How to Change the Tailgate Light Bulbs on a 2006 Sienna

In 1998, Toyota replaced the underpowered and oddly styled Previa minivan with the more powerful and conventional Sienna minivan. In 2004, Toyota released the second-gen Sienna with a more modern appearance and sleek lighting designs. For 2006, Toyota slightly revised the Siennas headlights and taillights for a refreshed look. Replacing the bulbs inside the rear hatch-mounted taillight assemblies requires detaching the rear hatch trim, but it is fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1

Open the rear hatch and pry the bolt cover from the top of the hatch pull-down strap, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the bolt securing the rear hatch pull-down strap, using a ratchet and 10 mm socket. Remove the rectangular plastic cover from the center of the rear hatch trim by pressing its locking tab and pulling it away from the rear hatch trim.

2

Reach inside the access hole in the center of the rear hatch trim the opening left when you remove the rectangular plastic cover and pull downward on the trim to disengage the trim-retaining clips. Pull downward along the lower edge of the rear hatch trim to disengage the lower retaining clips until there is enough slack to pull the trim away from the door to gain access to the bulbs.

3

Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it and pull it from the taillight assembly. Pull the bulb from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Hold a new bulb - No. 194 for the taillight or No. 921 for the reverse light with a clean, lint-free cloth. Holding the bulb with your bare hands may cause the bulb to fail quickly. Press the bulb into the socket.

4

Insert the bulb and socket into the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place. Line up the retaining clips and tabs on the rear hatch trim with the holes in the rear hatch, and press the trim onto the hatch to lock the retaining clips.

5

Reinstall the rear hatch pull-down strap and tighten its retaining bolt until it is snug. Slide the cover back into place over the top of the pull-down strap. Guide the tabs on the lower part of the rectangular plastic cover under the rear hatch trim and press the top part of the cover onto the trim until the locking tab clicks into place. Close the rear hatch.