Maintenance and care

Light bulbs

8steps
~48min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 8

You may replace the following bulbs by yourself. The difficulty level of replacement varies depending on the bulb. If necessary bulb replacement seems difficult to perform, contact your Toyota dealer.

For more information about replacing other light bulbs, contact your Toyota dealer.

Preparing for light bulb replacement

Check the wattage of the light bulb to be replaced.

Bulb location

Front (type A)

Light bulbs

  1. Front turn signal/parking lights
  2. Front side marker lights

Front (type B)

Light bulbs

  1. Front turn signal lights
  2. Front side marker lights

Front (type C)

Light bulbs

  1. Front turn signal lights
  2. Front side marker lights

Rear

Light bulbs

  1. Rear turn signal lights
  2. Back-up lights

■ Lights that need to be replaced by your Toyota dealer

  • Headlights
  • Front turn signal lights (LED type)
  • Daytime running lights
  • Parking lights (LED type)
  • Front side marker lights (LED type)
  • Fog lights (if equipped)
  • Side turn signal lights (if equipped)
  • Tail lights
  • Stop lights
  • Rear side marker lights
  • High mounted stoplight
  • License plate lights
  • Outer foot lights (if equipped)

■LED lights

The lights other than the following lights each consist of a number of LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out, take your vehicle to your Toyota dealer to have the light replaced.

  • Front turn signal lights (bulb type)
  • Parking lights (type A)
  • Front side marker lights (bulb type)
  • Rear turn signal lights
  • Back-up lights
  • Outer foot lights (if equipped)

■Condensation build-up on the inside of the lens

Temporary condensation build-up on the inside of the light lens does not indicate a malfunction. Contact your Toyota dealer for more information in the following situations:

  • Large drops of water have built up on the inside of the lens.
  • Water has built up inside the light.

Replacing light bulb

■ Front turn signal/parking lights (type A)

1. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Light bulbs

2. Remove the light bulb.

Light bulbs

3. Install a new light bulb then install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Light bulbs

■ Front turn signal lights (type B and C)

1. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Light bulbs

2. Remove the light bulb.

Light bulbs

3. Install a new light bulb then install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Light bulbs

■ Front side marker lights (type A)

1. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Light bulbs

2. Remove the light bulb.

Light bulbs

3. Install a new light bulb then install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Light bulbs

■ Front side marker lights (type B and C)

1. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Light bulbs

2. Remove the light bulb.

Light bulbs

3. Install a new light bulb then install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Light bulbs

■ Rear turn signal lights

1. Open the back door and remove the cover.

Light bulbs

2. Remove the screws and remove the unit.

Remove the lamp assembly by pulling it directly backward from the rear of the vehicle.

Light bulbs

3. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Light bulbs

4. Remove the light bulb.

Light bulbs

5. Install a new light bulb then install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Light bulbs

6. Align the grooves on the light unit with the claws, and insert the light unit straight so that the pin on the light unit fit into the hole.

Confirm that the light unit is completely secured.

Light bulbs

7. Reinstall the screws.

Light bulbs

8. Reinstall the cover.

Light bulbs

■ Back-up lights

1. Open the back door and remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the cover, protect the tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Light bulbs

2. Turn the bulb base counterclockwise.

Remove the cord from the clip before turning the bulb base.

Light bulbs

3. Remove the light bulb.

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4. Install a new light bulb.

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5. Install the bulb base to the light unit by inserting it and turning the bulb base clockwise.

Secure the cord with the clip back again after installing the bulb base.

Light bulbs

6. Reinstall the cover.

Light bulbs

WARNING

■Replacing light bulb

  • Turn off the light. Do not attempt to replace the bulb immediately after turning off the light.

    The bulb become very hot and may cause burns.

  • Do not touch the glass portion of the light bulb with bare hands. When it is unavoidable to hold the glass portion, use and hold with a clean dry cloth to avoid getting moisture and oils on the bulb.

    Also, if the bulb is scratched or dropped, it may blow out or crack.

  • Fully install light bulb and any parts used to secure it. Failure to do so may result in heat damage, fire, or water entering the light unit. This may damage the light or cause condensation to build up on the lens.
  • Do not attempt to repair or disassemble light bulbs, connectors, electric circuits or component parts.

    Doing so may result in death or serious injury due to electric shock.

■To prevent damage or fire

  • Make sure bulb is fully seated and locked.
  • Check the wattage of the bulb before installing to prevent heat damage.

Test yourself

A quick Toyota RAV4 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.