My take away is the lack of clarity on the install is the major problem. IMO it is not logical to go grab a flat head and jam the clip in further. If I was that concerned with the original fitment my first fix it attempt would be some sort of tape or silicon (as it sounds like some have done). The reason for this is b/c in my mind the fitment was good enough to where it was installed properly, and also who could screw up something so extremely simple.
That being said deautokey keeps referring to their video where he states a flat head might be needed. I think this is the only place I've heard of/seen the issue? I watched that video a handful of times when I first got the kit for reference to the interior LEDs... But who's going to waste the time to watch someone do the license plate ones? They have to be the easiest thing in the world; right?
I'm not saying that others can't get theirs to fit (even w/ a flat head). The margin is so extremely small that any imperfection on the outer lip or the edge of the clip will put you over that 0.5mm threshold (made up number) where you can't get the clip forced into place to snap in correctly. Especially if the "designed fitment" requires some sort of additional force to be added to the clip to begin with. So in that regard they should be warrantied if the legitimately won't fit (granted you meet deauto's warranty terms), but I know I wouldn't go through the hassle b/c I would assume the fitment was as designed... obviously.
Ppl continue to buy deauto's stuff b/c they have a loyal fan base and their shit looks great. I can live with having to actively secure the license plate led's b/c of how they look. If they looked the same as rdash (or others), but the others had better fitment; I would go with them because who wouldn't?
The only thing I can fault deAutokey on here is their lack of documentation. They have that video and if they think that's good enough that's their business. But if others had not found it obvious to put extra force on the clip (even after the video) then it should be understood that future customers will too. If you don't want to create a thread to try to inform ppl then at least toss in a piece of paper with the kits stating "if you do not hear them click into place, a flat head might be required to force the clip into the bumper further. if you do NOT hear the click they are not fully seated and you should contact
deautokey@gmail.com".
That being said I'd still recommend deAutokey to anyone; I'll now toss in a word of warning to watch the license plate led fitment, but I'd still recommend them. I've loved all their stuff, and they have been very helpful with everything thus far. I didn't start this thread to bash deauto, but rather find out if this was a common issue. If not to justify to myself that I'm truly not an idiot, then to at least put the words out there for other future buyers or unaware current owners. And I'm glad I did because it's good to know how these are "designed" to fit. Makes me that much more confident for round 2.
I should write a book.
