🔧 Highlander - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Highlander, the “taillight” area can include multiple functions (tail/running, brake, turn, reverse). Many 2020 Highlander rear tail/brake lights are LED (not a replaceable bulb), but the turn signal and/or reverse light are often serviceable bulbs.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Turn all exterior lights OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle area.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch new halogen bulb glass with bare fingers; oil shortens bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the lamp so it doesn’t scratch the paint when you pull it out.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Trim removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (7440-type wedge) - Qty: 2
• Reverse light bulb (921-type wedge) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧭 Confirm which bulbs you mean: turn signal, reverse, or “tail/running/brake.” If it’s tail/brake and yours are LED, the whole lamp assembly is replaced (no bulb).
• 🛠️ A “trim removal tool” is a plastic pry tool that helps pop clips without damaging panels.
• 🔦 Have a flashlight ready so you can see the bulb socket labels/locations.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Verify the failed bulb(s)

• Use your flashlight and walk behind the vehicle.
• Have a helper operate: tail lights ON, brakes applied, left/right turn, and Reverse (engine OFF, ignition ON, foot on brake).
• If only turn or reverse is out, proceed below. If tail/brake is out and it’s an LED strip, you’ll be replacing the lamp assembly (tell me which function is out and I’ll guide you).

Step 2: Open the rear hatch and expose the lamp fasteners

• Open the hatch.
• Use a trim removal tool to carefully pop off the small interior access cover(s) near the taillamp area (if equipped).
• Work slow to avoid breaking clips.

Step 3: Remove the outer taillamp assembly (quarter panel lamp)

• Use a 10mm socket, 3" extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the taillamp retaining nuts/bolts.
• Support the lamp with your hand, then pull the lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins (do not pry against painted surfaces).
• If it’s stuck, use a trim removal tool gently at the lamp edge to help it start moving.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs) when reinstalling the lamp fasteners.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket for the failed function

• Identify the correct bulb socket (turn signal or other serviceable bulb).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to remove it from the housing.
• If your fingers can’t grip it well, use a nitrile gloves grip, or very gently assist with a small flathead screwdriver on the socket tabs (don’t crack the plastic).

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (wedge style).
• Install the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Do not touch the bulb glass with bare fingers; use nitrile gloves.

Step 6: Reinstall socket and test before reassembly

• Reinstall the socket into the lamp and twist clockwise to lock.
• Test the light function again (turn/reverse) before bolting the lamp back on.

Step 7: Reinstall the taillamp assembly

• Align the lamp’s guide pins to the body grommets, then press straight in by hand.
• Reinstall the retaining nuts/bolts using a 10mm socket, 3" extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs).
• Reinstall any access cover(s) using the trim removal tool.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 2–7 for the other taillight so both sides match brightness and color.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Re-check tail, brake, turn signals, hazards, and reverse lights.
• 🔍 Confirm the lamp sits flush with the body and there are no gaps (prevents water leaks).
• 🧼 If a bulb still doesn’t work, swap left/right bulbs to confirm it’s not a socket/wiring issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $110-$210 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.