Rear tail lights

Tiny
DGENNARO
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS
  • 2WD
  • 75,000 MILES
Lower rear tail light RT side. 1: The vertical red light is out. Is that a LED or a bulb. 2: Is there a short cut for replacing the lower light unit? Do I really have to take the whole bumper cover off in order to replace it?
Sunday, March 10th, 2019 AT 2:33 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

I have included in the diagrams down below the step by step instructions for removing the rear tailight assembly, recalibration of the sensors, and disassembling the taillights. Please feel free to ask us any other questions you may have.

P.S. Please be patient. The instructions are quite long.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPeos
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
DGENNARO
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
What ever happened to just changing a bulb? This is not like the old days. Can the sensors be adjusted after I put the cover back on? The reason I ask is because I cannot perform this on level ground. It looks like I'll have to take it to Toyota after I replace the tail light. This is both helpful and discouraging at the same time. Goodbye shortcut.
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 1:00 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
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Hello again,

I agree whole heartedly. I am sorry about that, and more bad news, that is all the info I have on the subject. But it is the instructions from Toyota, so there will not be any more definitive instructions on how to do it.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
DGENNARO
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks, it was very helpful. I can put the light in then I'll have Toyota do the rest.
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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
I think this video will help it shows how to change the bulbs:

https://youtu.be/KNqxFEoNcrc

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:01 PM
Tiny
DGENNARO
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I just got the light today and it looks so simple as an assembly. However, I cannot see any other way of installing it then a very long procedure of removing the rear bumper cover. It looks like a years work. Other than what you have given me it looks like there is nothing further that you can do. Thanks
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Friday, March 15th, 2019 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
DGENNARO
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It took me less than an hour to install the light. As I started at the right wheel well there was a black lip that was under the Quarter panel and as I was removing the retainer clip the rear cover looked like it could unsnap. I pulled on it and it unsnapped enough to where I could see the entire rear light. I removed the retainers under that portion of the cover and I was able to remove the old light and installed the new one. After which I snapped the cover back and replaced the retainers. I never touched the sensors nor were there any in that area. My total cost of the used tail light was $109.00. And less than an hour to install. I cannot understand why the dealer quoted me $740.00 for the job.
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Saturday, March 16th, 2019 AT 7:28 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
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Hello again,

Great job! I love to hear success stories like yours. Dealerships are pricey, but you know that your vehicle is fixed, and fixed right usually with a warranty.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Saturday, March 16th, 2019 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Sunday, March 17th, 2019 AT 3:41 PM

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