It is a little challenging to change the rear side light on the Lexus IS300. The problem is trying to figure out how to get to the bulb. You can reach it from the bottom, but you can't get to the back of the side light assembly to remove the bulb. If you go through the trunk, you only see the taillight assembly, which is higher and does not contain the rear side light. You have to take out the taillight assembly to get to the rear side light.
Open the trunk and find the large plastic bolts that hold the carpet over the taillight assembly on the side of the car on which you'll be working. Remove the plastic bolts and pull the carpet down.
Press the sides of the connectors on the assembly and pull them off. Detach the Phillips screws that hold the taillight assembly in place and remove it.
Find the small space on the side of the vehicle that the taillight assembly was covering. You will notice two small bolts with nuts inside the hole. Remove the nuts with the ratchet, socket and extension. Remove the back of the side light lens assembly.
Replace the old bulb with the new one. Reattach the back to the assembly. Reinstall and tighten the nuts.
Replace the taillight assembly and tighten the screws that keep it in place. Put the carpet back and tighten the large plastic screws.
