How to Change the Tail Lights on a 2001 Toyota Sienna Van

After two fail attempts to enter the minivan world, with the ultra-simple Toyota Van and the jellybean-shaped Previa, Toyota finally nailed it with the 1998 release of the Sienna. The 1999 Sienna came standard with a 194-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Unlike the Previa before it, the Sienna had very standard minivan looks, including the basic headlight and taillight assemblies. With this basic design came a very basic and simple replacement process for the taillights.

Instructions

1

Open the Sienna's rear hatch and locate the two bolts on the inner part of the taillight assembly. Remove these two bolts, using a ratchet and socket.

2

Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver under the inner part of the taillight assembly and lightly pry the assembly away from the rear of the van. Once you hear the snapping sound of the locking pins disengaging, pull the taillight assembly from the van.

3

Grab the taillight socket bulb and twist it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb from the taillight assembly.

4

Pull the failed taillight bulb from the Sienna's taillight assembly, using a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 7443 bulb, using a clean, lint-free cloth, and push the bulb into the socket. Using the cloth prevents premature bulb failure from oil residue left behind from your hands.

5

Insert the socket and new bulb into the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place.

6

Set the taillight assembly back on the rear of the Sienna, lining up the locking pins on the assembly with the holes in the rear of the van, and press it until the locking pins click into place. Tighten the two bolts, using a ratchet and socket.

7

Repeat Steps 1 through 6 for the taillight on the other side of the Sienna.

8

Close the Sienna's hatch.