Installing puddle lights in rear doors - help please

[gta7]

So I just replaced the stock puddle lights in my ‘16 RS7 front doors. Super easy.

Well then I moved to the back doors. Actually broke the stock light trying to get it out. The wires are just way too short. I didn’t remove the other one because it’s the same thing too short so re-install the lights.

I’m thinking I need to remove the door panels but don’t want to mess anything up. I removed the lower bolt holding the door panel on but the panel didn’t seem like it wanted to come lose.

If I hadn’t broken the stock light I might call it a day but now I’m in it.

Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated.

[bonafyd]

I think that's the way Audi designed them. i had the same issue when i swapped in the 4 ring lights, i was already committed so i just sent it.

[blackout85]

So I just replaced the stock puddle lights in my ‘16 RS7 front doors. Super easy.

Well then I moved to the back doors. Actually broke the stock light trying to get it out. The wires are just way too short. I didn’t remove the other one because it’s the same thing too short so re-install the lights.

I’m thinking I need to remove the door panels but don’t want to mess anything up. I removed the lower bolt holding the door panel on but the panel didn’t seem like it wanted to come lose.

If I hadn’t broken the stock light I might call it a day but now I’m in it.

Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Nah man I just did all 4 on my '17 RS7. They come. You just have to get the light off and tug the wires slightly till the budge. I too thought they were too short until I pulled harder and voilà! More wire came! A d the all work fine

Sent from my SM-G960W using Audizine mobile app

[reggiesdesign]

So I just replaced the stock puddle lights in my ‘16 RS7 front doors. Super easy.

Well then I moved to the back doors. Actually broke the stock light trying to get it out. The wires are just way too short. I didn’t remove the other one because it’s the same thing too short so re-install the lights.

I’m thinking I need to remove the door panels but don’t want to mess anything up. I removed the lower bolt holding the door panel on but the panel didn’t seem like it wanted to come lose.

If I hadn’t broken the stock light I might call it a day but now I’m in it.

Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Mine were very tight as well. I purchased extensions with mine when I got them - only by chance. Made a huge difference reinstalling them. Pretty sure you can buy them separately for a couple of dollars.

[rabbitdog]

I had the same issue only on the front passenger side door. Had to open the door panel but only pulled out the bottom part of it without taking off the whole panel. I found the wire was router around something else and rerouted it then I didn’t have to put the extension cable on.

[gta7]

Nah man I just did all 4 on my '17 RS7. They come. You just have to get the light off and tug the wires slightly till the budge. I too thought they were too short until I pulled harder and voilà! More wire came! A d the all work fine

Sent from my SM-G960W using Audizine mobile app

Sounds like you got lucky. On mine the wire doesn’t even come to the hole.

It seems like they might be routed around something but no way it’s happening without pulling the bottom of the panel.

So just remove the bottom and mid screw and pry it off? I have trim removal tools just didn’t want to break anything.

I am hoping I can do it without taking the whole panel off.

[Kaisersioze]

Same issue with my Rs7. The wire just came to hole. Had to pull gently and snap the light on. Mine were aftermarket lights from eBay.

[digdah]

Trick is, if I can explain this well enough, to pull the wire towards you to the corner of the opening and hold it there with your thumb/finger. It does not come out much towards the center of the opening. I hope you get the gist of what I'm saying but I have changed mine out at least 3 times each door and found this to work best. I thing it is unnecessary to remove the panel.

[gta7]

Thanks all. For three of the four doors I was able to get it. Using my finger and backing the light into the connector.

Front doors super easy one rear door a little tight but doable.

For the rear passenger side door it was just too short couldn’t even get the tip of the connector to the edge. This is the light that broke when removing as it was so tight I couldn’t even remove it properly.

So I removed the two lower torx screws and popped off the lower door panel just enough to route the wire enough to connect and then route it back.

Cool thing about popping the panel was a piece of the light that I had missed fell out. No rattle!

Worked perfectly thanks all!

[gta7]

It’s possible that wire got rerouted or tightened up some how when the panel was removed a couple of years ago for the tint install. Who knows! Hope I never have to take it out again.

[16s3pang]

Anyone still selling the OEM Audi rings for a 16 RS7?