91 Celica Tail Light Removal

The 1991 Toyota Celica was equipped with a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine in the base model. Optional models for the 1991 Celica included four versions of the GT, and an All Trac version. The taillight assemblies on all of the 1991 Celica cars are mounted the same, as well as the replacement procedures for the taillight bulbs. Replacing the rear taillights on the 1991 Celica is made from slightly brittle plastic, so do not use too much force. Extra care should be taken not to apply too much pressure to any portion of the rear taillight housings or wiring.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear hatch on the Celica. Remove the small plastic screw cap on the upper center portion of the taillight housing, using a small flat-head screwdriver. Remove the mounting screw from the top of the assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Insert the flat-head screwdriver between the rear turn signal portion of the taillight assembly, and the corner rounded reflector plate. Pry the reflector plate out slightly to loosen the metal mounting clip. Depress the mounting clip with the tip of the screwdriver, then remove the reflector plate completely. Remove the two Phillips taillight mounting screws that are in the recess behind where the reflector plate was mounted.

3

Place one hand on the inward-facing side of the taillight assembly, closest to the license plate recess. Place your other hand inside the reflector plate mounting area, and grab the second side of the main taillight assembly body. Do not pull on the rounded plastic portion that the reflector plate was mounted into. Pull the taillight rearward using a jerking motion with some force to release the assembly from the body clips behind the assembly. Pull the tallight assembly out of the Celica horizontally and rest it on the rear bumper.

4

Remove the taillight bulb sockets from the rear of the taillight assembly by turning them counterclockwise by hand. Remove the old light bulbs from the sockets by turning the bulb counterclockwise, while holding the bulb socket still. Do not twist or pull on the bulb socket wiring. If you are replacing the entire taillight assembly, discard the old assembly at this time and place the new one on the rear bumper.

5

Install new taillight bulbs into the bulb socket, and turn them clockwise to lock the bulbs in the bulb sockets. Install the taillight socket and new bulbs into the taillight assembly. Turn the sockets clockwise to lock them into the taillight assembly. Install the taillight assembly flush with the rear of the Celica, and push the assembly on with slight force. The metal clips on the rear of the assembly will lock onto the plastic body clips.

6

Install all three mounting screws, and tighten them snug with the Phillips screwdriver. Install the forward rounded corner of the reflector plate first. Set the reflector plate into its mounting hole, and tap it gently with the side of your fist to lock it in place.

7

Repeat steps 1 through 6 to complete the light bulb replacement and optional taillight assembly replacement, on the second side of the Celica.