Thanks 20vmkl. the pictures and instructions are very clear.

Tom.

 

Great job (write-up/pics)!! Very easy DIY!

Gets me to wondering if the '06+ taillights are "plug-n-play" swappable for '04-'05s.....??? The newer lights are much more visible to the rear at night.

 

Nice pix and instructions...

Anyone know if they make LED bulb replacements instead for the 2004+ models?

 

okay, I am still learning here. I don't see any pics and everyone said 'nice pics.'

As an aside note, please do be careful removing the end of the housing. If you pulled too hard or angled it wrong, you WILL snap off the corner. I know ... had to buy two housings from Ebay

 

okay, I am still learning here. I don't see any pics and everyone said 'nice pics.'

Do you have any "add-ons" for your Firefox browser?

Some of the security type plugins might be blocking the pics from loading. You may need to "allow" them for this site. I am using [NoScript] on Firefox and have to "allow" for some features to work properly. If you are still having many problems, you may need to temporarily switch to IE until you get it sorted out.

Also, the latest update for Firefox = 3.0.7 (as of 20Mar2009).
According to the browser app ID under your username, you are using 3.0.5. There were some security/bug fixes in the update.

 

I would like to highlight importance of step 3 in the 20vmki write up.
Namely:

"3. Gently rock and pull the tail light away from the side of the van."

In order to do this step properly, the Owner's Manual recommends to pry the unit by using the flathead screwdriver with cloth, I did it like shown in photos 1 and 2. If you are not carefull... look at the last photo....

 

...
Gets me to wondering if the '06+ taillights are "plug-n-play" swappable for '04-'05s.....??? The newer lights are much more visible to the rear at night.

It does not look like these are swappable. I 've got an impression that the '04-'05s units have slightly different design - they are attached differently to the van compared to '06+.

Please compare the attached three pics: upper two pictures show how to remove '04-'05s, lower picture shows what is described/shown in the write up and in my previous post - removal of '06+. I cannot be certain about '04-'05s, but it seems that an owner of '04-'05s needs to remove only the red 'glass', all other parts - bulbs, sockets, etc., remain attached...

 

...
Gets me to wondering if the '06+ taillights are "plug-n-play" swappable for '04-'05s.....??? The newer lights are much more visible to the rear at night.

It does not look like these are swappable. I 've got an impression that the '04-'05s units have slightly different design - they are attached differently to the van compared to '06+.

Please compare the attached three pics: upper two pictures show how to remove '04-'05s, lower picture shows what is described/shown in the write up and in my previous post - removal of '06+. I cannot be certain about '04-'05s, but it seems that an owner of '04-'05s needs to remove only the red 'glass', all other parts - bulbs, sockets, etc., remain attached...

The '04-'05 will fit on the '06+ but not vice versa not because of the design housing but the electrical plug. The '06+ have bulb holes molded onto the housing itself while the '04-'05 have the bulbs on a 'circuit board' type. However the main connector harness is the same.

I will post a picture of my '09+ with my '04 Yellow blinkers housing soon.

 

I lost the 'edit' function

but here it is ...

 

I would like to highlight importance of step 3 in the 20vmki write up.
Namely:

"3. Gently rock and pull the tail light away from the side of the van."

I agree. Make you pull it out perpendicular to the edge of the van. Otherwise the tip end WILL BREAK off.

 

I noticed that on my 2007 Sienna passenger rear brake light, the wiring harness was extremely short. I disconnected the wire from the housing by unlocking the connector with a flathead screwdriver because I could not get my fingers into the small gap to disconnect it.

Reconnecting the housing would be a problem. Luckily I was installing a trailer light wiring kit so it was not a problem. The kit was specially made for the Sienna so no cutting of the wires.

If I had to replace THAT side brake light bulb, I would not be a happy camper.

Maybe someone else have a solution?

 

This is sort of on/off subject...I was trying to splice in an accessory LED waterproof strip to act as an additional brake light today. I ended up blowing the 10 amp micro fuse and had to replace it. But now I don't have brake lights and my shift lock engages. I have to manually disengage the shift lock to shift out of park, and I still don't have brake lights. I'm at a loss, I've double checked the fuse again (still good), I have parking lights, I tried disconnecting the battery to reset the ECU (didn't work). Anyone have any suggestions? I really need to fix this problem before the wifey finds out, being that it was my doing.

 

Uluahunter, I don't know if this is pertinent, but I experienced that same problem with the gearshift and simultaneously the heater fan. It turned out to be a failed relay in the fuse box under the hood.
There are two or three of these relays, so you might be able to test for it by swapping relays.

 

Uluahunter, I don't know if this is pertinent, but I experienced that same problem with the gearshift and simultaneously the heater fan. It turned out to be a failed relay in the fuse box under the hood.
There are two or three of these relays, so you might be able to test for it by swapping relays.

Thanks Delphi51, I actually retraced my steps and found out that it was a blown fuse (interior, under the dash). Pulled the fuse, replaced it, and everything was all good. Thanks again for the input, I'll keep a mental note of your suggestion if I should run into a similar problem.

 

I changed the turn signals on my 2008... I got pulled over by a local cop and told I had a burnt out bulb. My bulb was stuck really hard and I could not pull it out after fiddling with it for 15mins. I decided to use my torque wrench and broke the bulb, pulled the remainder out with a channel lock pliers. Next time I'll save myself the trouble and bust the bulb and pull if the my first light tug doesn't work.

 

I would like to highlight importance of step 3 in the 20vmki write up.
Namely:

"3. Gently rock and pull the tail light away from the side of the van."

I agree. Make you pull it out perpendicular to the edge of the van. Otherwise the tip end WILL BREAK off.

2004

Last night, I discovered my driver's side rear taillight had burned out. I still have to go to the store to get a replacement bulb, but when I was removing the assembly I found it a real PITA to try to gently rock/pry it away from the body.....there is very little "wiggle room". The 2 prongs/posts that go into the side of the body have 2 friction ridges that need to clear the inserts. You have to yank them out somehow. When re-installing them, you have to PUSH them in past the ridges and feel/hear a noticeable "CLICK" to make sure the assembly is TIGHT against the body. In order to do that, you have to push against the face of the plastic lens on the side-face......push TOO HARD & you will CRACK the lens. I heard a small "crack" when I did mine....I didn't see any visible cracking on the outside surface, and hopefully the structural integrity has not been compromised and there is no cracking on the inside surface either. VERY BAD DESIGN!!!

I used a plastic body/panel pry tool with a "blade" that is wider than that of a screwdriver. I would NOT use a screwdriver to attempt to pry the assembly away from the body, as that might crack the plastic (even if you tape/cushion the edge of the blade). Instead, perhaps a plastic putty knife or scraper.....something with a broad/wide blade would be better and give you more leverage without focusing all of your force in a small area like a screwdriver might.

Remember....your goal is to pull the assembly out away from the SIDE of the van....NOT to the rear.

For 2004-2005....
You will need to disconnect the wiring harness. With one hand holding the assembly, use your other hand and go by "feel" (since there will not be enough slack/extra wire length to allow you to "see") and depress a tab on the lower part of the harness plug and pull the harness away from the assembly. The assembly will now be free from the car....put it down on a counter/table/etc. Next, you will then find a locking tab in the middle of the light bulb socket housing (upper + lower bulbs & sockets share a common housing). Push the tab to one side while grasping the light housing and yanking that away from the lens assembly. Push IN while turning to unlock the appropriate bulb. Re-assemble in reverse.

The upper bulb = turn signal/flasher & has only 1 filament
The lower bulb = taillight + brake & will have 2 filaments

BE CAREFUL!!

YMMV.
Good Luck!! 8)

 

2004

Last night, I discovered my driver's side rear taillight had burned out. I still have to go to the store to get a replacement bulb, but when I was removing the assembly I found it a real PITA to try to gently rock/pry it away from the body.....there is very little "wiggle room". The 2 prongs/posts that go into the side of the body have 2 friction ridges that need to clear the inserts. You have to yank them out somehow. When re-installing them, you have to PUSH them in past the ridges and feel/hear a noticeable "CLICK" to make sure the assembly is TIGHT against the body. In order to do that, you have to push against the face of the plastic lens on the side-face......push TOO HARD & you will CRACK the lens. I heard a small "crack" when I did mine....I didn't see any visible cracking on the outside surface, and hopefully the structural integrity has not been compromised and there is no cracking on the inside surface either. VERY BAD DESIGN!!!

I used a plastic body/panel pry tool with a "blade" that is wider than that of a screwdriver. I would NOT use a screwdriver to attempt to pry the assembly away from the body, as that might crack the plastic (even if you tape/cushion the edge of the blade). Instead, perhaps a plastic putty knife or scraper.....something with a broad/wide blade would be better and give you more leverage without focusing all of your force in a small area like a screwdriver might.

Remember....your goal is to pull the assembly out away from the SIDE of the van....NOT to the rear.

For 2004-2005....
You will need to disconnect the wiring harness. With one hand holding the assembly, use your other hand and go by "feel" (since there will not be enough slack/extra wire length to allow you to "see") and depress a tab on the lower part of the harness plug and pull the harness away from the assembly. The assembly will now be free from the car....put it down on a counter/table/etc. Next, you will then find a locking tab in the middle of the light bulb socket housing (upper + lower bulbs & sockets share a common housing). Push the tab to one side while grasping the light housing and yanking that away from the lens assembly. Push IN while turning to unlock the appropriate bulb. Re-assemble in reverse.

The upper bulb = turn signal/flasher & has only 1 filament
The lower bulb = taillight + brake & will have 2 filaments

BE CAREFUL!!

YMMV.
Good Luck!! 8)

First off, thanks a lot for posting this and all of the responses.

My 2 cents. Use a 3" putty knife stuck in the top, front of the assembly (toward the front of the van) and pry outwards. On my 2004 I had a clip for the lights inside the assembly but it was in the center of the grey assembly. Hope this helps someone. I really appreciate the guidance I was given.

 

Thought of something to try when removing the taillight assembly...

Maybe try a SUCTION CUP to pull it away from the side of the van.

YMMV.
Good Luck!! 8)

 

Not my work.

Just add all of the above in single file.

 

Thank you for posting this it was a terrific help and could not have been better

 

My thanks as well for this thread, for without the explicit instructions on how to pull the assembly, I would have surely broken it. My Honda Odyssey had a very similar arrangement for the outboard lights, but the two pins were near parallel with the two bolts, not close to perpendicular. Had I instinctively yanked towards the rear instead of using plastic panel pullers out to the side, I'd probably be ordering a lamp housing today!

The little brass retainers for the wedge bulb were overachievers, and the glass eventually broke in my gloved hand while trying to get it out. It took a pair of needle nosed pliers to pull out the remainder and clean it up. A real pain. And of course I had to search for the bulb number (7443) because the owners manual lists the dual filament wattage but not a P/N. Sad...

Changing a tail light bulb is something you should be able to do in the field, not something that requires a workbench and tools to achieve. Getting to those license plate bulbs would require pretty major disassembly. What were they thinking? Design for serviceability is a basic that seems to be sadly lacking.

 

Eric that's the best detailed explanation I have found so far. My only question is which way should I rock it? I am going to proceed and I hope that I don't break anything as it seems kind of stuck. Thanks in advance for your help thus far. Much appreciated.

 

Thanks for this post. Just what I needed.

 

Thanks everyone for all the great advice!
I'm late to this thread but changed the brake light bulb on my 2010 Sienna today.
Prying the lens off is pretty scary! I used a 1 1/2" wide putty knife with one layer of
masking tape around the blade to protect the van's finish. When it popped loose it
really got my attention!
All was well though and got it off and back on no trouble at all.
Thanks again!
JLK

 

This thread really helped me change my brake lights.

A couple of tips that are related to the issue of how to pry the assembly perpendicular to the body. I definitely wouldn't try the owner's manual instruction about using a screwdriver with a rag. I used a scrap of foam tool drawer liner (same thing as that soft kitchen shelf liner etc.) and a fairly rigid wide scraper/putty knife.

Also, the little bulbs are pretty tough to pull out and re insert completely. You really have to have a good grip and gently yet firmly wiggle it side to side to get it to go. Be sure to get the bulb seated completely in the socket - it will feel like it is all the way in at the first 'notch" and it will operate but there is still a little more to go (see pics).

This is a great forum!

Thanks.

 

Yet another thanks for posting