Fits: 2019-2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback and 2023-2026 GR Corolla.
Two lamps sit on the body and two on the hatch. The job that takes the longest is Step 7, feeding the turn signal wire through the rubber boot between the hatch and the body, so have a fish tape ready before you start.
Required Tools
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- Plastic trim removal tool
- Masking or painter's tape
- Inspection camera or borescope
- Fish tape or stiff wire
- Zip ties
Part 1: The Outer Lamps
Step 1: Remove the Trunk Threshold Panel
Open the trunk. Use the 10mm socket to take out the two tie-down D-rings, then pull the center plastic threshold panel straight up and off.
Step 2: Reach the Side Wiring Harness
Pop the clips holding the felt trunk liner with a trim tool and peel the liner back to reach the factory tail light harness. Disconnect the plug. It is the green harness on the driver's side and the one with yellow tape on the passenger side.
Step 3: Remove the Side Cover and Bolts
Pry off the plastic trim piece next to the tail light, then remove the two 10mm bolts holding the outer lamp.
Step 4: The Tape Trick
Rather than levering on the lens, build up several layers of masking tape across the tail light and leave yourself a tab to hold. Pull the tab firmly straight back and the lamp pops loose without marking the paint or the lens.
Part 2: The Inner Lamps and Wiring
Step 5: Remove the Hatch Upper Trim
On the hatch door, pry off the large plastic trim panel covering the upper brake light area. This opens up the wiring channels.
Step 6: Remove the Inner Tail Lights
Unplug the red connector, take out the three 10mm nuts holding the inner lamp, and push the lamp gently outward to free it.
Step 7: Route the Wire Through the Grommet
Detach the rubber grommet that carries wiring between the hatch and the body. Use a fish tape, with a borescope if you have one, to draw the turn signal wire out of the hatch, through the rubber boot and down into the C-pillar.
Important: when you are done, make sure the grommet is fully reseated and sealed. A grommet left half-seated is a water leak into the trunk.
Step 8: Connect the Inner Lamps
Plug the harnesses into the new inner lamps and check that the turn signal wire you just routed is connected securely. Refit the inner lamps and tighten the nuts.
Part 3: Finish and Test
Step 9: Connect the Outer Lamps
Pass the wiring harness through the hole in the body. Plug in the resistor, if your set has one, and the main connector. Line up the guide pins and press the outer lamp firmly into place.
Step 10: Test Before the Trim Goes Back
With all four lamps connected, switch the car on and check the brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights on both sides, and confirm the inner and outer sections are in step. Only then put the trim panels back.
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.
The inner lamp's turn signal does not work. That circuit runs on the wire routed through the grommet in Step 7. Check it at both ends before suspecting the lamp.
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.
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