🔧 Taillight Bulbs - Bulb Replacement

This covers replacing both rear outer taillight bulbs on your Camry. The job is simple and can be done from inside the trunk without removing the bumper or lamp housing.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the lights off and remove the key before starting.
• Let the bulbs cool down first; they can get very hot.
• Do not touch the glass on new halogen bulbs with bare fingers.
• If the trunk lid has power assist or aftermarket wiring, keep fingers clear of moving parts.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Trim clip removal tool
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear tail/stop bulbs (7443) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the trunk.
• Switch the headlight switch off.
• If one side is out, replace both bulbs together so they match in brightness and age.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the trunk and access the rear lamp area

• Open the trunk and move the cargo trim back enough to reach behind each taillight.
• If the trunk lining blocks access, use a trim clip removal tool to gently pop out the retaining clips.

Step 2: Remove the bulb access cover

• Twist or unclip the rear lamp service cover by hand.
• If your cover is tight, use your fingers only; do not pry hard with a metal tool.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Grip the bulb socket and turn it counterclockwise by hand to unlock it.
• Pull the socket straight out of the taillight housing.
• Keep the socket aligned so the seal stays clean.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Press the old 7443 bulb into the socket and turn it to release, if needed.
• Install the new bulb into the socket until it seats fully.
• Do not touch the glass part of the new bulb with bare fingers.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket

• Insert the socket back into the taillight housing.
• Turn it clockwise by hand until it locks in place.

Step 6: Test the lights

• Turn on the parking lights and press the brake pedal.
• Check both rear taillights to confirm they work.
• If one bulb does not light, remove the socket and recheck the bulb seating.

Step 7: Reassemble the trunk trim

• Reinstall the service cover and any trim clips by hand.
• If you removed any 10mm fasteners, snug them back in place.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) for any small lamp-retaining fasteners, if equipped.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both taillights illuminate evenly in parking light mode and with the brake pedal applied.
• Check the turn signals and reverse lights while you are there.
• Make sure the trunk trim is fully clipped back in place.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$140 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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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.