Rear Lights - Few Questions

[480esVolvo]

So, there is a leak in the boot, and I have looked on here and this is probably down to the seals on the lights. I went to remove the lights to re-seal with silicone sealent, removed three bolts, but lights won't budge. Am I missing something?! Dont want to try and pry them out, as may destroy the current seal on them.

Also when the rear lights are on and the indicator is flashing the rear lights dim and then go bright again. A bad earth, but where does this earth go to on the car body so I can clean the contacts and get a better connection. If worst comes to worst I will have to use LED rear bulbs, but any advice appreciated!

[blackbelt1990]

My rear lights don't come out either... I'd like to hear a reply to this!

[Melvin480]

The earth of the rear lights is underneath the left rear light. There is an earthpoint, which can be corroded if water has leaked on it. It can also be a bad connection in the connector to the light units itself.

The lights should come out when you remove the three nuts. But if the lights are sealed with window sealant (or some other sealant), it can be very hard to get them out. Black window sealant (butyl based) will soften when you heat it with a hair dryer or something similar.

[bigdickbuster]

Don't use silicone. Silicone have acid and make rust

Be careful during any move with the light. This plastic likes to crack.

[480esVolvo]

Don't use silicone. Silicone have acid and make rust

Be careful during any move with the light. This plastic likes to crack.

That was my worry, didnt want to force it off and crack the lenses any more than they are already, as they have some hairline cracks anyhow.

Any Idead on what kind of sealent to use? Or how to stop leak?

[480s partner]

When I removed my lights, the old foam seal was almost completely "crushed" which let the water in.

I used the butyl tape and so far not a single drop in sight!