ktiger

Can someone provide information on how to remove the carpet on the tailgate so I can get to the screws that will allow me to change a blown tail light? I have tried to remove it and ripped the backside of one corner. The manual says take it to the dealer but I don't want to pay them $120 to change out a stupid tail light.

Thanks for the help.

tabraha

I pulled slightly with my hand till I found where the plastic anchors were. I then took a flathead screwdriver and popped the cover up from the end anchors. After that I could pull the cover up by popping the anchors one at a time. Also, once you get the cover off, save yourself some trouble and change BOTH bulbs out at the same time. I changed a bulb in the gate a few months ago and now the other side is burnt out and I have gotta go back in


Tad Abraham

ktiger

Thanks Tad. My problem is that after I pulled the left corner up it appeared that I tore the backside of the carpet where the anchor is located. It seemed to me that the backside is made of press wood and you would have to slide the carpet to one side to get it off.

Did you slide the carpet? Did you have trouble putting the carpet back?

tabraha

Gimme a couple days and I'll post up some pics.

Tad

stanigu

I changed out my wife's LX470's bulb today, and thought I'd shoot some pics. It actually wasn't hard at all--took all of about 2 minutes!

stanigu

You just have to get your hand right around the grommet and give a firm, controlled yank and they'll pop right out. Here's the pic showing where the grommets are located.

ktiger

Thanks guys. Huge help, it only took a couple minutes. The Lexus dealer wanted $80 and the Toyota dealer wanted $40 to change it.

HCTZ25M

Thank you.
The 2 pictures really help out.
But it took me 10 minutes but it is worth it, saving a warning traffic ticket and the time and the safety.
Thank you so much.

hankinid

What you need is a simple panel removal tool to fit the plastic fasteners...Harbor Fright can get you a basic selection for < $10...more complete sets are on eBay or Amazon and seem to top out around $40-50. If you want to do almost anything on the truck you'll save a ton of time v. screwdrivers or "controlled" yanks. You also stand a good chance of breaking a plastic clip, which can run anywhere from $1 to $5 at your Lexus parts department...given Murphy's law, the parts guys are always closed with you need a piece. Toyota standard plastic fasteners are also on eBay, MUCH cheaper than through Lexus.