How do you pull out the tail light on a 2011 4Runner?

[khrisg76]

I cracked my passenger side tail light. I was going to buy an OEM aftermarket replacement. Just wondering how you pull the tail light off? Do I have to remove the whole bumper and rear side panel to get to it? Or is there an easier way that I'm over looking?

Thanks

 

[Jaker]

I cracked my passenger side tail light. I was going to buy an OEM aftermarket replacement. Just wondering how you pull the tail light off? Do I have to remove the whole bumper and rear side panel to get to it? Or is there an easier way that I'm over looking?

Thanks

Repair Manual

Download the last three "RM" files and you'll find the answer you seek.

 

[WhiskeyCop]

Open the hatch. Pull off access panel in interior. Undo about three nuts. Pull straight out firmly. Very easy.

I cracked my passenger side tail light. I was going to buy an OEM aftermarket replacement. Just wondering how you pull the tail light off? Do I have to remove the whole bumper and rear side panel to get to it? Or is there an easier way that I'm over looking?

Thanks

 

[Jaker]

Based on the RM's component diagram, you will also need a replacement gasket for the light assembly.

 

[M1911]

Based on the RM's component diagram, you will also need a replacement gasket for the light assembly.

I've replaced both tail lights on my 4th Gen. The gaskets came with the light assembly. I suspect the same is true for the 5th Gen.

 

[westwind77]

Based on the RM's component diagram, you will also need a replacement gasket for the light assembly.

I replaced my left one last year, no separate gasket came with it. I don't remember if one was already attached though. When I removed the old one a gasket did not follow.

 

[khrisg76]

thanks Whiskey Cop.. I found the two bolts and removed the nuts.. Not sure where the 3rd is? I'm assuming there are tabs holding the light assembly in place? How firmly should I have to pull off? Don't want to break anything..

 

[WhiskeyCop]

Maybe there are just two. Look at the studs on the replacement and see how many are threaded. The others are like a ball socket. They fit into plastic fittings and hold the lights in very tight. You have to get it on the edges very carefully with your finger tips and pull straight out firm and steady. For safety I put some blue painters tape along the edges of the paint to protect it just in case. As far as the gasket is concerned, if there is not one on the replacement light use whatever is on the factory one. I don't recall so it should be a no brainier.

 

[rigtec]

Hi khrisg76,

Everything whiskycop said is correct. When I removed mine (2012), I believe I removed all of the lamps from the "Bezel" first.
I remember that the nuts were on "Extra Long" studs, so you will need "Extra Deep Sockets" to go over them to reach the nuts.

I also remember that they were UNBELIEVEABLY tight; as if Toyota used "Thread Lock" on the studs, to prevent the nuts from coming loose.

I think there were 3 nuts holding the bezel in place; obscured by the plastic Trim molding & Astetic inner paneling. There are some small (pop-out), removable screw access covers that can be popped out with a tiny, flat screw driver tip.

Like "Whiskycop" said, you need to pull the lamp bezel straight out, and very gently, to insure that nothing gets cracked or scratched.

Good luck khrisg76, and Cheers! Greg, (rigtec)