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Toyota Tundra: How to Replace Your Tail Light Assembly

A broken tail light can be a serious matter. Luckily, it's one of the easiest things you can fix yourself.

By Jared Hammond - January 20, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota Tundra (2000-Present).

Fixing a broken tail light isn't just about the look of your truck, it's also required by law. So, it's especially vital to get a broken tail light fixed as quickly as possible. But thankfully, on pickup trucks, it's just about the easiest thing you could fix. The Toyota Tundra is no exception. Keep reading to learn how to replace a broken tail light assembly.

Toyota Tundra How to Replace Tail Light Assembly

Materials Needed

  • Replacement tail light assembly
  • Ratchet with 10mm socket (2000-2006 models)
  • T30 Torx screwdriver (2007-Present models)

Step 1 – Remove the tail light

Start by opening the tail gate. On the side next to the tail light, you should see either two bolts or two Torx screws depending on your model year. Remove the bolts/screws. Now all you need to do is pull the tail light out. It's held in place by a couple clips that should loosen as you pull on it. Sometimes you'll need to wiggle it a little and pull it out from the side. Eventually the tail light will come off. To remove the bulbs from the tail light, simply twist the bulb sockets counterclockwise and pull them from the tail light. If you need to replace the bulbs, just pull them straight from the sockets.

  • Toyota Tundra tail light screws location
    Figure 1. Tail light set screws.
  • Toyota Tundra tail light mounting screws
    Figure 2. Tail light mounting screws.

Pro Tip

If you want to replace the the wiring harness for the tail light, you'll need to get at it from underneath the truck. There should be a connector tied up to the truck's chassis you can disconnect. Then pull the harness out through the back.

Step 2 – Install the new tail light

Installing the new tail light is the reverse of the previous step. But you'll want to make sure that you plug in the bulbs into the right sockets. As you're inserting the tail light to the back of the truck, be sure to line up the tabs on the corners of the tail light with the inserts on the truck. As you put the tail light back, it should snap back into the place. After tightening down the two screws/bolts on the side, then you're all done.

Toyota Tundra Replacing tail light assembly
Figure 3. Check to make sure your new tail lights are working.

Featured Video: Installing Tail Lights and Bulbs on Toyota Tundra

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