Removing rear light unit

[mtartist]

I need to replace the reverse light bulb of my Ibiza Toca, so I need to open the rear light unit.

The problem is I cannot slide the light unit out. I've obviously unscrewed the light from the boot area but no matter how much I pull and wiggle, I just can't get it out. In this video, removing the unit seems effortless.

It seems to be stuck on one side. Are there any particular maneuvers I should be doing to get it out?

 

[RUM4MO]

Maybe first time not too easy as there are one sprung tang/wedge that passes through a hole in the body to support it - on the outer side of each cluster.

I think that I tried hitting it hard with my hand in a side ways and rearward way - maybe hit in alternative directions in succession.

Prior to refitting, remember to check that the foam rubber seals are still fitted to the area beside the retaining stud and the locating sprung tang/wedge - you can see both of them in the video.

Since then I have bought a Laser Tools "head light removal kit" -that allows you to get a thin but protected to stop damaging the paintwork, metal strip in behind the edge of the cluster, and pull it outwards, that toll kit works very well!

Now, if you think that these rear cluster are difficult to remove, you should try removing the head lights from a similar aged VW Polo, I thought that I was going to break something, I had no reason for needing to remove that car's head lights other than trying to help someone in the Polo forum who seemed desperate to remove the head lights on his car. I seem to remember that there was a great risk of ending up with very sore hands!

Edit:- updated after watching the video, that video makes it look so easy, as you have discovered, first time out it is not! I think that I applied some silicone grease to the sprung wedge/tang area maybe to make things a bit easier next time!

 

[mtartist]

Thanks for the tips.

I will try again later. My hands are too sore to make any immediate serious attempts!