The Toyota Matrix has several trim panels that Toyota has neatly inserted to provide You access, making it relatively easy to take out and change the tail lights. The trim panel at the back of the hatch, which is secured by a tab, needs to be taken off first. Three bolts hold the tail light housing in place once you gain access to it. To separate the three nuts from the three mounting bolts, use a socket or ratcheting wrench. I think they’re 10mm on the majority of model years. You should be able to carefully pry the tail light housing away from the automobile once these are removed. To avoid damaging the electrical connectors, always remember to remove them first.
Toyota matrix tail lights can be removed by removing the two Phillips-head screws holding the tail light in place. Detach the tail light assembly from the back by turning the tail light bulb and plug to the left.
To remove the Toyota matrix tail lights from your Toyota Highlander, open the back hatch and look for the two retaining screws. With a phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws holding the tail light in place. Detach the tail light assembly from the back by turning the tail light bulb and plug to the left.
In This Article...
How is a tail light assembly changed?
Replacing a Tail Light
- Step 1: Open the tailgate or trunk.
- Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly (if needed)
- Step 3: Remove the bulb.
- Step 4: Insert a replacement bulb after adding bulb grease.
- Step 5: Reattach the component (if needed)
- Repeat step 6 on the opposite side.
Can the plastic on a tail light be replaced separately?
Hello, and thank you for your letter. The “lenses” or plastic coverings for the taillights are not offered for sale individually. If you wish to do that repair, you will have to buy the full taillight assembly. Now, keep in mind that you might be able to locate one used for a lot less money. In light of this, you should make sure any used parts are either inspected or are of “known good” quality. Junk yards, pull-and-pay shops (where you find and take the part on your own), and even online are common venues to find used units. Make an appointment at your home or place of business with our service department if you require help changing the taillight.
How long does the tail light assembly replacement process take?
Get Ready Fortunately, changing the tail light bulbs isn’t hard and shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes to an hour. Be careful that newer models could be a little trickier to disassemble than older ones because there will be more wires.
How much does a new tail light assembly cost?
Cost of replacing a tail light Expect to pay between $200 and $500 if you elect to have a professional replace your tail light assembly. If you own a high-end luxury or performance vehicle, the cost of the job may increase.
How is a tail light assembly taken out?
Safety Advice
Always use safety eyewear when performing maintenance on your car. When necessary, put on additional personal protective equipment (PPE), such as latex gloves or closed-toe shoes.
On the back of your car, find the tail light assembly. When you use your brakes or turn signal, they illuminate on each corner.
Remove any mounting screws that are present on the exterior of the tail light assembly, if necessary.
How can I fix a broken tail light cover?
Craft glue might work if your tail light cover simply has a crack in it. However, if the damage is more significant, you should use some lens repair tape to cover the exposed region. This is available at most auto parts retailers, including this dealership.
Tail Light Assembly
The group of lights positioned on the back of your car is known as the tail light assembly. They are made up of the reverse lights, brake lights, and tail lights. Each set of lights has a specific function for nighttime conspicuity. The red tail lights are connected to switch on in conjunction with the activation of the front position lighting. When the driver applies the brakes, the brake lights turn on. On both sides of the car, these lights, which are a vivid red, are mounted in multiples of two.
In some vehicles, the brake lights and the tail lights can be merged. They can be placed as a dual-intensity bulb in these circumstances, with the brake-light having a brighter intensity. Fog lights are also used in cars to improve rear sight in heavily foggy conditions. When the driver shifts into reverse to back up the automobile, the reversing lamps turn on. For both your safety and the protection of other drivers, you must make sure the tail lights are in functioning order.
You should replace the tail light assembly if your tail lights have sustained external damage or if the lenses are dim. For every make and model of vehicle, Buy Auto Parts keeps a large selection of tail light assemblies in stock.
We offer excellent aftermarket components as well as original OEM replacements. All of our auto components are rigorously examined and backed by a warranty. Choose the correct year, make, and model of your car from our online catalog to view the components that fit it. You can purchase premium tail light assemblies at Buy Auto Parts for unbeatable pricing, plus free shipping. Contact us by email at [email protected] or over the phone at 1-888-907-7225 if you have any inquiries about our auto parts.
Can AutoZone repair damaged tail lights?
Shop online or visit your neighborhood AutoZone for nearby tail light lens repair. Having a practical fix for cracked, chipped, or damaged tail lights is crucial for both emergency situations and regular car maintenance in your garage.
Are the brake light and the tail light interchangeable?
Many automobiles have a single globe that houses both the braking and tail lights. In other words, both lights have the same external covering. Your car’s may be a little different, with individual globes. In contrast to brake lights, which turn on instantly when you hit the brakes, tail lights are activated by turning on your headlights or applying the parking brake. The brake lights are a brighter red than the tail lights, which are typically red on cars. White back-up lights are also included in your rear lights.
When my taillight breaks, can I still drive?
Don’t be shocked if you are pulled over if your taillight is damaged. A broken taillight is one of the safety offenses that police are constantly looking out for. It makes it more difficult for people to see you, and if the second one burns out as well, it will be quite difficult for approaching drivers to see you at night from the back. However, you won’t necessarily receive a penalty just because you’re stopped for a faulty taillight. Although it is technically against the law to drive with a broken taillight, most police officers would likely only issue you a warning and instruct you to have it replaced as soon as possible. However, some police officers do issue citations for damaged taillights.
Defective Fuse
A fuse box is probably found under the hood of your car or on the front passenger side of the cabin. Electrical components all throughout your car are controlled by fuses.
You can check the fuse box to determine if it is the source of the issue if your tail light has stopped working. The location of your fuse box and tail light fuse are both described in your car’s owner’s manual.
You can check the condition of your tail light fuse using a fuse tester. Replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage if it does not illuminate.
Bulb Burns Out
The extended use of a tail light bulb might cause it to burn out. Remove the tail light cover and examine the bulb to see whether this is the situation.
The filament of the tail light bulb can be seen to check for defects. You’ll have to buy a new bulb if the filament is broken.
Socket No Longer Works
There may be instances where the sockets for the tail lights malfunction. This might happen as a result of moisture getting inside the socket and corroding it. It may also occur as a result of a faulty wire connection between the socket and the lightbulb.
Look for any fading or damage to determine the condition of a socket. Replace the socket if it is blue, brown, or white, or if the pins are damaged or broken.
A multimeter can be used to measure the electrical current flowing through a socket. You can tell if electricity is getting to the socket’s pins by using a multimeter.
Finding the cause of a broken tail light can be difficult and irritating. Bring your automobile to a qualified auto mechanic if you are unclear of the source of a defective tail light. In this manner, you can have your vehicle inspected, figure out what’s wrong, and have your broken tail light fixed or replaced.
How much is a bulb for a rear brake light?
Anyone can learn how to replace a broken brake light. A replacement bulb costs approximately $10, and doing it yourself will save you about $20 in labor costs as well as the time it would take to drive to the shop and wait for the work to be completed.