LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430
Old 01-09-15, 11:32 AM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: Lexus IS Lighting Guides
Print Wikipost

How to replace tail lamp bulb? Help please!

Old 05-18-08, 05:39 PM
  #1  
fyuen
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
fyuen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default How to replace tail lamp bulb? Help please!

I can't figure out how to replace the burnt light bulb for the rear tail lamp on my 2001 LS430 - circled in yellow in attached picture. Anyone had experience doing so, help please! Thanks a lot! (Note: it's also the brake lamp.)
Attached Thumbnails How to replace tail lamp bulb?  Help please!-taillamp.jpg  
Old 05-19-08, 07:12 PM
  #2  
fyuen
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
fyuen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Nobody has done this before?!

I just want to know where can I access the bulb. I thought it's a common issue for owners with higher mileage LS....?!
Old 05-19-08, 09:49 PM
  #3  
mikemareen
Lexus Test Driver
 
mikemareen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: southern cali, san gabriel valley
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

look directly behind that part of the tail lamp in the trunk, there is a velcro carpet door flap. Open it !!

Originally Posted by fyuen
I can't figure out how to replace the burnt light bulb for the rear tail lamp on my 2001 LS430 - circled in yellow in attached picture. Anyone had experience doing so, help please! Thanks a lot! (Note: it's also the brake lamp.)
Old 05-19-08, 10:32 PM
  #4  
fyuen
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
fyuen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Not that one....

I definitely tried that one already. It's for the two tail lamps that sandwiched the right turn signal. But the one I have problem with is the lower right brake lamp, precisely, the right half of the lamp in the yellow circle. Thanks for your input though!
Old 05-20-08, 07:43 AM
  #5  
lnguyenh
Pole Position
 
lnguyenh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: VA
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I think there were 3 bulbs in there. I had to crawl into the trunk with a flash light to access it. Give it a try.
Old 05-23-08, 09:05 PM
  #6  
fyuen
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
fyuen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WA
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Finally, I found out that the answer is at the lower light bulb. It's a two-filament type. One of them burnt out. Thanks for responding though.
Old 07-23-14, 11:29 PM
  #7  
TomFullery
Driver School Candidate
 
TomFullery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Victoria
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Me too!

Hi, I'm also trying to replace a brake light on my 2004 LS 430.

The little Velcro hatch seems to allow access to the reversing and indicator bulb, but I can't reach the brake light bulb as it's too far down.

Do I need to remove the whole lens?

Or am I being daft?

Thanks
Old 07-24-14, 06:13 AM
  #8  
ancdmd
Lexus Test Driver
 
ancdmd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: McAllen, TX
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Your 2004 had LED lights, no bulbs, I believe you gotta replace the entire assembly.
Old 07-24-14, 05:48 PM
  #9  
TomFullery
Driver School Candidate
 
TomFullery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Victoria
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thank you! That explains why the previous owner hadn't fixed it. That sounds expensive. Do you mean the whole lamp assembly, including the lens? Or is there some internal part that houses the LED bulbs?
Old 07-24-14, 07:06 PM
  #10  
ancdmd
Lexus Test Driver
 
ancdmd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: McAllen, TX
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

the entire assembly, lens included.
Old 07-24-14, 08:30 PM
  #11  
LS430FL
Instructor
 
LS430FL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: FL
Posts: 1,078
Received 91 Likes on 77 Posts
Default

go on ebay plenty of used tail light assemblies for sale with the newer LED style
Old 07-27-14, 01:00 AM
  #12  
TomFullery
Driver School Candidate
 
TomFullery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Victoria
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks again for help (only just bought the LS, as you may have guessed).

eBay doesn't seem to be offering me any used light assemblies that are the correct side (left) and are for the 2004 onwards LED lights. I'm in Australia and there are very few of these cars here. I'd be willing to pay postage from the USA but can't seem to find the right part. Maybe I'll try some local wreckers...
Old 07-27-14, 09:49 AM
  #13  
Tom57
Pole Position
 
Tom57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,146
Received 67 Likes on 63 Posts
Default

Tom, eBay has new OEM LED tail light lenses very reasonably priced: Pair > http://www.ebay.com/itm/231136350018
Or just the left side > http://www.ebay.com/itm/131069152815 Contact the seller offering a pair and ask for price for left side only. The auto recyclers may save you $100.
Old 07-28-14, 06:09 AM
  #14  
TomFullery
Driver School Candidate
 
TomFullery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Victoria
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the link, Tom

I can see these are cheaper than from Lexus, but paying the freight charge on a new one brings it close to what Lexus here see asking.
Old 07-28-14, 11:48 AM
  #15  
RushNatU
Intermediate
 
RushNatU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Indiana
Posts: 273
Received 23 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Are these plug and play for the 01-03 models? I'd like to upgrade to LED with the clear turn signals.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: How to replace tail lamp bulb? Help please!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:20 PM.