How do you replace tail light bulbs on a 1996 Lexus es 300?

Answer 1

I have a 1997 ES 300 and have changed the tail lamp and brake light bulbs. The 1996 may be slightly different, but I'll try to help. Open the trunk lid and look for access panels behind the appropriate light unit, either on the trunk lid's interior or the left or right-hand inner rear trunk panel. On the 1997, there are molded plastic access panels (covered with trunk fuzz) held in place by velcro strips. Gently pull the panel away and look or feel for the end of the wiring harness that feeds the connectors. There will be a round plastic bulb holder that will come out of the back of the lamp housing with a slight twist. Once the bulb and housing are free, remove the failed bulb by pushing in slightly, twisting, and pulling. Reverse the process to reinstall. Before plugging the new bulb (be sure you use the correct single or double-element part) and housing back into the light housing, make sure the new bulb works correctly. It's also a good idea to wiggle the connector and wiring before removal (with the lights on and someone stepping on the brake pedal) to make sure the problem isn't simply a loose connector. If the connector is tight and a new bulb doesn't work, try plugging it into another lamp connector, which will tell you if the new bulb is good (it should be, but you never know) or if the problem lies elsewhere. The connector's contact points may be corroded, or there's a wiring problem that an auto electrician can repair.