remove turn signal lens assembly

[enotslim]

The plastic tabs broke when I removed the left front turn signal assembly - 1998 V70 T5 wagon. I (thought I) was very gentle but every time I moved the assembly even a little there was a sharp, "brittle" crack and another piece of 19 year old plastic hit the floor. See image. Red are broken. Green remains intact. 1 and 2 are the retrieved tabs with original attachments indicated by arrows. I think tab 3 might have broken before my misadventure since I didn't find a corresponding piece. Only the thicker, most exterior tab 4 survived.

Is there a special way to remove this assembly without breaking everything? Probably didn't help that I tried in cold weather but, really .... If not (and even if so because mine is broken now) is there a tried and true method to repair these tabs or otherwise secure this assembly? Epoxy for plastis is working to some extent on the tabs but I may need clear duct tape to replace the stunningly black strips that currently hold everything together.

I know full replacement assemblies are only about $25 but I really don't like replacing perfectly good components just because they dangle jauntily by their electrical cord while bouncing down the road on that wonderful suspension.

2017-12-19_V70ResurfaceHeaqdlampReflectors.jpg (57.79 KiB) Viewed 1357 times

[misha]

Lens itself is not replaceable and the part can only be bought as whole unit.
Valeo is oem,Depo is good alternative.

[BEJinFbk]

Nice opportunity to upgrade to 2003-04 C70 turns.
Cleaner look and fresh plastic to boot!

P80 C70 Turn.jpg (24.27 KiB) Viewed 1342 times

XC Grill.jpg (688.55 KiB) Viewed 1342 times

[wizechatmgr]

I actually ordered a set of aftermarket on Amazon. They fit tight.

The tabs just break no matter what you do at this age. I try to hit the release detent/latch with a long screwdriver from above and then pull the turn signal assembly straight out the front of the vehicle. I think most breakage comes from reinstallation. I still haven't exactly mastered this, but I'm getting better. On mine there was a piece of plastic I carved down that pushes against the headlamp assembly by the tabs. This allowed it to go in a little easier. It likely allows a little more travel but it beats me breaking the tabs off...

[johngxc]

This is an old thread, but I'm responding so I can find these instructions when I break the other turn signal assembly.

I purchased a Dorman replacement for my 2000 V70XC, which Amazon delivered in about 24 hrs(!!). When pushed in correctly, this fit perfectly - tight, with all the right connectors. To get the assembly in correctly, it's critical to _carefully_ line up the locator tabs (#1, 3 & 4 OP's photo), then push it - hard - towards the headlight and back so the plastic tabs go into the mating slots. It's very easy to insert the light and have one or both of the two front tabs miss their mating slots. If the light assembly is loose and not held tightly to the headlight, take it out and try again. There's a T-shaped tab near the front of the assembly that will be pushing against the headlight lens. This holds the assembly tight once it's inserted so don't grind it off, thinking it's a mistake and preventing you from getting it in.

To remove a light assembly: use a flashlight and looking from above, you'll see a depression in a tab about 1/2 x 1/2 inch about midway down from the top of the assembly. This is the tab with the spring steel in the middle of the assembly. Using a long screwdriver, depress this connector and pull the assembly directly forward - not up or down but DIRECTLY forward. My previous assembly was broken so I didn't remove an old on, but it seems like, if done correctly, there's an excellent chance you won't break even an old assembly.

[abscate]

I’ll confess I have three cars running right now with clear packing tape holding on the turn signal assemblies.

I inspect the tape weekly to prevent the dangling eyeball look