Writeup: Tail Light Bulb Replacement

[MTL_4runner]

Replacing Your Rear Tail Lights
By: Bob_98SR5
Date: 11/22/03

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Tools Needed
Philips screwdriver

Parts Needed
Tail Light Bulbs (I used Sylvania #7443)

Disclaimer
I am providing this write up for illustrative purposes only. Perform at your own risk. Any mods (including this one) you perform on your vehicle is your responsibility. Commercial use of this write up will result in legal action as well as the undying scorn from members of the online Toyota 4Runner community. You've been warned.

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Summary
Changing your rear tail lights is a pretty simple task. However, most people the first time do not know which direction to pull the tail lights out and some have actually broken the tabs. This write up will show you how to safely remove the tail lights and replace the bulbs.


Step 1: Removing the Tail Light Assembly
Remove the two screws with a philips head screwdriver. Next, push the tail light assembly outwards. It might require a bit of force, but it will pop out. Use two hands to control the amount of force you exert on it.

http://www.4runners.org/image/taillights/rearlights_bolts.jpg
Remove two screws (S)

http://www.4runners.org/image/taillights/rearlights_push.jpg
Push assembly *outwards*


Step 2: Installing the Bulbs
Well, this part does not take rocket science. Just simply untwist the harness and pull out the burned out bulb. Next, insert your new bulb in and re-assemble everything in reverse order.

http://www.4runners.org/image/taillights/rearlights_backmales.jpg
Here's what it looks like from the back. Screw holes (S), bulbs (B), and male plugs (P)

http://www.4runners.org/image/taillights/rearlights_bulb.jpg
Here I've taken out the lower, burned-out bulb (B)

[nicvstheworld]

what about replacing with LED's like these... i pulled out the stock and the grommet but still could not access the plug... is it zip tied down??<center>
<img src="http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m79/nicvstheworld/TL-4RUNNER-0102-RC-LED-KS-A.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
</center>

[kmd077]

Do these instructions for replacing tail lights apply to all 4Runners? We have an '03 Limited. Any suggestions for sites to order the part? I accidentally cracked the outside casing this morning but I understand the entire "carriage" needs to be replaced. Can the average Joe handle this or is it better to have a mechanic handle it?

[4x4mike]

I'd try looking at the wrecking yards for your best price on a factory part. You can also do a part price request on this site for Northridge Toyota. You can find a lot of used factory parts on eBay and the like. You can also find aftermarket stuff. I'd stick to factory because you only need to replace one side, not both, it doesn't look tacky (but what do I know) plus it's quality stuff that won't leak, fade or crack like a cheap replacement. Another thing to consider is that a lot of aftermarket stuff is not DOT compliant. I'm not sure if your state has inspections or not but if it does I'd consider this.

The replacement is straight forward and could be done by one person in a short time.

[kmd077]

Thanks for the advisement. In your instructions and photos, there are two screws holding the tail light cover in place...the ones you say to unscrew. On our '03 4Runner there are no visible screws. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Seanz0rz]

your owners manual will have instructions on replacing the lights!

[kmd077]

Yes, the owners manual has instructions on how to replace light bulbs, accessing from interior of the truck. It does not have instructions on how to remove the cover or the entire tail light assembly.