C5 X7 Number plate lights

[admiral51]

Hi
I have no working number plate lights, and it shows up on Lexia that shorted to positive.
Now my question is are the bulbs replaceable or do i need to change the entire unit.

Colin

[Ross_K]

The bulbs are the usual 501/T10 capless type.

But when you go to fit a new bulb, don't be surprised if the bulb holders are badly rusted. Both of mine were beyond saving

[admiral51]

Thanks Ross
Just been and popped one of the units out and to get to the bulbs but how the hell do the bulbs come out??
Cannot be that difficult but when i pull the bulb the holder pulls up with it

Colin

[KennyW]

Colin,

Bulbs held in by a metal clip which corrodes and is part of the circuit. Just buy replacement light unit.Some come with bulbs. When you try to remove the bulb it breaks up. I wouldn't buy the LED units as they don't seem to work right as per areodynamica post (Graeme) viewtopic.php?t=72907

Kenny

[admiral51]

Kenny do i read it right that there is a clip that needs to be flipped up to allow the removal of the bulb a bit like the headlight bulbs?
If so that would make perfect sense to this old grumpy git right now.
Will take some pictures that will help

Colin

[Ross_K]

Just been and popped one of the units out and to get to the bulbs but how the hell do the bulbs come out??

Hi Colin,
The "holder" is basically just two crappy little metal legs. When the legs rust, the bulb is fused to it.

I replaced mine with LED units: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B09JKP6JP6

I've done about 1000 miles of nighttime driving since I fitted them...with zero problems. Some of the cheap ones give problems (like staying on after turning off the ignition) as Kenny says, but these ones have been faultless.

[admiral51]

Ok had a brain fart and decided to go back to basics.
Small flat head screwdriver and flip the bulb up and hey presto out it comes
Thanks for all the help will them replaced this weekend and the little legs on both are not rusted at all

Colin

[aerodynamica]

Colin,

Bulbs held in by a metal clip which corrodes and is part of the circuit. Just buy replacement light unit.Some come with bulbs. When you try to remove the bulb it breaks up. I wouldn't buy the LED units as they don't seem to work right as per areodynamica post (Graeme) viewtopic.php?t=72907

Kenny

True! Although to be fair the lights I fitted do work and look great at it. The only problem is where the auto lights turn on at the same time as start up. The 'bulb check' function causes them to 'stall'. Turn off and on and all is well. Just have to remember to do that