2004 V70 - Tail Light Assembly removal

[dejongmc]

I want to replace my lower and upper tail light assemblies but have a hard time getting the lower one out. The problem is I cannot get to the upper bolt.
Looks like I have to remove some trim panels but I hope not.

Thanks in advance.

[marshallh]

From VIDA

[dejongmc]

Thanks, I figured it all out.
Removing the panels was not that hard and I'm glad nothing broke.

It is still a lot of work to replace a tail light assembly.

[cn90]

Hi,

I need to replace the Right Rear LOWER tail light assembly.
I watched different videos on youtube, such as from RobertDIY etc.

Is it really necessary to remove the big plastic trim piece on the top to expose the top nut of the LOWER tail light assembly?

[cn90]

Since I do no have the 2004 V70 with me now (kid in college)...

And since I was in the junk yard today for other things, happened to see a V70, so looked at it...

- For the LOWER tail light assembly, ONLY the UPPER nut (#1 in the attached photo) is hidden behind the plastic trim.
The other 2 nuts are easily accessible.
So, the reason youtube videos say removing top and side trims is bc of this UPPER nut.

- Options are:
1. Follow the videos in youtube and remove the top plastic trim, then side trim, with a small risk of breaking the plastic trim.

2. If you don't want to remove the plastic trims for risks of damaging them, then...
Drill a hole with correct size and location to access that UPPER nut.
Use magnetic socket (small magnet inside the 10-mm socket) to avoid dropping the nut.
Once done, plug that hole with some rubber plug.
Or...

3. I kind of eyeballed it, but if you reach inside (with the plastic trim in place), you can feel that UPPER nut.
Then use a 10-mm ratcheting wrench to loosen it, then spin it out with your fingers.

I will try it soon when I have the car and report back...

PS: the reason for this post: I hate removing trim work in an older car, you risk breaking it...

--

[darylrobert]

what ever you do dont drop the nuts, ask me how i know.

[cn90]

- I wonder if you drop the nut, where does it end up? Is it easy to find?

- Does it help to stuff a whole bunch of towels below the work place in case the nut falls, it does not disappear?

[MDK]

MDK here.. hey there. it's really not too hard. I used 1/4" rachet with a deep well 10 mm and a small extension. it's really about getting the nuts back on that's tricky. remove upper speaker assy.. obviously. and the lower trim panel. pull the lights first, then unplug them. my 2004 lights were cooked I pulled these from an 07 XC70 with the led side marker.. jewel eyes look pretty good..

[cn90]

@MDK,

I was trying to avoid removing the Plastic Trim work, and that is all.

[cn90]

Update,

@MDK is right. This LOWER light assembly can be removed without removing any of those plastic trim works.

Tricks:

1. Watch the videos above but...NO need to remove any of those plastic trim works.

2. Use 10-mm long socket with universal joint, 1/4" is best but 3/8" ratchet is fine too.

3. A 10-mm ratcheting wrench is a big plus. Remove any light bulb that is your way to make room for the 10-mm ratcheting wrench.

4. Speaker plastic trim and speaker (use a pair of pliers to remove the red tab in the speaker) as in videos: 2 minutes.

5. Remove the lower carpeted trim work: 3 seconds.

6. The rest is straightforward, the TOP nut of the LOWER light assembly can be reached using either 1/4" socket or ratcheting wrench.

7. I stuffed a rag at the bottom in case the nut falls but luckily I was able to do whole thing w/o dropping any nut. Or get a telescopic magnet at auto parts store ($4-$5)...

Yes, these are the only 2 items you need to remove.Very easy, no need to remove any of the upper or side trim works...

---

V70-Trim.jpg (92.23 KiB) Viewed 2297 times