Taking Off Taillights
Q: I need to remove the driver-side taillight from my 2005 Cadillac SRX (don't ask me to explain). I pulled the interior plastic molding away, but didn't see any screws to free the taillight. Can you provide any assistance?
A: Keep digging. Presuming you removed the correct trim panel located behind the taillamp, there's still more work to do before you can get to the nuts that hold the taillamp assembly in place. On the right side, you have to remove the rear speaker. Then you can undo the two nuts and remove the taillamp. On the left, to get to the taillamp nuts, remove the auxiliary blower motor fasteners and tilt the motor outward. It's worth noting that a small amount of condensation accumulating within a taillamp, or any other ventilated lamp assembly, is considered normal. If there's a fine mist or white fog in the corners that doesn't cover more than half the lens and appears only under humid conditions, don't replace the lamp assembly. The moisture should clear up in drier conditions or while driving with the lights on for an extended period of time. You may also compare both sides. If one has the same slight fog as the other, chances are it's normal. On the other hand, if you see water droplets covering more than half the lens, one lens is much wetter than the other, the water appears after rain or car wash, a puddle accumulates in the bottom of the lens, or it doesn't eventually clear up with the lights on, then you have a real water leak that will require replacement of the assembly.
Finding Your TSB
Q: I was reading your response to a question about a vibration in a 1995 Dodge Ram, but when I went to locate the Technical Service Bulletin you mentioned, I was unable to find it. Can you tell me where I can pull it up and read it?
A: The question you're referring to was about a 1995 Ram 2500 Club Cab that produced a vibration at various speeds. Just as I mentioned in that reader's case, a vibration can stem from a number of areas--tires, wheels, suspension, the driveline, and more. More than likely it can be quickly diagnosed by an able technician. At the same time, I brought up Dodge TSB number 23-48-96. It dealt with a vibration felt in the seat of your pants, corrected by the installation of a modified transmission mount and a reinforcement procedure to a crossmember. This fix involved 1995 and 1996 Club Cab Rams built prior to March 15, 1996. If you're interested in a TSB description and procedure, I suggest asking for a copy at your local Dodge service department. This is an involved correction requiring several hours' labor time. And it may not be the heart of your Ram's problem. Have the truck checked out while you're there.
How To Reach Alex
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, or e-mail us at trucktrend@primedia.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.