Number Plate Bulbs IS200 / IS300

Mr Morse · July 25, 2005

This is a fiddly mod but well within the capabilities of a beginner - replacing the standard bulbs with 6 x Super White LED's gives a nice bright white glow around the rear licence plate.

Note that any colour bulb other than white is illegal and may attract unwanted attention from the Feds (an excuse for them to pull you over).

Disclaimer: No responsibility will be accepted for any damage caused by following this guide. Do not attempt to remove the bulb holders directly from the trim plate, you will probably scratch the paintwork.

Time needed: 20-25 mins

Bulbs: 1 pair of 501 type 6 x LED super bright bulbs (from UltraLeds.co.uk)

Tools: 1 x 8mm and 10mm small type sockets, ratchet and extender bar

small & medium flat blade screwdriver

Trim remover tool or non-sharp butter knife or similar

Long nosed electrical pliers

(1) Open the boot, remove the trim tabs from the lower part of the boot lid liner using the trim tool or butter knife

(2) Remove the plastic plate that covers the boot lock - prise it out from the narrow end using a flat blade screwdriver

(3) Remove the 2 nuts which retain the outer trim plate with 10mm socket

(4) With the boot lock cover removed, undo the two nuts which retain the boot lock to the boot & trim plate with 8mm socket. Take care or you will lose the nuts inside the boot lid. Pull the lock away from the retaining bolts.

(5) Undo the light connector from the boot by squeezing inwards gently with long nose pliers, separate the two parts of the connector. Repeat for the other side.

(6) The outer lock trim plate is held in place bt an additional 2 trim tabs. Remove the trim plate by pulling firmly about 1/3 of the way in on each side. Retain the trim plate.

(7) Remove the two number plate units by prising out with a non-sharp screwdriver. Twist -ve the bulb retainer and remove the bulb from each side. Replace each bulb with the LED.

NOTE: LED's are polarity sensitive so check that the lights work OK.

Replacement is a simple reversal of this process.