Toyota Sienna Tail Light and Reverse Light Replacement (2004-current) 

10 yrs later and this video is still helping people (ie me!) Thank you Tomahawk!

I really want to thank you for the video and everyone who made comments. Changing these took less than 20 minutes and I am not someone who is mechanically inclined. This was a perfect demo! Awesome work!

Excellent video. Helped me avoid a trip to the shop. CORRECT: slide the strap cover toward the window and it will pop off. CORRECT: remove the main panel off from the window side first to avoid breaking off tabs. ADDITIONAL TIPS: (1) you can use a Phillips screwdriver instead of a socket drive to remove the strap. (2) I used masking tape to mark where the plastic rivets were to know where to press down. Took a few more minutes but the panels went back in nice and easy.

Really helpful video, had no idea how to proceed until I watched it, changed my bulbs today, couple of things came up, would suggest changing the bulbs on a hot day, plastic components are more forgiving when warm ie don't break as easily, also for the main panel start at the window and gently work towards the latch end that way you avoid breaking off the two tabs at the bottom of the panel, when all of the clips have been freed up gently pull the panel forward and the tabs will drop out of their holes. Install in the reverse. Also be prepared for some of the clips to slip out of their holders on the panels and fall to the ground

Thank you so much. It turned out to be much easier than i thought. And my assistant (my wife!) went to buy the bulb made it even easier. She asked if i needed help!😬

thanks for the video. Finally have to replace those 192/168's after 17 years. Huge help!!

Thanks, Tomahawk. Your video actually gives to whole detail on the replacement. I had been loathing this repair for literally years until a cop pulled me over for it. It's good to have her fully functional again :)

Just the video I needed, thank you for explaining and showing how easy it is and what to watch out for. Great job on the video.

Thank you so much for the tutorial - all those plastic pins!! Knowing approximately where they were helped tremendously. I did try your advice about not needing to remove the full panel to just get to the rear light - and that worked out fine. And it saved a lot of grief not having to pull off the entire panel.

Thank you so much for this video. ! How do you fix the one that broke??

Nice work! Your point later in the video is important to note. I was able to replace both the reverse and tail light bulbs without fully removing the large lower panel. Just loosened it at the end and removed the two side window trim pieces. It's a little tight to get your hands in there, but saves removing the strap.

Thanks for making this video. Based on the number of panels coming off and the reasonable chance some tabs might be broken during removal, would probably be a good idea just to replace all four rear bulbs while inside. Thanks again.

Great video. I was clueless about it and thought I could just pop out the light cover from outside and that’s all. This seems like so much work just to change a light! It’s no wonder cops started giving tickets for not changing your bulbs.

That first pull on the plastic takes some faith. Thanks. Great video

Great video. My repair book does not cover back up light replacement. Good to know that you have to get at it from the inside not force off the outer housing.

Thank you very much! I was looking at this assembly and couldn't make any sense of it until I came back in the house and watched your highly informative video. Well done!

Thanks for the video. Saw that I had the exact light out earlier today and told my wife that I'd try to find a DIY video to fix it up. Again, thanks for the great, detailed video.

I do wish that you would have mentioned the pull handle slides off versus pulls off. I see you noticed it when doing the reassembly. Not a big issue as you have one of the most comprehensive DIY instructions. Also keep in mind this is how to change the tag lights.

Nice tutorial, by any chance do you know what light bulb number is the parking light bulb and reverse light ?

I'm a bit of an old newbie and skipped past the 10mm socket part. 30 minutes later (10 minutes up and back from the hardware store)....I got it. Good video!

@Tomahawk DIY, thanks for this video. I need to replace/remove the interior (cabin) fuse panel. Can you show me how? Thanks much.

Awesome. Thank you so much. I managed to change the tail light on my Sienna today thanks to your video. I didn't take the whole back panel off, but by taking the top and side panels like you showed on the video, then, just by prying off one side of the back panel, I got to the light I needed to change. Your video really helped. By the way, knowing that the socket size I needed was a 10mm one was helpful, too. Good job on the video, really clear instructions.

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. You saved me a lot of headaches.

Much appreciate the video and tips mentioned here. I breezed through it without a glitch within 45 minutes including wiping down the panels at the end. The only minor gotcha was masking tape didn't work for me as I used Armor All for spring cleaning. I used chalk instead. Perfect click every time brought smile to my face. Reiterate the points: (1) work from the window glass side outward to remove panels; (2) strap cover can be easily slide out towards the window; (3) use 10mm socket as Philip screwdriver didn't work for me; (4) remember to pull the pins that don't come out with the panels; (5) use chalk to mark the pin positions for perfect click in - if it doesn't click, check your work; (6) while you are at it, maybe as well replace bulbs on both sides. Happy DIY.

The reason you broke that tab off is because you are supposed to start popping that main panel off from the window side first, not the bottom of the door.

Thanks for video. First time writing on here. I own an old Toyota Matrix 2004, basic model. There's an issue with the rear brake light on the right. Left side is fine. Tried to change the bulb. it's not that. Pushing break pedal only lights the left side. I also noticed that when the engine is off, and I turn the headlights to high beams, the lights in the back also light up - and both sides. - all the lamps! I know, this sounds like a mistery. Any advice would be aprreciated. Thx.

Changed my first tail light. Thank you

MPORTANT * Work from the window glass side outward to remove panels * Remove pins from tailgate that don’t come out with panels and re-attach to panels before reinstalling * Use chalk to mark pin locations on outside of panels * When installing panels make sure all pins snap into place Disassembly/Assembly 1- Start by removing the top panel (5 clips) 2- Remove the two side panels (3 clips each) 3- Bottom Panel (14 Clips): a. Remove strap cover by sliding towards the window b. Remove strap bolt (10mm socket) c. Remove the rectangular access door near strap d. CAUTION: THE BOTTOM OF THIS PANEL HAS TWO LARGE BRACKETS THAT ARE EASILY BROKEN. Begin removing panel from window side first then move to sides and finally the bottom. 4- Lights are now accessible. Rotate 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull to remove 5- Insert replacement bulbs (wear gloves to avoid contaminating bulbs) (Remember to check that bulbs work before replacing panels) 6- Reverse panel assembly (bottom, sides then top) inserting and snapping panels FROM outside towards glass. 7- Replace rectangular access door. 8- Reinstall strap and cover.

Dam, just to replace a dam tail light requires an engineer. Quiet a work bro. My God!

Straight and concise. Great video.

Thanks for this video. Changed brake and tail lights without breaking anything.

Yea if they not pulling me over for it, I'm gonna skip this. This is wild how much you got to do to replace this light

great video thanks also I want to replaist a broken handle from rigth slice side door Vann you up load a video for that please tanks

Thanks for this video. I didn't know I'd have to disassemble my tailgate in order to change a lightbulb.

Looks like Philips or Wagner 7443 is the replacement bulb number. I have a 2008 Sienna and the OE owners manual does not list the bulb number in the manual. It only lists it as a 21/5W and Type D (Wedge base bulbs (clear)). Also Sylvania 194. Hope that helps.

GREAT VIDEO. HELPED ME REPLACE THE BULB. I COULD ACTUALLY REACH THE BULB BY ONLY REMOVING ONE SIDE OF THE PANEL. THANKS AGAIN.

Thankfully, these light bulbs last a LONG time... My Sienna is 11yrs old and all the lights are original except the low beam headlights which I just replaced because the factory ones had really dimmed over time.

Do you have a video on how to replace the entire reverse light assembly? I see that you have a video on replacing the tail light (that is on the side body of the van). But do you have any video how to replace the assembly on the back lift door? Thanks a lot.

Note that removal of the strap cover is incorrect in this video, I broke the clip off by following the instructions on this video. Instead of prying it of with screwdriver from the window side, you should try to slide it toward the window (like it shows in the manual).

Thank You!! You just saved me an hour or two of work and worry.

Thank you for showing us how to do this! I think I'll just replace all the lights at the same time when I do it! I hope I can replace the license plate lights while I'm in there; they're burned out too.

So much work just to replace a tail light.

Thank you very much for your time and kindness!!

Thanks very Helpful video, just if you could have mention the type of the bulb, so one can handy before doing all this...

His instructions were very helpful for my 2011 Sienna. Thanks

Geesh people just read the manual. Its explained how to remove the panel. Really simple.

Very helpful. We did it! Thank you!

The mistake happened in the time 2:00 . He broke the panel hook. He was supposed to start removing the panel from the glass side.

Thanks for the video. you first remove the top and side panels, but then when removing the lower the top and side appear to be on again. do you have to remove them?

Thank you for this video! 😊

I need to replace the entire light assembly on the LH side. Would I still take off all the panels like you did? Is there a screw somewhere to remove it? Thanks.

I would doubt there is enough heat at 21 watts to cause the glass to warp on the bulb. I believe oils are only a problem with high intensity bulbs. For instance a front light bulb. The 7443 bulb (on tail/reverse for too sienna 2008) can go in two ways. The bulb is listed as 21W/5W. This means one takes more energy. Do they both produce the same brightness? If so, then care should be taken to get the brake light wire with the 5W bulb not the 21W. This would save energy while driving with lights on???

Thanks for the encouragement. Your better than the book!

Thank you. All that just to change a bulb. What were the engineers thinking?

To remove the top panel you slide it sideways on my Sienna. You probably should hear little to no popping from the panels if removed correctly. The popping comes from from the plastic fasteners being pulled out of the door which doesn't need to happen. Slide the top piece to the side and the side pieces outwards away from window.

Thank you for it info

At the beginning of the video you remove the trip around the window, but at 1:48 when you remove the lower panel the trip around the window is back in place. Why?

Thank so much for making this video. This made it easy for me to change my running light quickly and correctly. Keep up the great videos.

I did this and the bulb lights up when the headlights are on but do not get brighter. When they are off and I step on the brake...nothing. Only the top bar. I Check fuse under the dash and it was fine. Any ideas?

Thanks sooo much ! This even worked on my Toyota Sienna 2011 .. start at the top middle section at top of lift gate window ... dude put this works on the new model Sienna 2011-current..thanks what a stupid design I got the same issue with my 2015 impala ... most Hondas have small cut out access doors to get to function lights ... thanks brother

Before putting the panels back on it’s a good idea to test that the new bulbs work.

How is it that at 2:00 the first three panels that he took off around the window are there again?

where can you buy the clips in case if it gets break?

Hi can you tell me the name of that light that is at the top of the very back?

Thanks hope this works on a 2011 le ... it's the same proceedure almost according to Autozone

I just popped the 2 clips on the passenger corner to replace the tail light. However, I did have my dad hold the rear door up and pull down on the plastic so i could change it. Less than 5 minutes!

Thanks for your thorough 'inside look' . . . wow, finally found out how simple this can be -- much appreciated = the final tip of "prying just the corner" saved me a few steps (only removed first + side panel, then pried down corner for doing only bulb for red tail light . . . needle nose pliers were helpful for reaching in to twist open the bulb mount holder) Ha, Toyota couldn't have made it any easier for us . . . LOL

Thank you very much for your instruction.

Do you have a video that shows how to replace the lens cover for the brake and reverse lights?

Thank you very much for your wonderful service. Saved me a few $$$ for sure.

How stupid is this design, just to change a light bulb, you have to disassemble the whole gate panels and trims.

Good job thanks a lot for sharing, this video is very helpful

A couple mistakes. 1. Don't pry the handle cover---IT SLIDES TOWARD THE FRONT. 2. Removing the rear panel----ALWAYS start at the top (glass side). This will keep you from breaking the heavy tabs on the bottom. You pop the top "Christmas Tree clips" off at the top and then the panel will pop the bottom ones off (and allow you to angle out) the back panel easily. This is fully explained here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rtRspPCH1ps.html

This gets me very close, but my sienna has an automatic lift so my left-side molding has a hole through which this motorized arm extends. It looks to me like I can't take off the trim unless I first disconnect the arm from the connecting hinge that sticks out through the trim. But it is NOT so obvious how to do that!

I appreciate the captions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing!

thank you you saved me money:)

Why not take the upper end of the panel down first, so as not to brake the clips at the bottom end? Good video though!

Thanks very much. Very helpful and great video!

Nice and clean Great video

so please help me how to change a reverse light Lexus 570 2014 model

1:45 am I seeing things/ He started out by taking off the upper top and side trim pieces. The here we see them back on? The at 2:35 they are off again wtf.

On my Dad’s 2005 he have one burned out break light, I’m going to just replace each bulbs even the ones that are working, Toyota could’ve just had made easy access pop off panels for both the left and right side where the bulbs are located, without having to remove all surrounding trims

Great video! Ridiculous design by Toyota in my opinion. I broke one of the clips too!

Thanks ! This was so helpful.

Good stuff. Gave it a thumbs up!

Your title "Toyota Sienna BRAKE LIGHT and Reverse Light Replacement" is misleading. I just removed the back panel only to find out that the actual brake lights are on the outside corners. You should change it to "tail light"

Are all the tail light bulbs size 9443?

You're the best. Thank you!

Detalle a detalle muy buen video !! Tome su like buen samaritano xD

Me ayudo mucho tu video

WHy the gloves?

great video thx...Toyota should of make 2 acess covers/caps kinda like those rear strut/shocks covers in the trunk of a seden or a hartchback just pop them out ,change the lights,put covers back on...much easier..guess thay just want u to bring ur car to them so they can get u on labors lol

Great vid. Thanks for posting.

Thanks a lot.

Can anyone give me the bolt size for the liftgate pull handle (the strap)?

It was very helpful Nd easy

Be sure to use LED replacement bulbs so you won't break another 3 tabs doing it again.

Muy buen video. Yo hallaba que hacer tenia una tare ligth y este video me sirbio

Did The Ez Peezy ps Thank you 😊

Very helpful thank you 👍