Rear Tailgate Light Change (2001 latest shape aero)

[Dangerous Dougal]

Well, after a couple of fun weeks with the bongo I spotted a rear tailgate light had blown. So, i did my research here and bought some 501 LED's to replace it with and another set for the headlights. Today I thought was a good day for a little Bongo maintenance. Funnily enough I was more worried about removing the tailgate inner panel than changing the bulbs. Oh, what an error that was..... The panel came off at the sides easily enough, but changing the bulbs? I changed the one that was working after it mysteriously popped out, the one I wanted to change, no chance! I gave it all I had with and without gloves on and it won't budge! Then, when putting the tailgate inner panel back on I discovered I couldn't re fit the 4 outer taks. So, can anyone offer some words of wisdom in how to get this beeping bulb out and also refit the taks? Finally I didn't even attempt the headlights as I couldn't see how the bulbs would be removed, more research here needed and I can imagine more of the same issues to come! Also, if anyone is in the Bridgwater area and quite good at this stuff I would love to hook up and get some tips!

Many thanks,

Dd.

[Simon Jones]

Headlights are quite simple but I think you've got HID/Xenon like mine. The dipped beam bulbs should last for years so hopefully you wont need to get to them very often. Some photos here to show you what's involved: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 15#p537199

[Dangerous Dougal]

Thanks for the reply Simon. I think I saw you had replaced the rear tailgate bulbs before. How did you find getting the unit out? Is there any magic tip you can share?

[Simon Jones]

No, not tackled the rear panel lights yet, although I did manage to drop a number plate bulb inside it somewhere which is still rolling around when I open the tailgate.

[plinth]

Hi guys, I also have the more recent aero shaped Bongo (without handles on the tailgate) and I need to replace one of the bulbs in the actual door/boot itself. I've done some searching around and found this thread. Are there any explicit instructions on how to access this tricky area? So far I've tried gingerly prying off the interior panel, but couldn't reach the back of the bulbs. I've also tried tackling it from the outside - removing the 10mm bolts at either end and above the number plate, but it remains held fast.

Any advice appreciated

[plinth]

This looks like the right diagram I should be looking at: http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 2of03.html, but where do I start in order to access the rear light bulbs?

[Simon Jones]

Remove the large grey panel inside the tailgate, peel back (or cut some slits in) the clear plastic sheet and access the bulb holders from the rear. I've not done this myself but it seems to be what other people have done.

[mikeonb4c]

Remove the large grey panel inside the tailgate, peel back (or cut some slits in) the clear plastic sheet and access the bulb holders from the rear. I've not done this myself but it seems to be what other people have done.

I'd say try very hard not to cut slits in the plastic as I think it's a damp proofing membrane and you don't want to compromise it. It will peel back, more easily in warmer weather, and the black goo that binds it to the bodywork can be separated and prevented from stringing by using a sawing or slashing action with a sharp kitchen knife while peeling back the plastic.

[Simon Jones]

Gaffer tape over the slits will make them good as new. The black goo used to fix the plastic sheet in place is the work of the devil .

[Scratch]

Hello

I did ask recently about changing a rear side light bulb but after finding the Fact Sheet I thought I would give it a go.
I didn't get very far as I couldn't even mange to remove the grey panel.
I took the problem to my local garage and a very helpful mechanic spent 20 minutes removing the panel, removing various nuts, poking around in the tail gate and eventually removing the bulb and replacing it. This was after scraping his knuckles a couple of times.
I just hope it isn't a job I need to do again anytime soon.