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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:
    Aug 14, 2023
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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..
     
    #1 CorbinDallas, Dec 9, 2023
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,693
    39,238
    80
    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.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Dec 9, 2023
  3. Doug McC

    Doug McC Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2022
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    Location:
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius
    Model:
    XLE
    OMG! :( That looks like a nightmare! Was the $500 the best quote!?
     
    #3 Doug McC, Dec 9, 2023
    Pulse07 likes this.
  4. Pulse07

    Pulse07 Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2020
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    Location:
    East Bay, California
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    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?
     
    #4 Pulse07, Dec 10, 2023
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,693
    39,238
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    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?
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Dec 10, 2023
  6. MikeV

    MikeV Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2020
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    Location:
    philadelphia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    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...
     
    #6 MikeV, Dec 12, 2023
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