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.)

 

I just want to know where can I access the bulb. I thought it's a common issue for owners with higher mileage LS....?!

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Your 2004 had LED lights, no bulbs, I believe you gotta replace the entire assembly.

 

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?

 

the entire assembly, lens included.

 

go on ebay plenty of used tail light assemblies for sale with the newer LED style

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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