cdav929

I need to replace a brake light in my 96 ES300. When I pull back the truck liner, all I see is metal. Do you pop off the lens covers themselves? Don't want to get pulled over on the way home tonight. Thanks.

13loody

I don't know the answer, but worse case scenario is you get a fix-it ticket. Most officers would just let you go with a warning, assuming there's no other reason to pull you over (ie. license, registration, proof of insurance, and valid tags) that s/he can add on top of the burnt out light.

However, should you get a fix-it ticket, be sure that the officer notes "Dismissed upon repair" or something similar on the back, otherwise the judge may say the fine is nothing, but it's not entirely dismissed. What that means is the "violation" is still reported to the DMV, and thus accessible to your current/future insurance company which may or may not use that against you to charge more money. I found out when I was driving my friend's truck with no front license plate. Fortunately I talked my way into getting it completely dismissed, but the people before me weren't so fortunate with burnt out license plate bulbs, front lights, front plates, etc.

CUMan

My ES is a 94 model, but I would assume the 96 is the same.

When you remove the trunk liner, you will see numerous small bolts which hold the taillight assemblies in place. You have to remove the nuts on about 4-5 of these bolts. You can then pull the assembly directly away from the car to get access to the bulb holders. A deep well socket wrench will make it easier.

One of the bolts is on the outside edge of the taillight assembly, and it's easy to miss.

tuan92129

There were directions posted a few pages back..you pull back the trunk liner, and remove all bolts which connect the rear tails. You are basically removing the entire unit.

AzNMpower

Do a search........discussed not too long ago. There are screws you access from inside the trunk.

Lexucan

Instructions with pics here , courtesy of LOC

AdvanSC300

Yes you will see the matal of the rear body,but you will also see a few golden/silver colored 8mm nuts,just remove those nuts and carefully pull out the taillight assembly.