How to Replace Fog Lamps in a 2009 Toyota Corolla

Toyota initially released the Corolla in Japan in 1966. Two years later, in 1968, the compact Toyota made its way to the U.S. In 2001, Toyota released a sporty version of the Corolla -- the Corolla S -- but it was all looks, unfortunately. In 2005, Toyota finally released a high-performance version of the Corolla, the XRS, but it only lasted through 2006. A slightly de-tuned XRS rejoined the Corolla S in 2009 as the only two trim levels to have factory-installed fog lights. Replacing the fog light bulbs requires removing the entire front fascia -- the bumper and grille assembly -- so you need to take special care not to break or scratch the fascia.

Instructions

1

Open the Corolla's hood and remove the bolts in the center of the grille protectors -- the rubber stoppers -- on top of the front fascia, with a ratchet and socket. Pull the grille protectors off the fascia. Remove the two screws securing the top of the front fascia to the vehicle with a ratchet and socket. Remove the four clips securing the fascia to the vehicle by prying the center out of each clip with a flat-head screwdriver, then prying each clip out of the fascia.

2

Raise the front of the Corolla with a floor jack and position jack stands under the vehicle's subframe. Lower the Corolla onto the jack stands.

3

Crawl beneath the vehicle and remove the four clips on the front of the under-engine cover -- if equipped -- by prying the center out of each clip with a flat head screwdriver and prying each clip from the cover. Remove the four bolts on the rear of the under-engine cover with a ratchet and socket. Remove the under-engine cover.

4

Look on the underside of the front of the fascia and find the four fascia-retaining screws. Remove these screws with a ratchet and socket. Find the two clips on the underside of the front of the fascia. Pry the center of each clip out, with a flat-head screwdriver, then pry the clip from the fascia.

5

Look in where the front fascia meets the wheel well -- directly in front of the front tire -- and find the two clips securing the fascia to the wheel well. Turn the head of each clip 90 degrees and pry the clip from the fascia. Repeat this step on the other side of the vehicle.

6

Find the seam where the front fascia connects to the front fender. Press the fascia inward at this point to disengage the retaining claws, then pull that side of the fascia forward to detach it. Repeat this step on the other side of the fascia.

7

Pull the fascia off the front of the Corolla just far enough to access the fog light wiring. Pull up on the fog light wiring harness locking tab and unplug the harness -- repeat this process to unplug the fog light on the other side of the fascia.

8

Lay the fascia face down on a clean towel.

9

Grab the fog light lamp and twist it clockwise to unlock it. Pull the fog light lamp from the fog light assembly. Hold a new H11 style fog light bulb by its plastic socket and insert the bulb into the rear of the fog light assembly. Rotate the bulb clockwise to lock it into place. Repeat this step to replace the fog light on the other side, if necessary.

10

Carry the fascia back over to the vehicle and plug the wiring harnesses back into the fog light bulbs. Turn the Corolla's ignition to the "On" position and turn the fog lights on. Verify they are functioning correctly before reinstalling the fascia. Turn the ignition to the "Off" position.

11

Line the three claws on the fascia -- where it connects to the fender -- up with the slots in the fender. Press the fascia inward and insert the claws into the slots. Release the fascia to engage the claws. Repeat this step on the other side of the fascia.

12

Line the screw holes on the top of the fascia up with the screw holes in the Corolla's uni-body frame. Tighten the two upper fascia screws with a ratchet and socket. Insert the three clips into the upper part of the fascia. Press the pin into the center of each clip to lock it in place.

13

Crawl under the front of the fascia and line up the two clip holes in the fascia with those in the Corolla's uni-body frame. Insert the two clips into these holes and press the center pin into each clip to lock it.

14

Line up the screw holes on the underside of the fascia up with the holes in the uni-body frame and tighten the four fascia-retaining screws with a ratchet and socket.

15

Line up the holes in the fascia with those in the wheel well. Insert the two clips into the holes in the fascia in the wheel well. Twist the head of each clip clockwise 90 degrees to lock it in place. Repeat this step on the other side of the Corolla.

16

Reinstall the under-engine cover and tighten its four retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket. Insert the four clips into the holes on the front of the under-engine cover and press the center pin on each clip inward to lock it in place.

17

Set the grille protectors back into place on the upper part of the front fascia, and tighten their retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket.