Toyota RAV4
License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the tailgate door of a 4th generation 2013-2016 Toyota RAV4.
 2013 RAV4 License Lights |
 License Plate Light Housing |
 Plastic Access Panel |
| This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist
owners of the fourth generation (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and maybe
also the refreshed 2017 model year) Toyota RAV4 SUV in changing a
burnt out license plate light bulb in the tailgate door. Owners of other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles such as the Yaris, Matrix, Prius, Camry, Corolla, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, Venza, Highlander, Avalon, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, IS 250, ES 350, GS 350, tC, xB, xD, iQ and FR-S may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The replacement bulb part number is 168, which is available from various manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, PIAA and Eiko. (You can also use the 2825, W5W, 194 or an LED.) The only tool needed to access and replace the license plate light bulbs is a small flathead screwdriver. |
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 Pry Out Access Cover |
 Plastic Cover Removed |
 Light Bulb Socket Visible |
| The first step is
to open the tailgate door. Then locate the rectangular plastic access panel on the underside of the tailgate door. Insert the blade of the small flathead screwdriver in to one of the notches on the top edge of the access panel. Gently pry out the access cover and set it aside in a safe place. You might need to re-insert the screwdriver in to more than one notch to pop out the access panel. |
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 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Bulb Socket Removed |
 Pull Out Old 168 Bulb |
| Rotate the base of
the grey plastic bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it
straight out of the housing. Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. |
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 Old # 168 Bulb Removed |
 Push In New 168 or W5W |
 Re-Insert Bulb Socket |
| Push a new #
168 bulb straight in to the socket. You may also be able to use any other miniature wedge base bulbs such as the # W5W, 2825, 158, 194 or a compatible LED unit. |
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 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
 Line Up Access Panel |
 Pop Plastic Cover In Place |
| Re-insert the bulb
socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in
place. Line up the rectangular plastic access cover and re-insert the tabs on the bottom edge. Gently pop in the top edge of the access cover. |
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 Access Panel Replaced |
 Test New Light Bulbs |
 License Plate Light Replaced |
| Test the new
license plate light bulbs by turning on the headlights or by pressing the
"Unlock" button on the key fob. For more,
check out my other
2013-2016 Toyota RAV4 DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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