Replacing Rear Stop Bulb On '91 Celica

[m_hood]

Hi all,

I have attempted to replace the drivers rear Stop bulb on my Celica. I cant seem to see how the plastic panel comes off from inside the boot, which will presumably give me access to the lights. I have undone two plastic 'screw-clips' from the bottom of the panel on either side but there are two further plastic buttons which dont seem to want to budge - these are near the top on either side.

Can anyone advise where I am going wrong ?!!

Cheers.

[ozzy666]

mikeb, is ur man

[daktari]

You`re supposed to use a trim clip removal tool but I just pulled mine off and the buttons went `ping'. Frustration's a great thing. They do litterally pull out. Just a bit stubborn.

[mikeb]

You`re supposed to use a trim clip removal tool but I just pulled mine off and the buttons went `ping'. Frustration's a great thing. They do litterally pull out. Just a bit stubborn.

Removal tool??

Prise off the reflector piece by sticking a screwdriver under the edge where it meets the light cluster:

Remove the two screws underneath, and the third screw which is under a small plastic trim piece on the top of the light cluster (open the boot lid). Then just pull the light cluster away from the car to release the remaining clips.

[daktari]

I thought he wanted to take the panel off inside the boot.

[mikeb]

I thought he wanted to take the panel off inside the boot.

Oh yeah, so he did. But you can't get to the lights that way...

[daktari]

TBH i wouldn`t know. Not had to replace a bulb yet :D . But i did have a lot of trouble with the boot lock. Never even noticed the lights..... If you cant get to `em thats probably why.

[frodo]

you have to get at them from the outside. Pry off the reflector, as pictured. That will give access to a screw that needs removing. There is another at the top of the cluster (under a cover). The cluster will then come out, giving access to the bulbs.

Most important thing is to be very careful when prying. The reflector will snap very easily

[mikeb]

Most important thing is to be very careful when prying. The reflector will snap very easily

Everytime I lever the reflector out, I think I'm going to break it! :o Not happened yet though, be careful and it should be OK.

[m_hood]

Cheers for the advice fellas. No doubt I will end up snapping the plastic reflector !!!

On that note - does anyone know if there are some aftermarket alternatives to the rear lights, or even just the removable reflector part?

It seems every motor other than the late 80's early 90's Celica is covered !!

Cheers.