Fits: 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner (5th generation).
Two nuts and one plug per side, all reached through a service cover inside the trunk. The only step worth slowing down for is the foam gasket in Step 6.
Required Tools
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Ratchet
- 10mm deep socket
Part 1: Remove the Factory Tail Lights
Step 1: Remove the Service Cover
Open the trunk and find the access panel directly behind the tail light. Use a small flathead screwdriver to pop the two clips and take the cover off.
Step 2: Disconnect the Wiring Harness
Inside the housing, find the white power connector. Press the locking tab and unplug it.
Step 3: Remove the Mounting Nuts
Use the 10mm deep socket to remove the two mounting nuts, one at the top and one at the bottom.
Note: if a nut drops it will fall into the body cavity, so keep a hand under the socket.
Step 4: Remove the Factory Tail Light
Pull the assembly straight back. If it will not budge, tap gently on the side edge of the lens as shown to release the alignment clips, then lift it out.
Part 2: Install the New Tail Lights
Step 5: Transfer the Harness and Connect
Connect the factory wiring harness to the new LED tail light, twisting and locking the sockets into the new housing. On a full-LED assembly there is just the one main plug to connect.
Step 6: Check the Foam Gasket
Before the lamp goes anywhere near the body, check that the foam gasket on its back is sitting flat and square all the way round. A gasket folded over on itself is the usual cause of a leaking tail light.
Step 7: Fit the New Assembly
Line the guide pins up with the mounting holes and push the assembly forward until the side clips snap in. The lamp should sit flush with the body.
Step 8: Secure and Reassemble
Refit the two 10mm nuts and tighten them, but not hard enough to crush the gasket. Reconnect the power harness, test the lights, then snap the service cover back on.
Common Issues and Solutions
Tail light does not turn on after installation. Check that the harness connectors are fully seated. Inspect the pins inside each connector; if any are bent, carefully straighten them with a small precision tool and reconnect securely.
Swap test. If a tail light still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light itself or the vehicle wiring.
Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.
