How to Replace the Taillight on a Highlander?
3 Answers
Method for replacing the taillight on a Highlander: 1. Turn off the engine and park the vehicle, then remove the dust cover at the back of the taillight; 2. Press and hold the rotating handle at the rear of the taillight and unscrew it; 3. Install the new taillight and reassemble the taillight and dust cover. For safety, ensure the vehicle's power is turned off to guarantee a no-power operation afterward. The Highlander is a vehicle produced by Toyota, a large-sized SUV in the Toyota family. In terms of body dimensions, the Highlander measures 4795mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1760mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm.
I've changed the tail lights on my Highlander many times myself, and it feels like an easy and cost-effective job. First, prepare a Phillips screwdriver and a pair of anti-slip gloves—just the basic tools you usually have at home. After opening the trunk door, locate the fixing screws for the tail light housing, usually two or three hidden along the edges of the light cover. Loosen them and slowly remove the entire light cover, being careful not to pull too hard as the Highlander's clip design is quite fragile and can break easily. Disconnect the wiring plug—there's a small clip button on the plug; just press it and pull it out. Replace it with a new tail light unit or bulb, then reconnect the wiring to ensure a secure fit. Finally, reattach the light cover and tighten the screws. The whole process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Before starting, remember to turn off the engine to avoid any risks. After replacing, immediately test the brake lights and turn signals to ensure they're working properly and there's no poor contact. Doing it yourself only costs a few dozen bucks for the parts, saving you hundreds compared to going to the dealership. Regularly check the condition of your tail lights—halogen bulbs may burn out and need replacement every two years or so. For DIY enthusiasts, upgrading to LED lights is a great option for better durability and clearer brightness.
As a long-time owner, I've replaced the Highlander taillights several times. The steps are simple, but safety is key. Always turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and wear gloves to prevent electric shock before starting. Locate two to three screws in the taillight area and unscrew them with a standard screwdriver. When removing the light cover, apply gentle force as the clips will loosen. Disconnect the wiring harness and replace it with a matching new light model—don't get it wrong. The whole process takes no more than ten minutes; test the lights before reassembly. If you're unfamiliar with cars, watch an online tutorial to avoid mistakes. Replacing taillights prevents accidents and fines due to non-functional lights. The required tools are just a screwdriver or small wrench, with low cost and easy-to-find parts. Dim or flickering lights are a sign to replace them—don't delay.
