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Toyota Highlander License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate light bulb in the tailgate of a 3rd generation 2014 to 2018 Toyota Highlander.

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2017 Highlander License Plate
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License Plate Light Housing
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Light Lens Cover
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and maybe also the 2019 and 2020 model years) Toyota Highlander SUV in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb in the tailgate door for the cargo area.

Owners of other Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles such as the 4Runner, Avalon, 86, C-HR, Camry, Corolla, iM, Land Cruiser, Mirai, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Yaris, FR-S, xB,  xD, tC, xA, CT 200h, ES 250, ES 300, ES 330, ES 350, IS 250, IS 350, RX 300, GS 250, NX 300 and RX 350.

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 2825 (also known as W5W).

You could also install some brighter 2825 LED bulbs.

The only tool needed to remove the lens cover, access the old light bulb and replace it is a small flathead screwdriver.



 
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Insert Screwdriver In Hole
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Gently Pry Out To Release
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Lens Cover Released
Insert the blade of the small flathead screwdriver into the hole on the inner edge of the lens cover.

(The procedure is the same for either the driver side or the passenger side light housings.)

Gently rotate the screwdriver handle towards the outer edge to pry off and disengage the retaining clip.

Try to avoid using excessive force. The lens cover should pop off relatively easily.

Set the lens cover aside in a safe place.

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Set Aside Lens Cover
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Old Light Bulb Exposed
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Pull Out Old Light Bulb
If the old light bulb was recently turned on, be careful when you remove it since it might still be hot enough to burn your fingers.

Pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

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Empty Bulb Socket
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Push In New Light Bulb
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Line Up Lens Cover
Push a new number 2825 miniature wedge base light bulb straight into the socket.

If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some compatible replacement 2825 LED bulbs.

(Tip - If you install an LED bulb and it doesn't work, try removing it, rotating the electrical contacts 180 degrees and pushing it back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are in the correct orientation.)



 

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Two Slots On Sides
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Pop In Lens Cover
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Push To Secure Clips
Line up the lens cover with the light housing.

Make sure the letters and numbers on the lens cover are readable to ensure that the cover is in the correct orientation.

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Lens Cover Replaced
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Test New Light Bulb
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License Plate Bulbs Replaced
Double check that the lens cover is securely in place.

To test the new license plate light bulbs, turn on the headlights or press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the exterior lights.

Be sure to record the license plate light bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

Please check out all of my 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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