Can I ask how is the easiest way to get access to change these lamps in the rear of my 2000SSEi?
Thanks,Rob

Moved to it'* own thread.

I'll check my service manual.

Open the trunk. You'll notice some plastic tabs on the inside rear of the trunk in front of the tail lights. These spin off. Pull the trunk liner away and you notice three very long bolts being held in place by some nuts. Unscrew the nuts and pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the car. the bulbs are held in place by bayonet sockets.

From what I can see, you just need to move the inside panel out of the way and you will have access to the bulb. If you need to remove the light fixture there are 3 bolts holding it in place.

ThanksPurple, I had looked in and unscrewed the tabs off and saw the bolts. Just wanted to be sure that was the only way. I appreciate your help and wish you and everyone else a Happy Thanksgiving!

Yep. That'* how to do it. Use a 10mm box end wrench to loosen, then spin off with your finger.

A better question is how to remove the reflector off the trunk lid. I tried for 45 minutes with no luck. Un-did all the nuts from the bolts that hold it on, but couldn't get the clips to let go, or even break for that matter.

There are a couple of plastic clips that can be accessed in between the trunk lid and the inner strengthening frame under the lid. They are located on the drivers and passenger sides near the top of the reflector. Grab a flash light and take a look...they are a bugger to get at and even harder to get the plastic tabs to collapse so the clip can be forced through the hole.

I know they are there. Hence why I mentioned them. What I asked was how to get them to collapse. Like a technique or something. Hell, even for that matter just break the damn things. I'm sure those 4 or 6 bolts are more than enough to hold it on properly.

actually if you break those clips the top off the tail doesnt sit flush against the lid and sticks out a lil been there done that

Well crap. Then is there a technique to get them to release? I seriously worked on those things for 45 minutes with no luck. The only thing I managed to do was seperate the seal a little bit causing water to get in and now fog up my light. I'd like to get it off for two reasons now. 1) so I can bake the thing to re-seal it, and 2) clear it so it matches my tail'*.