Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior New Taillight Install Method

For those of you with big hands like me, its hard to get to that 4th screw way up in the corner. Soo, I decided to make an easy new way to install or uninstall taillights.
You will need:
1) Phillips Screwdriver
2) Wrench (I used a universal one that fits all sizes)

So to start off, you will need to unscrew the screws shown in purple in this picture. There is one on the left panel and one on the right.

Next you will need to unscrew the screws located on the back panel, at the bottom (Shown in blue).
After that, there is a clip that you need to remove (Just like the clips in the plastics in the engine bay, but a smaller version). These are shown in yellow.

The third step will require you to pull with moderate force, the paneling. The panels are held by clips, so it doesnt take much effort. Remove the 2 side panels and back panel...Although you dont need to take it off to get to the taillights

As you can see, the screw that many people have trouble getting to is circled in green and is now easily accessible.
There are a total of 4 screws, so make sure you get all of them! Then your done! Slide the taillight out

And this is what you should have left! Thats it

What the hell are you doing using that cheap ass gater grip socket!!??

it works!

lol nice install never tried the gator grip thing before, looks spiffy

Nice write up, Rick!

Have you gotten your TYC blacks yet?

That's the only way to get to the taillights anyway you do it.

That helps me out cause I'm planning to paint my interior soon, and was wondering how easy it was to remove the interior panels.

I just ordered them yesterday

very nice, that does make it easier esp when you can drop it - i was always afraid of dropping it, so i took my time lol

There are 4 screws? Mine only seem to have 3 on each taillight. Both OEM Toyota lights if that makes a difference? The "Fourth Screw", is it located above the Back-up light and to the side of the Brake light(on 00-02 atleast)? If so, you can get to it with out removing any panels if you use a 1/4 drive (10mm BTW).