How do you change a tail/brake light on a 2003 SC430
 

I see great instructions with pictures on how to change out the whole 2006 taillight assembly but can't find anything on changing a burnt out bulb on a 2003 SC430. Are there any step by step instructions and/or pictures on the process available? I don't want to wreck anything. Thanks in advance for any help.

just read those same instructions. only do the part on taking out the taillights, no need to deal with any of the trunk linings

i have also replied to your other post

2003 tail lights
 

So the configuration for removal of the 2006 and 2003 tail lights are the same as far as removal procedure? Are the bulbs something any auto parts store would carry or just Lexus? Thanks for the tip.

yes, same way to remove taillights (01-08)

bulbs are pretty common

open trunk. Remove little black tab. Remove bolt (10 mm with phillips head). Pull tail light assembly straight towards you (so pull back away from the car - NOT UP). Put a little muscle into it when you do this.

The bulb can be found at any auto store. The bulb model is in the back of the manual. Off the top of my head i think it is 7442, but someone confirm.

This should only take 10 min to do.

Worked fine
 

Thanks for the help on this. It did take longer than 10 minutes because I was afraid of breaking something which I did. I lifted the back of the black flange a little too high trying to look underneath and broke a clip. Not a biggy I don't think. Once it started to move the rest was history. Thanks much for the input. Now I need to figure out how to shut down the tire pressure monitor light on my dash. I'll look around. Thanks again.

open armrest, "push" out the heated seat buttons, at 45 degree up towards the windshield. disconnect. put shifter in N, untwist the shift knob. life up the shift plate from the back (close to armrest), and the front you pull it AWAY from the radio towards back of the car. look at white plugs (i think) underneath radio unit, unplug

Wow, my poor husband (who can usually fix anything) is still struggling with the brakelight change. Good thing I have anonymity here as it is 10 minutes and counting. Gotta love his persistence! He just had me double check the posts for a followup that said, "oops, left out one step"!! Thank you to my fellow Lexus forum folks! -- Oh, he just got it!!!! Yahoo! sorry no substance here, but just commenting on the good info in this forum. :-)

2005 sc430 brake light replacement bulb
 

Hi everyone, I think I've read every instruction on how to get at a break light bulb, but I'm having some difficulty so just want to be sure.

The bolt that needs to be removed is the one under the round, quarter-size, black rubber cap. It has a little star shape rather than a phillips or standard head. I actually even have a screwdriver that fits that shape, but for the life of me, I can NOT get that thing to budge.

I feel like I'm trying to unscrew a fixed object or the wrong thing as it simply will not move.

Before trying more drastic means of brute force, I want to make sure I've not mis-read all your fantastic instructions!

Thanks so much!

Yup, it is only connected with the one screw, try spraying with penetrating oil and let it sit for a bit and remember righty tighty, lefty loosey! Once you grt the screw out the whole lens housing should pop out by pulling straight back. I had to replace the whole assembly after my wife broke the lens, it took 10 minutes total plus the time for Sewell to ship the part.

Thanks SEBtown. I do remember righty lefty, tighty loosey. Tried it both ways as it depends on whether I'm standing behind the trunk or from the opposite side beside the car. I'll have to get some WD-40 and give that a shot. I certainly appreciate the feedback as the screw is in there absolutely solid. Thanks again. Glad to know I'm at least attempting the right thing :)

Use a ratchet with the proper size Torx bit - easier to get the needed torque with a ratchet vs a screw driver.

Change brake light bulb SC430
 

I changed the brake light bulb on my SC430. I have read the instructions of other members and it was really helpful and encouraged me to do it myself. It was really easy! I wanted to add that there are two jack prongs holding the other side (fender/bumper) of the light assembly. Remove the screw and push down on top of the light assembly and it will release the prongs then you may pull up towards you gently and you can twist off the bulb socket that you need to replaced. This will help not to break the clip on top of the light assembly.

Anyone can verify that the item # for the bulb is 7443? or this on ebay?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-White-7443-7440-9-In-line-LED-Brake-Turn-Signal-Rear-Light-Bulb-Lamp-12V-/371322001696?hash=item5674841920&vxp=mtr

Prasha, I believe 7443 is the tail light bulb number, but those specific LED's will probably trip the ECU computer and make your dash error light illuminate. Just thought you should know.