series 40 Delta Flow w/ QTP Cutout.

Re: License Plate light Lens Removal Tips/Tricks? 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2016, 11:53:10 PM »
I just returned to see if there were any other tips.
Then I searched again for Junk Yard John's video and came up with what he was likely referring to, a useful video (although sad what the people had to needlessly go through to get to that point, I hope they installed LEDs...).
Cued at 13:22
https://youtu.be/It09oR9gmZ0?t=802

This video gives a view of what's going on with the licence plate bulb lenses.
It looks like they really snap hard into place, so it would take quite some force to release the lenses the conventionally intended way (simply slackening them). The problem being the lenses are rounded and tucked away in a tight enclosed space at a 45 degree angle.
The screwdriver may be the solution...........
Car = 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6, 5 speed / stickshift. US version. Flowmaster Series 40 Delta Flow w/ QTP Cutout.

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Offline tinhorn

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Re: License Plate light Lens Removal Tips/Tricks? 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2016, 12:51:58 PM »
Mine popped right out with the help of a small screwdriver.  I haven't tried to pop 'em back in yet.

The REAL pain was the stupid bulbs themselves.  I finally bought bent-nose pliers, and wrapped the tips with little strips of inside-out duct tape.  Presto-zoomo--easy in, easy out.
'00 Tracker 2-door "Scooter"
'00 Tracker 4-door "Stretch"

Yeah, that's what I'll eventually get round to trying when I feel like I have the stamina for another battle.
LEDs going in so I never have to try it again...
Car = 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 V6, 5 speed / stickshift. US version. Flowmaster Series 40 Delta Flow w/ QTP Cutout.