🔧 Rear Turn Signal Bulb - Replacement

Your Prius uses rear incandescent turn signal bulbs in the tail lamp assembly. This job is simple, but the rear lamp must be removed to access the bulb socket safely.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the lights off and set the parking brake before starting.
• Let the bulbs cool before touching the lamp housing.
• Use a clean towel around painted surfaces to avoid scratches.
• Do not touch the glass of the new bulb with bare fingers. Use gloves.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim panel tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb, amber - Qty: 1
• Rear turn signal bulb, amber - Qty: 2 if replacing both sides

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and put the transmission in Park.
• Switch the headlamps and turn signals off.
• Open the rear hatch for easier access.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the hatch and access the rear lamp fasteners

• Open the rear hatch and locate the interior trim covers on the side of the tail lamp you are replacing.
• Use the trim panel tool to gently pop off the small access cover if equipped.
• Use the 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the tail lamp retaining nuts.
• Keep the nuts in a small tray.

Step 2: Remove the rear tail lamp assembly

• Carefully pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently by hand. Do not pry hard against the paint.
• Set the lamp on a clean towel.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Find the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the lamp assembly.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out.
• Remove the old bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out.

Step 4: Install the new bulb

• Push the new amber bulb into the socket until it seats fully.
• Use gloves so the glass stays clean.
• Insert the socket back into the lamp and twist clockwise to lock it.

Step 5: Reinstall the tail lamp

• Align the lamp pins with the body openings.
• Press the lamp into place by hand.
• Reinstall the retaining nuts with the 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Reinstall the access cover if equipped.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition on and test the left and right rear turn signals.
• Check for a fast flash rate, which means the bulb is not seated or is the wrong type.
• Verify the tail lamp sits flush with the body.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$150 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.