License plate lights dead on Gen 4. How to replace? DIY?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by CorbinDallas, Dec 9, 2023.

  1. CorbinDallas

    CorbinDallas New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Pottstown, PA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I recently failed my PA safety inspection because my two license plate lights on my 2017 Prius two are no longer working. High mileage car at 212k miles. With these cars, it's not easy to change the bulbs. Apparently you have to take a few panels off just to get to the damn lights. Is this something I can possibly do myself or would I need specialized tools?

    I was told by a mechanic that it would cost me around $500 dollars to diagnose and make sure its not an electrical problem and take the door apart to replace bulbs, etc etc.

    I was thinking of attaching some LEDs above my license plate or something and hoping someone doesn't know better and passes me.

    Did Anyone else have this experience and possibly know of any fixes/ workarounds?

    Might just have to go to the dealer and bend over..
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    With PriusChat file attachments hooped, I'll resort to this:



    A big thing seems to be removal of the "backdoor outside garnish". I've included all the info on that, at the end. I think.
     
  3. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

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    OMG! :( That looks like a nightmare! Was the $500 the best quote!?
     
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  4. Pulse07

    Pulse07 Active Member

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    XLE AWD-e
    I no longer have my 4 gen Prius (but I still lurk here), So this isnt like the Gen 3, where you take off the square in the back and then twist, turn, remove old bulb, insert new bulb, twist turn?
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Touring
    That I’ve done, and yes, it’s quite easy. no clue re 4th gen. Someone with a gen 4, say OP, could just give it a try. Is it a different type of bulb, theoretically more durable, so they didn’t consider easy access?
     
  6. MikeV

    MikeV Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Three
    in PA the legit shops dont let nothing slide on inspection yet there are cars all over the state with duct taped tail lights and bumpers etc...