How to Assemble the Rear Taillight on a 2003 Toyota Camry SE

In 1983, Toyota began its shift from rear-wheel-drive vehicles to front-wheel drive when Toyota replaced the rear-driven Corona with the front-driven Camry. In the fifth generation --- 2002 through 2006 --- Toyota shifted the Camry from its basic design to an aerodynamic and modern look. This redesign elongated the headlights and made the taillights into a semi-circle with a hard angle near the trunk. You can assemble the rear taillight through an access door in the trunk.

Instructions

Removing the Camry's Taillight Assembly

1

Open the Camry's trunk and locate the access door behind the taillight assembly.

2

Pull the access door open and label the sockets plugging into the taillight assembly, using masking tape and a permanent marker. This helps you reinstall the lights in their correct holes in the taillight assembly.

3

Remove the sockets from the taillight assembly by twisting each socket counterclockwise and pulling each socket and bulb from the taillight assembly.

4

Remove the three taillight assembly-retaining nuts, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the Camry.

Assembling the Camry's Taillight Assembly

5

Line studs on the rear of the taillight assembly with the holes in the rear of the Camry. Push the taillight assembly onto the rear of the Camry and tighten the three taillight assembly-retaining nuts, using a ratchet and socket.

6

Insert the sockets and lights into the rear of the taillight assembly, according to the labels. Twist each socket clockwise to lock it into place.

7

Close the taillight access door and the Camry's trunk.