Should really be simple, however, I can't for the lif eof me figure out how ot access the tail lights. The rear tail light (on the gate) is burned and I have a replacement bulb...
On the 2004 RX330 there is no access panel for the tail lights on the tailgate. This is the procedure to replace the bulbs. You will need a screwdriver that is about 6 inches long. You are going to remove the top plastic panel to access the bulbs in the tail light assemblies. Open the tailgate. While it is open, go to the left hand side and you will see where the panel wraps around the edge. You can pull this edge down a bit and when you look in you will see at least one clip where the panel holds on. You want to stick the screwdriver in and pry the white plastic clip out. You do not want to pry the panel off the clip, but rather pry the clip out of it's hole in the door. It should pop of with some prying and pulling down of the panel. Once one clip is off, you can pull the panel off by pulling down on it in in series around it's border. Sometimes a clip will pop out of it's holder, you can easily place them back in. Try to not let the panel fall off as it will be held by a wire to the small lamp. If someone can hold this panel while you replace the bulb that is best, otherwise you can unplug the wire to fully remove the panel. Unplugging it may seem a little difficult tough as the clip that holds the plug in really has to be pressed hard. Once the panel is off, you can replace the bulb by removing it out of it's socket. Find the location you want to replace, and turn the assembly holding the bulb (it wil have wires on it) slightly counter clockwise. It should then just pull out and expose the bulb. In the case of a tail light, the bulb just pulls out. Push in a new bulb and then line up the socket and twist clockwise to lock. Make sure all your clips are on the panel, plug in the wire to the panel light, and line up the panel. Press in the panel, you will feel the clips slip back in their holes. Oh yeah, you may want to check that the lights work before you put the panel back on. As well , do not handle the bulbs with your hands ( I think halogen and led bulbs are more sensitive) but is good practice anyway for all bulbs. Hope this helps. Worked for me!
On the backside of the light there should be a plastic access panel that you can gently pull off with a small flat-bladed screwdriver and then get to the light bulbs. if not, look for a small recess on the side of the lens cover itself.
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The question referred to the light on the gate, which does not have an access panel like the lights on the side.
It appears you should remove the nut on the side holding the light assembly which reveals a vertically slotted hole, indicating the assembly swings up from the bottom (since the top is tucked under the rear window rubber molding.)
My problem is when I try to pry up the assembly at the bottom it does not move much. I am reluctant to apply more force and break something since I have not seen it done before and am unsure of the above theory about how it opens.
bulb not working
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