🔧 RX350 - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your RX350’s rear turn signal bulbs sit inside the outer rear tail lamp assemblies (on the body, not the liftgate). Replacing them usually involves removing a small interior access cover, then swapping the bulb in the socket.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the light switch OFF and remove the key/fob from the cabin.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool before touching them (they can get hot).
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass part of the new bulb with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Trim removal tool (plastic)
• 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 amber) - Qty: 1
• Rear turn signal bulb (7440 amber) - Qty: 2 Replace in pairs (recommended)

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and open the liftgate for access.
• 🧰 Lay a soft towel near the tail lamp area in case you need to set the lamp down.
• 🔦 Have your flashlight ready; the access area is dark.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the rear tail lamp fasteners

• Open the liftgate and go to the side you’re replacing (left or right).
• Use a trim removal tool (plastic) to pop off the small interior access cover in the cargo area trim near the tail lamp. Plastic tools help prevent scratches.
• Use a flashlight to locate the tail lamp mounting nuts behind the cover.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" socket extension to remove the tail lamp nuts.
• Support the lamp with one hand as you remove the last nut.
• Carefully pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release the locating pins/clips. Pull straight—don’t pry the paint.
• If the lamp feels stuck, wiggle gently while pulling; don’t force it.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Find the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the tail lamp (usually the amber bulb position).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the housing.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old 7440 amber bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Reinstall the socket into the tail lamp and twist clockwise to lock.

Step 5: Reinstall the tail lamp

• Align the tail lamp locating pins with the body holes and push the lamp straight inward until it sits flush.
• Install the nuts by hand first (to avoid cross-threading).
• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" socket extension to tighten the nuts evenly.
• Torque to 5.4 Nm (48 in-lbs)
• Snap the interior access cover back in place using your hands (or a trim removal tool (plastic) gently if needed).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Turn the ignition on and test the rear turn signals on both sides.
• ✅ Turn on the hazards to confirm consistent blinking and brightness.
• ✅ Check that the tail lamp sits flush and the interior cover is fully clipped in.
• ✅ If the blink rate is fast, recheck the bulb seating and correct bulb type.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $6-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$170 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.