2019+ Corolla Hatchback & 2023+ GR Corolla Tail Lights
Installation Guide
Required Tools:
- 10mm Socket & Ratchet
- Plastic Trim Removal Tool
- Masking Tape / Painter's Tape
- Inspection Camera / Borescope
- Fish Tape or Stiff Wire
- Zip Ties
Step 1: Remove Trunk Threshold Panel
Open the trunk. Use a 10mm socket to remove the two tie-down D-rings. Then, pull the center plastic threshold panel straight up to remove it.
Step 2: Access Side Wiring Harness
Use a trim tool to pop out the clips holding the felt trunk liner. Peel back the liner to access the factory tail light wiring harness. Disconnect the plug (Green harness on driver side, Yellow tape on passenger side).
Step 3: Remove Side Cover & Bolts
Use a pry tool to remove the plastic trim piece next to the tail light. Then, remove the two 10mm bolts securing the outer tail light assembly.
Step 4: The "Tape Trick" for Tail Light Removal
Pro Tip: Apply multiple layers of masking tape on the tail light lens and leave a handle. Pull the tape firmly straight back to pop the tail light loose without damaging the paint or the light.
Step 5: Remove Hatch Upper Trim
On the hatch door, use a pry tool to remove the large plastic trim panel covering the upper brake light area. This gives access to the wiring channels.
Step 6: Remove Inner Tail Lights
Unplug the red connector. Remove the three 10mm nuts securing the inner tail light. Carefully push the light outwards to remove it.
Step 7: Route the Wire Through the Grommet (Crucial Step)
Detach the rubber grommet connecting the hatch to the body. Use a fish tape or a borescope to route the turn signal wire from the hatch, through the rubber boot, and down into the C-pillar area.
Important: Ensure the rubber grommet is fully reseated and sealed to prevent water leaks.
Step 8: Connect Inner Lights Wiring
Plug the harnesses into the new inner tail lights. Ensure the turn signal wire routed in the previous step is connected securely. Reinstall the inner lights and tighten the nuts.
Step 9: Connect Outer Lights & Resistors
Pass the wiring harness through the body hole. Plug in the resistor (if equipped) and the main connector. Align the guide pins and firmly press the outer tail light into place.
Step 10: Install exterior taillights
Connect the wiring and test all light functions (Brake, Signal, Reverse) BEFORE fully reinstalling the trim panels.
Common Issues & Solutions
1. Tail light does not turn on after installation
Please first check whether the wiring harness connectors are properly connected and fully seated. Inspect the pins inside the connector to ensure none are bent or misaligned.
If any pins are bent, you may carefully straighten them using a paper clip or other small precision tool, then reconnect the plug securely.
2. Swap test
If the tail light still does not illuminate, try swapping the left and right tail lights to determine whether the issue is related to the light unit itself or the vehicle wiring.
3. Condensation inside the tail light
Condensation may occur due to temperature differences, which is a normal physical phenomenon. After the tail light has been operating for a period of time and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture will naturally dissipate.
This does not affect brightness, performance, or the lifespan of the tail light.
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