Hello all,

I have a 2003 LS430, the "taillamp failure" it's the driver side top lamp that's goes in and out, but I have tried to twist it out but it doesn't seem to come out. I work on my cars for most minor things like this but I am nervous about stripping the wire out or breaking something. Is there a particular method or special tool to replacing the bulb. I just don't want to use brut force and break it.

Thanks guys in advance this community has been very helpful so far.

 

Push in as you rotate counter clockwise. You may have some corrosion in the socket if it sometimes works. You could try cleaning it with contact cleaner and a very fine steel wool. Or you could solder in a new socket.

 

These cars are fossils by now and trying to remove these bulbs can be a task. Be careful or you will be replacing the receptacle as well. I had a few bulbs go on me when I first purchase my car 6 years ago and I carefully removed them with some help with needle nose pliers. The wires going to the receptacle felt really brittle so I tried to be careful. Remember that all the rubber and wiring in our cars are getting on in years and we must be extra careful in order to avoid further issues.