Trunk light LED replacement guide with pictures

[JKEP44]

I see a lot of people asking questions about changing their trunk light to an LED so here is an attempt at making a step by step guide. I have heard suggestions of opening the trunk and waiting, climbing through the back seat, disconnecting the battery and making special tools... you dont need any of that. By no means is this the only way, just what worked for me and this is no gaurantee that you wont break something. The car is a 2011 Camaro SS/RS


Step 1. Purchasing the lights. I purchased my lights by sending a PM to AAC Style here on the forum, they were more than willing to help and sold me a quality product as I have no interferrence with any other systems in the car. The part that they sold me was a two bulb kit (one for the dome light, the other for the trunk). Part number T105L3C from their website at www.automotivelightstore.com . The part says 2010 but it fits a 2011 as well.

Step 2. Gather tools. I used only a small flat blade screwdriver and a towel to set my components on. You may want to use a cover so you dont scratch the back of your car but if you are very tall at all this shouldnt be a problem, just dont lay on it.

Step 3. Identify the cover. The cover is just inside the trunk lid and is made of fairly brittle plastic.

Step 4. Removing the cover. There is a little groove on the drivers side that a small flat blade screw driver will fit into. Insert the screwdriver and gently push to the pasengers side and lightly pull down to release the cover.

Step 5. Removing the assebly. Now that the cover is loose the wiring that is provided is pretty long and the entire assembly can be pulled down so you can see what you are doing. Use caution as the light will be hot.

Step 6. Disconnecting the electrical connector. Disconnect the electrical connector by depressing the locking tab (under my thumb in the picture) and gently pulling back on the connector. (Dont pull on the wires).

Step 7. This is what it looks like removed.

Step 8. Removing the bulb. Now that the bulb is disconnected and off insert your screwdriver behind the bulb and push it out. Use caution as the bulb will still be warm and dont force it too much as you are pressing on glass. Continue this and remove the bulb.

Step 9. Install the new bulb. I am not sure if it matters what way the bulb goes in (if it does I got lucky twice in a row). Insert the new bulb gently and try not to press on the LEDs themselves. Make sure that the bulb gets all of the way seated in the socket.

Step 10. Reconnecting the connector. Reconnect the connector (it only goes together one way) and test it to make sure the light works before you reinstall the cover.

Step 11. Reinstalling the cover. Place the cover at an angle with the up side to the passengers side (same way it came out) and gently push it towards the passenger side to seat it. Then push up gently on the drivers side and it should pop right into place. Give it a little wiggle with your fingers just to make sure.
ALL DONE! Bask in your awesomeness.

[JKEP44]

If anyone knows how to make the pictures move to under their appropriate text it would be greatly appreciated.

[JKEP44]

Hey, no problem. You sold me a quality product and shipped it fast. I have no problem saying good things about someone who did their part.

[Yellojacket]

do you have a before and after pic of the brightness of stock vs led? Would be interested in seeing how much of a difference it made

[JKEP44]

I can take an after tonight, don't have a before but you could compare it to yours. I can tell you that the interior dome light is MUCH brighter.

[NewDivide]

Awesome DIY post. Worked smooth as butter and I love the LEDs.

[calbert1999]

Great post, with fab instructions and pictures. Thanks, for sharing.

[theNYX]

Great guide. However, I ended up snapping off the clip from the plastic housing and now need a replacement; where can I get it (dealer?) and how much would it be?


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[elpatofeo]

FYI...it does matter how the new ones are installed. The AAC Ones are not labeled, they should be cuz they are polarized. I installed mine and it didn't work, I flipped it and it started working.

[Iced Bullet]

I just replaced the plastic light holder from my dealer and it cost $43.00 US. Rip off!

[ranlights78]

I never checked for a DIY on this. I broke my tab off my cover also. I found one on ebay for $14 shipped and it went in with no problems. Seeing sparks was pretty funny when putting this back in.

[JamesF]

Originally Posted by ranlights78

I never checked for a DIY on this. I broke my tab off my cover also. I found one on ebay for $14 shipped and it went in with no problems. Seeing sparks was pretty funny when putting this back in.

Man... do you have a link to the item or seller? Just broke the tab on mine too.. who would think to push all the way in instead of sliding a flat head and trying to pop up like any other regular car part.

[SSjon]

I'm having issues with the AAC ones staying in place, it keeps coming loose

[linvol20]

my step 4 the groove was actually on the opposite side.. the passenger side, which caused my cover to crack a bit when i forced it out.

I placed a bit of 3m double sided Mounting tape on the sides to keep in in place.

be careful with the exposed metal... i placed tape over it to keep it from touching the cars metal. its not touching the light of course. it also helps reflect the light back down a bit i guess.