Gary Knox

The trunk lid on our '15 A8 was damaged, a few months ago and needed to be replaced. A good body shop found a perfect used one in the right color and did the replacement. A few weeks later, I found the rear license light was inoperative on the left side. Replaced both lights with new LED ones, Left one still does not function, and both of the OE ones I removed function properly when connected to a 12V source.

Thus, apparently the left license plate light wire was not properly connected. I do not want to damage any of the trunk 'trim' when getting access to the wiring. What is the recommended procedure for removing that black trim piece covering the 'inside' of the trunk lid? (The body shop is about 30 miles away, so don't want to return the car there for this simple procedure).

Really appreciate any help here. Google hasn't found the right 'link' for this procedure on an A8 D4!!

Gary Knox

DallasDave

I cannot locate a video specific to our vehicles, but this should be a great reference:

Gary Knox

Thank you Dallas Dave. Not exactly the same, but certainly close enough to get a great start on removal. Very much appreciated.

Cheers

Gary

Gary Knox

Panel successfully removed. For anyone doing this on an A8 D4, a couple of additional comments:

1. The covers for the hinge have a round 'plug' on the outer side. There is a very small pin in the middle of this plug. Push that 'pin' in, and the plug comes right out. Just push the little pin out, so it extends beyond the plug to re-insert, then push it back into the plug after re-installing the covers

2. There is a nearly hidden screw in both the 'handle' to pull the trunk lid down on the right side, and for the escape lever on the left side. Medium size Phillips screwdriver for removal (bright light helps locate the screws). With these removed, the plastic frames are removed with typical panel tools.

3. The bracket to hold the red box with in the center of the panel has a small latch at the top of it (top with trunk lid raised). Use flat screwdriver to release that and the bracket comes off.

Das ist alles

DallasDave

Were you able to fix your license plate light issue?

Gary Knox

Unfortunately - no. My date of birth on the driver's license indicates I've been around for 86 years. My body is no longer very nimble!!

I'm taking the car with it's replacement trunk lid back to the body shop that did the repair. They will need to correct the wiring error that does not provide 12V power to the left side license plate receptors. I'll re-install the trim after that is complete.

THANKS again for your help.

Gary