Mp0wer

If anyone is looking to replace their license plate bulbs in a 2002 ES300.

First pull off these black plugs, just pull the 3 along the front.


Then you have to remove the emergency trunk handle, you need to take apart the handle itself, like this


Then remove the handle by using a screw driver seen here


There are 2 more clips holding the trunk mat


Here you can see the license plate sockets, just turn clockwise


Then replace with a 194 LED bulb or whatever you like


Goodluck

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Nice. Much simpler than the 2ES. I have to take out the entire tail light to do mine lol...

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

Is it not possible to access it from the outside?

I just recently switched my license plate lights with LED's on my 3ES, and it was simple to access from the outside. There was 1 small 2-piece plugs for each of the lights. Just push in the middle and pull out the plug, and gently pry out the assembly with a flathead. It should pop out fairly easily, turn to unplug the bulb, and replace.

Took about 5 minutes without having to take apart the inside of the trunk.

Mp0wer

I really don't think there is a way to access these bulbs from the outside. If anyone has replaced these bulbs from the outside please let me know. It took me 5 mins to access these bulbs from the inside.

hoonami

when i had my 02 es300, i believe it changed the bulbs from the outside as well... no tools needed, all i had to do was push one pin and it slides out....

R1R

Yup, I changed mine from the outside as well. Very easy to do.

wdlugitch

My left license plate bulb is out, I bought new bulbs, but do not see any pin to push in and slide it out. Could anyone post a picture of what you are speaking of? Thanks.

speedkar9

The method stated above is correct. You need to remove the trunk liner to access the license plate bulbs. There is no external way to change the bulbs on the 4ES.

wdlugitch

Thank you. 4ES is 4th generation? You are referring to my 2002? QUOTE=speedkar9;7508737]The method stated above is correct. You need to remove the trunk liner to access the license plate bulbs. There is no external way to change the bulbs on the 4ES.[/QUOTE]

speedkar9

Yes 2002-06 = 4th gen. Thats how I did my 05, same body style.

Andrew211

Thanks!!! I'm doing mine today!!

speedkar9

toytrain13

I don't see how to disassemble the emergency trunk handle. Do the two halves just snap apart? And is there then a screw to unfasten to remove the rest of the handle?

speedkar9

Use a thin screw driver to snap the top half away from the bottom half of the handle.

There is no screw behind the handle, just pull it down (hard) and it will come free from the trunk lid.

rlx101

those who replace plate light with super bright LED's - i dont understand why you would want to make it easier for everybody (cops included) to read your plate number??? its like running around and screaming your address and phone number to a bunch of strangers. I am the opposite - i put those tinted plate covers on, had to take them off for the inspection though. cops hat those though.