ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus ES GS RX: How to Replace Your Tail Light Assembly

Replacing the tail light assembly is not a complicated process; however, the dealership will make it complicated and charge you a lot more money than the job is worth.

By Piyush Kayastha - January 26, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus ES, GS, and RX (2005-2013).

Replacing the tail light assembly with aftermarket ones could give your Lexus a whole new look. Also, it is important to know how to replace it yourself in case of future breaks. Replacing the tail light assembly at the dealership could cost you a lot more money than you would want to spend, but replacing it yourself will cost you nothing but the price of the parts. Bulbs will cost $5 each and tail light assembly will cost $112 per piece (four in total).

Materials Needed

  • Pliers
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • 10mm wrench and socket wrench
  • 8mm deep socket wrench

Step 1 – Remove surrounding covers and fasteners

Before removing the tail light assembly, there are several things that need to be removed.

  • Remove tail light covers from the inside of the trunk.
  • Remove the 8mm bolt holding the hook.
  • Remove the pop rivets using a screwdriver.
  • Now, remove the trunk mat.
  • Remove the 10mm bolt holding the trunk trim in place by prying up.
  • Figure 1. Remove the tail light bulb cover to expose the bolts.
  • Figure 2. Remove the 10mm bolt holding the trim.

Step 2 – Disconnect bulbs

Before the bolts, which are holding the tail light assembly in, can be undone, the bulbs will need to be removed.

  • A quarter turn to the left will loosen the bulb socket.
  • Pull the bulb with the harness out and set aside.
Figure 3. Loosen the bulb by turning it to the left.

Step 3 – Remove bolts and assembly

Now that the bulb is disconnected and the lining has been pulled back, the bolts should be fully exposed for removal.

  • Use a 10mm ratchet wrench to remove bolts.
  • Pull the tail light assembly straight back.
  • Figure 4. Remove the bulbs from both sides.
  • Figure 5. With the bulbs removed, remove the 10mm bolts.
  • Figure 6. Pull the assembly straight back to remove.

Step 4 – Installation

Installation is reverse of removal.

Featured Video: Lexus ES 350 Tail Light Removal

Related Discussion and Site