Trying to replace number plate light fitting on late 2002 996 coupe

Last Friday, a replacement number plate light fitting arrived in the post (ordered from Design 911) so I thought I would quickly fit it before the weekend in case I took the car out. The existing one was clearly broken as it kept dropping down from the bumper. Unfortunately, I hit a snag trying to disconnect the wiring and this coincided with the Club Forum being down for the platform upgrade, so I resorted to posting on the 911uk forum instead (post http://911uk.com/viewtopic.php?p=1023224#1023224). I have now managed to disconnect the wiring, but when I try to put the new fitting up into the bumper, there just doesn't seem to be enough space to manoeuvre the fitting far enough to the right to fit the fixed lugs on the left inside the bumper to then push the right side up so the spring clip clicks into place. It is the spring clip that is getting in the way, perhaps that is why it was broken on the original fitting in the first place? The car is a 2003 MY 996 coupé, so the number plate light fittings are the same as the 997 apparently, not like the ones on the early 996s. Has anyone else had experience of fitting this type of number plate light fitting and if so, are there any tips for how to manoeuvre it into place? I wondered if the screws holding the lens and bulb were fouling anything, so I removed these and tried that approach but it made no difference. Help!

I can't say I've ever changed one, but the workshop manual doesn't give any clues. It all looks terribly straightforward, so I'm wondering if the part has changed, or you have the wrong one. Was it a genuine Porsche part, and does it have a part number on the box, or moulded on the part? Sorry, I don't go on 911UK. I got banned, and haven't bothered to try to re-register.

Richard, Thanks for the reply, that looks like the early 996 number plate light, the one that I have is later (the other number plate light fitting is the same so it would appear that on the 2002 onwards 996s, the light fitting was changed). The part that I ordered and received from Design 911 claims to be for: Porsche Boxster 987 Porsche 996 2002> Porsche 997 Porsche Cayman 987C so it should be the correct one for my 2002 (2003 MY) 996. The box has a Porsche part label with the part number 99763162002. On the fitting itself (new and original) there is a VW stamp! Picture attached showing original broken part out of the bumper. Maybe I need to post on the 997 forum too in case I can get help there if this is indeed a part shared with that model.

It isn't a C4S, is it?

Hi Nick, From memory the replacement fittings for my 04 996 4S were as easy as Richards attached post!! I ordered them from OPC who posted them FOC..... I still have old ones & box they came in, so will have a look & post part numbers if it helps! Rgds Paul

No it isn't, I should have added the variant, it is a Carrera 2.

Just wondered, because the C4S uses a 964 derivative part. I'll take another look at the manuals tomorrow when I get to my PC, and see if I can come up with anything. I'll check the 997 manual too.

Nothing different is shown in the manual I have for the MY2002-5 996. The 997 manual doesn't show anything different either:

That is how I would be able to change the bulb (the lens/light part looks the correct shape), but it is replacement of the entire fitting that I need to work out. I wonder if it would be possible to install the fitting without the wiring connected, but am concerned about being able to get inside the bumper to connect it up afterwards - there seems to be too many things in the way like heat shielding for the exhaust.

I think for once Richard has miss read the post. You made it quite clear that it was the whole fitting you are replacing not just the Bulb. Will have a look and see if I can find out It is very easy to remove the PU (Bumper) 4 Screws inside the Engine compartment where the lid close (I would remove them and then replace them to hold the PU on There are three socket head screws on either side two underneath and one at the top just behind the Wheel Arch (bit of a pain the first time) Finally two screws near the Exhausts. THen release those screws from the engine cover Two people to remove so it doent get damaged - 1 Plug to disconnect the electrics Allow an hour the first time as screws may be corroded (Porsche parts VERY CHEAP) about 5 minutes next time. JOB DONE --Its worth doing anyway because it is so easy its worth cleaning under their 1 a year ALWAYS GET A PRICE FROM PORSCHE DEALER FIRST - Remember Porsche specialists have to buy their parts from Porsche DEaler

I didn't actually mis-read it. All the manual says for re-fitting the light is "Insert number plate lights and tighten with the two fastening screws". I appreciate that Nick is having a problem inserting the number plate light with the wires connected, although I don't know why. I haven't ever needed to do it, so I don't know if there is a knack to it, or something is wrong with the new housing. Presumably the old one came out without too much trouble. Nick - I don't think you would have much chance of getting your hand in to make the connection afterwards, and there should be no need to remove the PU to do the job. Maybe take the other one out and see if there is a difference. The owner's manual says the same thing, by the way:

IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT Thought I would check it out. Undid the two screws and the lens cover fell apart. Teach me to be clever !!!

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Precisely the reason why I haven't attempted to take the non-broken number plate light out of the bumper, I don't want to break the spring clip off the one on the nearside as it seems to be OK.

If it is a nice day tomorrow its a great exercise to remove the PU/ It will give you a chance to get rid of all the accumulated rubbish behind the PU. Providing there is no corrosion of the screws it really is an eay job You will then be able to get at the lights and check them out. Once you have done the back - do the frontbut allow plenty of tome as you may need to remove a lot of mud leaves etc from the Radiators. Should really be included in the big service because it CAN cause expensive damage to the radiators and Air Conditioning radiators Good luck

Managed to install the new number plate light fitting at lunchtime, it was quite easy in the end. I used a wide flat bladed screwdriver to give some leverage on the side with the lugs (left side, pushing towards the right), this compressed the spring clip on the right side sufficiently to allow me to push the left-hand end with lugs up into the hole. Removed the screwdriver, then pushed the right hand end up and it clicked into place. Tested the lights and all working perfectly.

'seasy when you know how !!