Replace Individual LEDs in Tail Lights

[heinzboehmer]

I think this makes a bit more sense to me now. Are you saying: take the pliers at 90 degree angle to the face of the board, squish the LED from the side (don't touch the board) thereby breaking the LED itself but the 4 contacts for the LED will remain on the board. Then use hot air to remove / clean up any residual debris.

Is that it?

Yep! Exactly.

I would still try to get the first one off with hot air. But if you find yourself having to heat it up for an excessive amount of time, then just go the destructive route to avoid damaging the board.

[Casa de Mesa]

Yep! Exactly.

Something about a blind squirrel comes to mind.

Appreciate the tip! This is a next weekend project at this point but looking forward to getting the hot air station. The vids on YouTube are so interesting to watch and the damn algorithm keeps sending them to me I can't get anything done, lol

[Shonky]

Every PCB is different but if you have a scrap board of some type (an old motherboard might be good as it should have some decent power planes) I'd recommend having a bit of a practice to get a feel for it.