RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

How to Change the rear side marker light

Old 02-17-12, 06:32 PM
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Default How to Change the rear side marker light

I realize that this may sound like a dumb question, but I cannot figure out how to change the bulb in the rear sidemarker on my '99 RX without tearing up the lamp holder. Does anyone have some info?

Thanks in advance
Old 02-17-12, 07:13 PM
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carguy07
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTCrEvksX2g

http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ts/brake_light
Old 02-18-12, 03:44 AM
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bob2200
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I think he is asking about a rear side-marker, not the rear lights.

It has been several years since I worked on one of mine, which had a water leak. As I recall, the socket just twisted off, bayonette fashion. My side marker was filled with water (which is not an uncommon source of failure). I replaced the corroded socket, which comes with a short stub of wire and connector, and drilled a small hole in the bottom of the plastic assembly to drain any further leakage (a solution I read about here on this forum). Things have been fine since then.
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Old 02-18-12, 05:06 AM
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carguy07
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Originally Posted by bob2200
I think he is asking about a rear side-marker, not the rear lights.

It has been several years since I worked on one of mine, which had a water leak. As I recall, the socket just twisted off, bayonette fashion. My side marker was filled with water (which is not an uncommon source of failure). I replaced the corroded socket, which comes with a short stub of wire and connector, and drilled a small hole in the bottom of the plastic assembly to drain any further leakage (a solution I read about here on this forum). Things have been fine since then.
You're right, the one in the bumper. I should have looked at a picture, I kept trying to think what was back there and could not think of anything else but the rear lights.

I think this is a pic of the back of one: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/3381611-post12.html

Last edited by carguy07; 02-18-12 at 05:20 AM.
Old 02-18-12, 09:35 AM
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There should be a washer on the inner side of the sidemarker. So youd have to get your hands into the backside of the bumper. Then it simply deattached from its place.

Thats how my wifes car was atleast.
Old 02-19-12, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by L3XOTIC
There should be a washer on the inner side of the sidemarker. So youd have to get your hands into the backside of the bumper. Then it simply deattached from its place.

Thats how my wifes car was atleast.
That's exactly how my '99 RX300 was. I just ordered two new rear markers when the light blew out. Mine were so faded they weren't red anymore! I think they were about $15 each side. Kept her looking new with those replaced. I never really noticed a water problem after the new ones were installed.
Old 02-19-12, 12:59 PM
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thug9030
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how do you get those REAR side markers off because one of the bulbs have died in one
Old 02-19-12, 11:06 PM
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If I remember correctly, I started from the rear tire wheel well. Unscrewed the fender wall to access the markers.
Old 02-20-12, 11:22 AM
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I've done this on both front and rear. First start by removing the rear mud/splash guard. Then just start removing some of the screws at the bottom of the wheel well and the piece at the bottom of the quarter panel. You can get it to open up wide enough to get your hand and arm up there. Next, there is a small stud mounted on the rear marker at the rear of the marker that is held on with a small bolt with a wide flange or washer attached. It may take a small wrench or something to loosen it. This was the hardest part. Once off, be sure NOT TO DROP the bolt down into the quarter panel!! Once off, the stud pops outward and the front of the marker slides back and can be removed. Then you have access to the bulb! When you put it back in, just hand tighten that bolt so you don't have to struggle with it again.
Old 02-22-12, 04:52 AM
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jhuang2668
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I need to change my daughter's RX300 side marks, so I checked my old files and found a cache copy from rx300how2,
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
DIY Side Markers lights RX300.pdf (1.71 MB, 8515 views)
Old 02-22-12, 05:53 PM
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carguy07
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Originally Posted by jhuang2668
I need to change my daughter's RX300 side marks, so I checked my old files and found a cache copy from rx300how2,
Do you have the rest of the DIY's from that site (including the pictures)? Those were awesome.
Old 02-22-12, 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by carguy07
Do you have the rest of the DIY's from that site (including the pictures)? Those were awesome.
I had the transmission fluid change, and oil change left in my old files, but I think other members had much better illustrations in their DIYs. If you need it I will to upload it.
Old 01-04-14, 09:54 AM
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Smile Side Marker Replacement

To all who posted here. Thank you for the DIYs, very helpful. Replaced all 4 of my side markers today.
Old 09-11-17, 10:03 AM
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kguttag
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Default Follow the PDF directions, they work

Originally Posted by jhuang2668
I need to change my daughter's RX300 side marks, so I checked my old files and found a cache copy from rx300how2,
Link to the directions that work: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...ghts-rx300.pdf

These PDF Directions keep on giving. The Youtube video for replacing the markers is worse than worthless (shows you nothing important and just wastes your time), but the PDF directions by rx300how work and take about 30 minutes (give or take how fast you are). I had a driver side rear market that have totally faded to white.

BTW as of today (2017), I found this one worked and includes the blub for $11:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R0Z18W/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R0Z18W/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The trickiest part is getting the two plastic push plugs out and noting that there is a 10mm/Phillips screw that holds the fender up (the reason wheel well shield out is to get at this screw on the bumper cover). Also the nut that holds the Marker in is 8mm whereas all the other nuts are 10mm.

Last edited by kguttag; 09-13-17 at 08:52 PM. Reason: Added link for directions and cleaned up the writing
Old 09-13-17, 08:37 AM
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I also just replaced all 4 side markers, the car looks way nicer now. The back ones were faded clear except a tiny sliver of red at the bottom.

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