Toyota Highlander Tail Light Replacement (2011)

[@annkennedy8370]

Hello to everyone who wants to try/do this. I am a 67-year-old grandmother and as my granddaughter is always stating -- "Grandma can fix just about anything". I recently backed up into a post that broke my rear passenger taillight housing. I decided to go to you tube and see what it would take for me to replace the light housing. I found this video and it was so helpful. I was able to do this myself and it only took me 90 minutes to complete the task. I have small hands and immediately decided that it was going to be much easier to take the long road on this. My hands barely fit into the access port, so I took the housing around the area apart, like he did, and it was not hard to swap out the broken for the new. Thank you for the video.

[@kathyguido3724]

This may be the clearest how-to video I have ever found on KZbin. I tried using the access port first, but the adjustable socket I borrowed wouldn't fit, so I followed your instructions for opening up the inside of my 2013 Highlander to reach the bolts. It was a pain, but it worked and didn't even take all that long. Thanks!

[@alicedowns9284]

Thank you, because of your good instructions my husband and I were able to replace both of our broken tail light assembly. It took us about 3.5 hours to do both, but we are senior citizens. You saved us big bucks! Thank you again!

[@hopemoore4876]

Thank you sir! My 17 year old daughter was able to purchase and replace her busted tail light using your video. Saved her a fortune.

[@afskinner]

I watched 5 or 6 videos before I found yours. None of them showed how to get it off or weren't the right year! This was so easy! I changed the right tail light on my 2013 highlander in about 30 minutes! Thank you thank you! Very very helpful video!

[@jimintaos]

A quick note of thanks. I installed the new rear tail light lens this morning. It took exactly an hour from start to putting the tools away. Your video made that possible, I would have messed around with this damn thing for two hours at least. So, again, thanks.

[@2002southzone]

I was having an issue getting my sausage fingers into the small opening to change the tail light bulb. I found this video extremely helpful!!!! I was able to complete the job in about 15 minutes. Without the video, I'd still be working to find the screws and bolts. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@avikmkrtchian146]

Great video. I just replaced my 2012 highlander taillight. Took me about 30-40 minutes after watching the video. Saved me 100s. Anyone doing this make sure you have a deep socket for the screws holding the light. Not sure if that was mentioned. Also to remove the assembly off that clip I didn’t use a plastic tool to pry it. I put two hands in the corner where the snap is. Applied pressure and pushed it back. It popped right off.

[@lindasmith3593]

Super thorough! Did it myself (as a 63-year-old female) Haha! Just followed your instructions! Thanks!

[@stefanpallazza9769]

Just finished replacing the driver’s side assembly. Would’ve taken much longer without the help of your video. Thanks so much for posting!

[@alanochieng7802]

Now I see why the dealer would want to charge over $400 to replace this tail light! The part is inexpensive, but getting to unfasten the two bolts is what eats up labor time, with all the panels to unclip and move. But thanks to you Jasper, I did it! May I just add that there is a big plastic clip holding the light to the rear bumper that people need to be aware of. It attaches to the bottom part of the light fixture and clips to the lip of the bumper. That is where all the wiggling and jiggling the fixture becomes necessary. If it comes loose, You may need to use a bonding agent to hold it in place while attaching the light. Thanks again!

[@diegoestrada4366]

what size deep socket did you use?

[@wangandrew607]

Thank you so much. I searched online for the Highlander 2012 driver side tail light assembly replacement. This one does help me even if it is for other side. Your explanation and video are just good enough.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Thanks. Without this video, it would be difficult to figure out the best approach to this job. You showed us both the easy way, if you have the right tools, and the hard way, if you're using regular tools. The points you made about the function of the yellow snap and the pictures of how things fit together were extremely helpful.

[@jimintaos]

Thanks, this was enormously helpful. Tomorrow morning I'll go swap out the tail light on my customer's car. It's not a paid gig though. I backed his car into a stone table as I was moving it around his yard. So-70 dollars later and maybe an hour's worth of time and I will have made him happy (sort of) and basically worked for nothing on the day I broke his tail light. Still, it could have been worse. I could have nailed the stone table with his tail gate and put a big $2,000.00 dent in that puppy.

[@ralphwalker1630]

Jasper, You saved me some money. I needed to replace the brake bulb only. But getting to it is almost impossible through the access hole (where the louvered plate is). Easy to get to the blinker fixture from there, but not the brake fixture. I followed your dis-assembly up to pulling back the plastic wall and I was able, with much maneuvering and cuts on arm and fingers, to replace the bulb. Thanks so much for taking time to help others.

[@comown]

That was great. I have a 2011 Sequoia which is almost the same. One thing- I have a jointed socket wrench (jointed in the handle) and long socket 10mm and I was able to get to both of those nuts without tearing everything out. That wrench maybe cost $15, but with help of your video, it took 10 minutes. So may save some headache with that tool. Thanks for the video.

[@carmanshawne685]

Thanks my dealer wanted $85.00 to replace 1 brake lite bulb. I used a longnose right angle pliers to do both bulbs..Used LED bulbs. Next time I will replace others in warmer weather.

[@scottpaulson36]

Jasper you are a life saver! Saw this several months ago but was wimping out on trying it (The tail light still worked and I had just covered it with heavy duty clear tape). My wife has to get our 2012 inspected this Friday so I was "inspired" to try. Had it done in under an hour with your help. THANK YOU!

[@minniemelendez4501]

Ok, you are awsome! I fixed my taillight myself with your video, I saved about 500 dollars. Thank you!!

[@jamesbarker9895]

Thanks for the video! Worked like a charm. The trickiest parts were feeling around to unfasten/fasten the two deep socket nuts and then remember how all the crap I took out went back together

[@jerodtier3269]

Thank you for putting this together. Just finished pulling the taillight assembly out to get a bulb out that fell inside. This video made it an easy job. Thanks again.

[@garethwidger8349]

Thank you - this is gift that keeps on giving - helping people wherever the Highlander / Kluger still run.

[@uniassignment331]

Thanks Jasper - I've had to do this twice now and watched your video both times for step by step instruction! Cheers!

[@hatttuto]

thanks Jasper this came in handy had to replace my wife's tail-light assembly today and this vid was spot on.

[@zmmetz]

Thank you, thank you thank you. Took about 45 minutes and it worked perfectly on my 2013 Highlander. The biggest key was to make sure I had the Deep Socket 10 mm wrench. A normal one just doesn't work. After that all it took was time and patience. Your video was very, very helpful.

[@snort7863]

Thanks or the 'deep socket' tip - I was wondering why I couldn't do that step with my regular socket wrench.

[@dennishenderson9243]

Jasper thank you so much for taking the time to create this video.. I would have never taken on the task of replacing my 2012 Highlander taillight without your video.. THANK YOU!

[@bradleyclark1566]

Thanks for posting this. Just used your video to swap out the backup lights with LEDs on a 2008 highlander. One side had the wire caught between the light & metal body panel, so had to loosen mounting bolts in order to do this.

[@kamuelaman]

You saved me $400, thanks my friend, couldn't have done it without your video. I was ready to rip out the rear seats!

[@darrylkeeports8653]

Thanks for the video. It went exactly as you said and showed. Took about 1 hour from start to all buttoned up. After hooking the wires up I tested all the lights before putting it all back together. Excellent video!

[@mikeray353]

Second time watching this; again years later for another change. Thanks again! Yeah, the things we will try when desperate! Good video, good info!

[@walter.bellini]

Thank you for the time that you put in to sharing this info out, my broken tail light is on the driver side, but will implement the same technique you did. Very helpful.

[@louannross3281]

We just watched you video as we changed out tail light. It worked! Thank you!

[@antonvinokurov1999]

The video is very helpful and straight forward. It took me about 1.5 hour for my 2009 Highlander Hybrid and the video made the replacement job very easy. Jasper, thanks for spending your time to create and upload it!

[@tinaolivo220]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been searching for days to find a video to help me replace my rear light on my Lexus 400h. This is the closest I have come to any kind of well thought out instructions that would help. God bless you for taking the time to make this video.

[@roem.9484]

Thanks for making this video, I had to use a stubby socket wrench to reach the top bolt but it worked. Also the part I ordered only had the enter bulb and the other two bulbs were not included in the assembly!

[@TonyMarzullo]

thanks for the video. replaced the left tail lamp on a 2012 highlander in just over an hour. panel configuration was slightly different but i was able to gently bend them back to make access. **be careful not to drop the nuts into the car body!

[@kevinoconnell3929]

Great video, everything went smooth. Suggest using a bungee cord to hold back the housing once you have it all opened up.

[@darinkalashian8005]

Jasper, i owe you a beer if you are ever in the boston area! Thanks, you made quick work of it..

[@joekepler38]

Thank you so much for this video. I couldn't figure out how to do it. After watching your video I was able to do it in about 30 minutes with no problems. Thanks again.

[@sidsid7929]

Jasper, Thanks for the video. The setup for my '13 Highlander identical to your 2011. The two 10mm nuts holding the assembly in are a royal pain to get to and remove. Removal of the sidewall etc makes the job somewhat easier but the bolts are still a PITA go get to . Couple of recommendations. (1) use 3/8 inch sockets and drive, 1/2" too big for the space. (2) a wobble head 3/8 inch socket and a short 3/8 inch extension help get to very cramped bolt areas. (3) dip the 10mm socket head in some heavy grease before removing bolts. since you're working blind the grease will retain the bolts in the socket head when you remove them bling. Otherwise you'll be fishing for small bolts with magnetic probe. Thanks.

[@antipasinchrist]

The wobblehead was good advice. But I used a long 10mm socket, borrowed from my neighbor, and the wobblehead. I loosened each nut until I could continue with my fingers. Then I used a magnet to pull each nut off once each nut reached the end of each screw. Metric over SAE with our Yotas.

[@chuckmaryv4081]

8:00 I used a length of mason string and worked it in behind the light to pop the tab. I could pull on the light and the looped ends of the string at the same time. Worked great.

[@arturofernandez6088]

Great video! It helped a great deal when installing my tail light today. Without it, it would have taken me much longer and probably would have broken a lot of stuff.

[@V98113]

Thank you for the video! I followed your steps exactly, and it worked perfectly, and felt relaxed doing it. Your video was amazingly helpful, and saved us hundreds of dollars.

[@andrewpeterson5921]

Terrific video, so glad I watched before attempting this changeout. (‘13 hi lander) Could not have done it without you. Especially appreciated the guidance finding the top screw! Didn’t lose either nut but glad I had a magnet in reach. Helped to have a friend hold the panels out of the way. (I’d recommend buying a $15 set of pullers - they’re difference makers.)Now I can get my car inspected! Thank you!!!

[@kendracrook1190]

very straightforward video.....watched it carefully and now I'm going to give it a try.....wish me luck!

[@pablosoria3197]

Kendra Crook how’d it go

[@ACRR46]

Video was very informative. I will be changing out the right rear tail light tomorrow.

[@karellejones9776]

This is a great video. I feel confident I can follow your directions and do this myself. Thank you!

[@82FXWG]

Thank You! Video was right on for my 2009. You made the job much easier for me!

[@brianjohnson8884]

Thank you so much for posting this, saved me a ton of $

[@kleigster675]

Worked for my 2013. Thank you for posting.

[@jerrybayless7677]

I thought this video was great, but I wanted to try to do this on my 2012 Highlander without taking off all the paneling. So I was able to do it all through the small access panel. I changed the left tail light (driver's side) by drilling a 7/16" dia hole on the edge of the access panel cutout so that the lower nut could be removed straight out with a standard 10mm deep socket. The top nut can be loosened with the same socket and removed by hand. Make sure to have a bag of 10mm nuts on hand, because I lost a few of them during the installation. The top nut is tricky to align with just your fingertips. You can practice doing this on the old unit after it is removed. One issue that I encountered is that my aftermarket tail light ($75.99 on Amazon) needed the light socket holes filed a little larger so that the old light receptacles would fit. In one case, the light bulb wouldn't even fit through the hole. But I did it on the kitchen table where it was easy to do with both units in front of me. I suspect that these aftermarket units are just rejects that are made from Toyota's normal supplier, but that didn't meet Toyota's quality standards and ended up on the surplus market. But it was a minor inconvenience compared to buying the part at a Toyota "stealership".

[@AerialLensVideo]

This is a GREAT VIDEO -- THANKS! It gave me some clues for getting to the uppermost bulb (the backup bulb) which is virtually IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE via the tiny access hole on the RIGHThand side (What were they thinking?! The left side is not quite as small, but still very small). Anyway, I removed a lot of what you did here and my thin-wristed wife was able, just barely - to change the backup bulb.

[@petercole1839]

Not many ice scrapers in Australia. After undoing the two nuts I just put six lengths of duct tape along the lens with about 30cm spare at the rear - joined the rear ends together and pulled. Worked perfectly. ( I can not believe Toyota designed this car so badly - almost impossible to change the bulbs without removing the whole assembly).

[@bbek8571]

Did you have a spacer under the lense that fell out on removal of the tail light?

[@BrettBeaty]

Your directions were spot on. Thank you.

[@christinewatson6988]

This is a very helpful video! I was able to change my taillight on my 2013 Highlander without a problem! Thank you for posting!

[@BeornsThunder]

Outstanding video! I just replaced the left tailight assembly os a 2012 Hilander using these directions and it worked great. A caution on the left tailight assembly the bottom post is in a hole and it can be challenging getting the nut out without dropping it. I ended up,using a mechanic magnet to pull it off the post. The only issue I’ve run into is after reassembly, although all the trim around the rear hatch door looks as it should, when I close it using the button, it double beeps as it finishes closing and then opens back up. It closes manually normally, so this will require more troubleshooting. :-/

[@derekshapton6488]

Hello Beorns! Did you ever figure out the hatch closing thing? Just replaced my left tail light too and I have the same issue now!

[@ugatreydawg]

Fantastic video buddy you really helped me so much I can’t thank you enough I really appreciate it. Thank you and you did a great job man. I don’t know how you did all that with the camera bro this thing is driving me crazy but I got it.

[@phantomdrone1976]

Excellent video! I was able to replace my tail light with these instructions. Thank you much!

[@diegoestrada4366]

What size deep socket did you use??

[@Heavymetalhettel]

the 2 nuts that hold the lens on for which you need the deep socket do not appear to be 10 mil on my 2011 Highlander, can't get the deep socket to grab

[@waynebrown3294]

A truly horrible maintenance job ! If the Toyota "engineer" that designed this fiasco actually had to do it, you can bet it would be more reasonable ! Jasper, your video was spot-on and without it I don't how I would've replaced that burned out brake light bulb. Well....yes, I do. I would've taken an angle grinder and enlarged that panel opening that tantalizes you with a clear view of the bulb socket, but isn't large enough to get a manly hand into. Thanks Jasper !

[@jessealford4889]

Very helpful. Still a pain in the rear, but I couldn’t have done it without a little advice from the video. Thanks.

[@ronaldheacock2249]

Great video. Thanks. The little yellow tab snapped so Off to get one.

[@fasteddie617]

Do you need a swivel, or just a long ratchet extension suffice? Thanks for helping.

[@Lejokerjosh]

Thanks man! Just used this video today!

[@tomwilson8129]

Thank you very much for a excellent step by step video. Save a lot of time and money.

[@diegoestrada4366]

What size socket did you use?

[@davejohnson9841]

Good Video. I had to replace drivers side and it is slightly different but this video will give you enough information to get started and complete replacement.

[@tammybaker605]

I have to make the same repair. Do you have any tips for the drivers side removal process?

[@1984yyf]

thanks for this clip, saved me a lots of money.

[@bobw2a]

Jasper, thank you for your video!!! The only slight criticism I would add is that the screws that hold the lens to the car are those needle like projections. It took me several hours to figure this out and when I finally did I was able to remove the fixture. FYI, the reason I had to remove it was because the reverse light bulb fell out of the socket into the lens! However, I had a very difficult time trying to line up all the bulb holders with the holes so I would have had to have done this anyway. And I did drop the topmost nut who knows where, as there is no rattle. But I'll get another one, maybe two, from the dealership! So many, many thanks to you again!

[@kamuelaman]

Bob Wall at the beginning of the video Jasper mentions one will need a 10mm deep socket wrench to remove those pesky nuts.

[@nathanwilson7499]

Helped me a lot to get the job done. Thanks.

[@dave623]

Wife just bashed right rear tail light on our ‘11 Highlander. Gonna try this myself, thanks. 74,000 views for a reason.

[@MrJruman]

Very helpful video brotha - knocked this out n 20 mins with ur help!!!

[@diegoestrada4366]

What size deep socket did you use??

[@bmjackson81]

I was able to remove the taillight fine, but I'm having trouble getting the new light assembly to 'click' into the yellow post on the side of the car. It looks like everything is lining up correctly, but I'm either not able to push the taillight far enough in for it to click OR maybe the sizing is off between the yellow post and the catch on the taillight I got. Any advice? I'm just about ready to screw back in the nuts and call it good. I'm afraid I'm going to break the light assembly if I push hard too many more times.

[@snoopyredbaron8761]

Great presentation ,, I had exactly the same problem.. I assume dit was the bulbs & boughyt a new pair.. Cleaned the brass contacts & as per the VDO it started wpring fine

[@jerrymock5366]

Jasper, with this video I was able to save time and money. Thanks!

[@dietrichkirk2845]

Thank you for posting this! Very helpful today!

[@joelmasters1125]

Thanks buddy, my Kluger (Aussie version) had almost the exact same damage. Really helpful 👍🏼

[@YT_Monke]

Thanks jasper, great instructions 👍

[@jtoo6060]

Great video, you provided a excellent step by step process on how to do it. And the prices for replacement taillights.

[@aaronfischer2788]

Thanks, took me 45 minutes cuz of this video!

[@necrokittie2291]

i'm kinda debating if i want to do this or not. i just bought a 2011 highlander and didn't know the previous owner let there be a major roach problem in the suv.. there are 2 dead roaches and a spider and a broken glass bulb knocking around in the right tail light and 2 roaches in the taillight on the left side... they are in the clear part of the taillight and i really just want to see if i can remove the roaches if i just got the lights off and shook them about to get them to fall out.

[@nemobushstatue5111]

Through a bunch of screaming, crying, scratching, and this video I successfully replaced my back light. I’m never doing this again and just using flex glue clear the next time it breaks.

[@pharpe]

I was able to do the whole thing through the access hole with a swivel and short ratchet extension. It was a PIA to get to the bolts but I didn't have to remove any panels.

[@diegoestrada4366]

what size deep socket did you use?

[@10joma10]

Great video! Thank u very much. 😀

[@jonathanstark8325]

All the bulb changes seem to be for standard Highlanders. The Hybrids have a lot more stuff in there so going it through there helps.

[@hankmarz708]

Buy a swivel socket attachment around $5, you can do everything from access panel that you change your bulbs with. I did it with my 2013 Highlander.

[@nirakar7]

Hi, Does the Tail Gate come with a Bulb?

[@ti10to]

Thanks for your help. Just a quick question, i broked the yellow clip. Did you know if theres something i can do to replace it.

[@tinscrew]

Thanks, Jasper! Worked perfectly. Appreciate the video and tips. I am back in business baby!

[@mikecavanaugh2561]

Nice video! It saved a lot of time and cussing. Thanks

[@NerdBryant64]

Thanks, it took me 1hr 24 minutes. Now I just have to wait for the one on the other side to come in and fix my bumper, it cracked in half at the center.

[@diegoestrada4366]

What size is the deep socket??

[@keesvandestadt4998]

Very helpful, glad I watched this instead of taking our 2012 to the dealer!

[@roberttoews2775]

Thanks. Helped me out. 😊

[@ryanjohnson2252]

Where’s the latch? I didn’t see where you undid the latch after the two screws? Help!

[@davidmajor8219]

One added point, you failed to say that you need size 4 hands. Mine are 12~!

[@tball78]

Nice video. Thx. Came in handy!

[@doncoleman4938]

Many thanks for the upload, Jasper. I'm about to replace my broken RHS tail light on my 2009 Kluger (what they call the Highlander in Australia). Your model is the 2010 update, which has different lens to the 2007-09 model (clear top and bottom). When people order a tail light (get one from the wreckers etc.) make sure you know whether you have the update or not. Just as a sideline, I see you have the AWD model. I'm about to upgrade to a 2018 Kluger (even though mine has 116000km/72000 miles). Where I live we don't have snow. Apart from driving in that white stuff, are there any other advantages to AWD vs FWD?

[@scottiemanners]

AWD will get you through some mud, Small creek crossings, a little rocky roads. It has better handling around turns with the differentials with awd. However you add more weight and lose gas mileage.

[@wayne9903]

If you have a 3rd row seat, a little more complicated. There is a removeable bar that hold the jack container in place and a little prying with a screwdriver in 4 spots will pop that up letting you remove the jack container. Now I know why the dealer charges so much to do it. EASY if you have this video, since there are several hidden fasteners this gentleman tells you about.

[@nathantyson3982]

It’s that last bolt you mentioned I can’t find 😬

[@nothanksmate]

You sir are a legend