Removal of rear lights

[barratt]

I've spent an annoying amount of time swapping over the larger rear light clusters, I've now got the boot lid ones left.

Now with the tools I'm using its near impossible to get the bolts off that are furthest away inside the boot lid. Is there a way I can take the entire plastic off to get easy access?
I found two T20 screws in the handles which I removed and took off all the plastic pull out bits. Tried pulling it but it seems VERY tight on there. Just don't want to snap it.

[nc35]

Tis very very tight. And often one or two lugs do snap :-(

Just got to pull & pull (once all the screws are out)

[barratt]

Tis very very tight. And often one or two lugs do snap :-(

Just got to pull & pull (once all the screws are out)

I was hoping this wasn't the answer or a mega secret trick to get it off :( ah well. I guess I'll have to see If I can source a smaller tool to get to it, if not its clip ripping time!

[bacillus]

You can take the plastic trim off but it's a real hassle and you really have to pull hard.

I removed mine using an open end spanner through the openings whilst having someone hold the boot so that the light fitting were parallel to the floor. If you drop the nut using this method then it's easy to just fish it out with your finger.

[barratt]

You can take the plastic trim off but it's a real hassle and you really have to pull hard.

I removed mine using an open end spanner through the openings whilst having someone hold the boot so that the light fitting were parallel to the floor. If you drop the nut using this method then it's easy to just fish it out with your finger.

Yeah that's a good idea. My problem is getting to the nuts. I was using an adjustable spanner so it was little too bulky for the gap. I ended up using nose pliers to get to the top nut on the other clusters, was a ball ache.

Smaller spanner set here I come, plus grab a friend to hold the boot lid parallel. Thanks for the suggestion ! 

[Andy]

small spanner will do the trick

[Boothy]

If you wanna remove the plastic I bought a very long flat head screw driver, wrapped it in masking tape and threaded it between the plastic and boot. You can just pull the plastic away enough to get to four of the live at the rear and by inserting and twisting the screw driver you can pop most of them out. It's still a real pain though!

[Jaywoo-GTI]

I used the spanner out of the cars tool kit, Small enought to get it there.
No need to buy new spanners.

[barratt]

I used the spanner out of the cars tool kit, Small enought to get it there.
No need to buy new spanners.

I unfortunately don't have any of the original tool kit bar the jack and wheel nut cover removal tool :D

I've found a set at a local store that should do me well! Rather annoyed though, got in car this morning to be presented with a nice ding and warning on MFD. Rear drivers side brake light out. BAHHH! Would have been a good idea to check it before hand