License plate bulb replacement, Lexus IS 300 - Auto Repair Series

License plate bulb replacement: 30 to 60 minutes ($10 / $175 / $280)
In this video I replaced a bulb for the license plate. Seemed like a Mercedes repair, just to much work for a little light bulb. Worse part about it was the fact that I let the trunk close during the process and almost did not get it back open.

[@cucucanu]

Thanks Robert. Just completed the job about 10 minutes ago. Took me about 30 minutes total. Don't need any reason for the cops to pull me over...

[@RobertDIY]

Cucu Canu I understand. Thanks for your comments.

[@RyanBurnsRed]

I just did this job and have to say the hardest part was getting the trim around the emergency release to come out. When I got one side free the other would slide back in. Took like 15 minutes before I thought to wedge something in one side while I work the other side. Then once both were out I had to pull the trim towards me to release the left side, then wiggle the right side free. Major pain in the ass but I got it done. Thanks Robert

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for sharing. You are welcome.

[@biketennis5993]

Thanks for posting. I have a 1996 Lexus E300. After hearing about the cost to have a dealer replace a light bulb, I will try to do it myself following your directions.

[@RobertDIY]

+Bike Tennis hope all goes well.

[@normanwohkittel7487]

Excellent video, Robert. I was able to replace the license plate bulbs on my 2005 IS300 without any problems thanks to your video.

[@RobertDIY]

Awesome! Not sure why they made it so difficult.

[@Antiorthodoxy]

This was the best tutorial I found. I didn't snap anything and I converted my license plate lights to LED. Now I have a "tail light out" warning light on my dashboard but I'll fix that another day.

[@RobertDIY]

Yes, LED's tend to do that.

[@Antiorthodoxy]

I disconnected the battery for a minute and got the light to turn off. Hopefully it'll stay off. Thanks again for the tutorial.

[@jonahbert111]

I have a 98 ES300. It is replaceable from the outside, no removal of all that stuff. There is a gray connector on the outside, looks like a plastic rivet. Push in the center disengages the connector. Use small screwdriver to prey down the light fixture. To reverse, take plastic connector and remove center pin. Push fixture back up into place. Push plastic connector into place without the center pin. Push pin gently back till flush with surface. Close lid to show that connector is holding properly.

[@RobertDIY]

+Daniel Rose Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@mattkeefe3850]

Excellent information. very good tip on not closing the trunk before the locking mechanism is screw back in. Removing the bezel is the way to do it. I would take a orientation photo so of the lights so you put them in exactly the way they came out. After I dropped one screw I used silicone grease on the other to hold it in the socket. Thank for your help

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for sharing.

[@112Dirt]

This video is spot on! I replaced both the license plate bulbs and the trunk lid brake lights while I had everything apart. For both sets of bulbs I paid about $10. Just out of curiosity I called Lexus to see how much would parts and labor cost me for that job and they quoted me $256 plus tax!!!!

[@RobertDIY]

112Dirt Dang. Glad you found the video. I'll post that cost in the ABOUT remarks.

[@wakegary]

I'm having to do the same repair on my Volvo C-30. I actual metal bulb holder fell out. I ordered a part on TASCA. I hope it's the right one.

[@RobertDIY]

Let us know how it goes.

[@tim656]

I just did this on a 2001 Altezza Gita - the wagon version of this car. Near the same procedure, had to pull off the liner on the inside of the hatch. Requires a panel tool, and a screwdriver for one screw which secures the grab handle on the inside of the hatch. Once the liner is off, the bulb housing can be pulled from the backside. I replaced both bulbs with LED versions, which seem a little brighter.

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for sharing.

[@wingmanbman]

Robert, Thanks for the video. I'm trying to figure out how to change the 3rd tail light in the spoiler of my 2002 Lexus IS300. I bought the 3rd light assembly from Lexus for $260.00. They said I could just pull the wire thru and unclip the old one and clip the new one, but I can only pull the wire harness out a couple inches (not far enough to get to the clip). Have you replaced one of these before?

[@sergedenovo4873]

finally tackled this job today..... WOW! Almost pissing me off enough to use the gorilla method and prying them out from the outside! WOW! Absurd!!!! Crazy, Rob.... The pain and the struggle and pain is real! LOL!

[@RobertDIY]

+Rasputin 883 crazy huh?

[@aliu_q60a26]

jusy changed my license plate light bulbs to led, thank you very much and the video was very informative.

[@RobertDIY]

+HollyWood Aliu Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@PetrolPatrol]

omg compared to how easy the headlight bulbs are to change this is a horrendous amount of kerfuffle for some tiny little license plate lights. In my old car they popped out from the outside, and then you unscrew the lens and pop the light in... Lexus what were you thinking with this design?

[@RobertDIY]

muff patrol Lol, believe it or not, there are worse.

[@cricketgym7279]

thank you so much i appreciate your honesty

[@RobertDIY]

You are so welcome

[@SureAllRight]

You don't need to take the trim off. Just get the connector off and twist the socket out and replace the bulb and put it back again.

[@trevorkeyser272]

Was this what cause the is300s draw in power when driving

[@RobertDIY]

no

[@trevorkeyser272]

@@RobertDIY what was the issue because I’m having the same major voltage drop around 3 to 4k rpms

[@chelseagrin5132]

I can't get the little clips off to take off the trim. how did you get to them?

[@RobertDIY]

Man, I'd have to watch the video.

[@sergedenovo4873]

Brute -but gentle force. ...Really.

[@TheReaperEvans]

help! how did you get the truck back open?

[@RobertDIY]

+TheReaperEvans I don't understand your question.

[@soadynamic6199]

Very helpful information!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@MCminus2]

Thanks! Easier to watch this than read about it!

[@RobertDIY]

Devon Harris Thanks for watching.

[@luevanojoey]

You’re the man! Thanks!

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@bryanholton193]

Getting ready to do this. What a nightmare!

[@RobertDIY]

Bryan Holton Worse things can happen.

[@bryanholton193]

So true and with your video this was a breeze! Thank you!

[@notorioussouljur]

Thank u

[@RobertDIY]

you are welcome.

[@realgomez27]

what area of NM are you from maybe your a local to me I'm also from NM

[@RobertDIY]

+realgomez27 ABQ

[@realgomez27]

Robert DIY pretty local I'm from SF

[@RobertDIY]

+realgomez27 Cool. I go there every once in a while.

[@realgomez27]

Robert DIY cool Same here I got to abq every once in a while too

[@wrikywrek]

thanks!

[@RobertDIY]

+Ricardo Vivanco Thank you for watching.

[@mds2465]

yes silly design indeed. but u know u can open the trunk via the remote fob button or the trunk release latch which on Lexus is located on the driver's side

[@RobertDIY]

It would not release. I pulled it over and over and over again.

[@cosmicmariner6621]

Come on man! You got to include lockkin' yourself out! NOW how in the hell did you get that trunk open THAT IS VITAL INFO WE ALL COULD USE.

[@RobertDIY]

Ouch!

[@sergedenovo4873]

That's crazy amount of work for that bullshit!!!

[@RobertDIY]

I agree.

[@sergedenovo4873]

Robert DIY Plus, once you pop out those clips, they never are as tight as before.

[@RobertDIY]

+Rasputin 883 yep, getting old.

[@zx8401ztv]

Now that was a silly design, thats a good use for led bulbs, lasting for longer. I like old old cars better, my mates have a triumph herald and morris minor 1000, less to go wrong :-))

[@RobertDIY]

Someone sent me a message about the 3rd brake light bulb in the MB 320 and they said it was a $620 dealer cost for the replacement.

[@zx8401ztv]

Robert DIY Eeek my wallet is sad for anyone owning that car :-(

[@danielguerrero4559]

having trouble taking out the handle trim

[@RobertDIY]

+Daniel Guerrero On the trunk lid?

[@bagiogunes9339]

Just have a head camera!. Thanks

[@RobertDIY]

ok

[@raymundorubio2375]

Shame on u Lexus for doing all this work 😡🤬for something so simple

[@RobertDIY]

I know right!?

[@MultiRobin1971]

What a crap design, what's wrong with Lexus just putting two screws in the lenses?

[@RobertDIY]

Well, they actually put 4. Tough for a simple problem.