QuestionQUESTION: Ted, I have a 2002 Lexus RX300 with 75k miles on it. Last week, I replaced the right rear brake light bulb. Then, this week, the high brake light (collision avoidance light) burnt out. I want to replace what appears to be the two bulbs in the light, but I cannot see how to remove the rubber housings that apparently push into the light fixture and hold the bulbs. I tried gently using a small screwdriver, but nothing budged and I didn't want to break anything. Can you please advise if there is a trick to removing and putting back these things? I figured the '02 RX has parts similar to those in the Toyota RAV4. Thanks for any help you can give me!
ANSWER: As far as I can see there are no screws holding the lens in and it just pops out of the opening, there is only one bulb inside a socket, twist the socket to remove it from the housing then pull the bulb out.
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QUESTION: Ted--Thanks for the initial help. When I looked at the lens, it faces directly against the rear hatch glass. Behind it there is a trim panel that runs all the way across the top of the hatch. I attempted to dislodge the panel, because there are no screws to hold it in place. However, I saw that the two side panels fit into the top panel. I couldn't find a way or exert enough pressure to pop the top panel off to get at the light fixture. I didn't want to break the top panel. Am I going after this the right way?
AnswerThanks for the reply, looking at the repair manual it looked like the light was in the outer door skin, those panels should just pop off, use a plastic prytool available at most autoparts stores, the worst thing that can happen is that some of the retaining clips break, they are available from the dealer.
