replacing tail light bulbs on '08 liftback

[YannitheYaris]

So I was feeling inspired and decided to try and change my own tail light because it was out. I got the panel off but I cannot seem to get the bulb base to turn at all. I was figuring I'd have to use a little elbow grease but this thing won't budge, and it's in such an awkward space that my hand is getting scratched. I'd rather not pay to have it done, but my inspection expires this month and I need to do it before then. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[suckerface]

Try using a pair of pliers. Open them up as wide as they go and use them as leverage to twist the plastic tabs. I'll try to post a pic later.

[thepartsmancometh]

if its really that resilient, you can always remove the entire housing for better access. Its just two 10mm nuts (be careful not to drop them! ask me how I know...) and a few clips. easy to get off, and will grant you much better access to the bulbs.

[Yarflana]

Yeah, I cannot imagine doing this without removing the housing...it is quite easy.

[MadMax]

Originally Posted by thepartsmancometh

if its really that resilient, you can always remove the entire housing for better access. Its just two 10mm nuts (be careful not to drop them! ask me how I know...) and a few clips. easy to get off, and will grant you much better access to the bulbs.

This. Takes less than a minute to remove them...

[walt101786]

i remember how that feels...lol i remember my first time changing mine as well and it was pain in the ass...and to answer ur question...i have a 07 hb yaris and took me like at least 30-40mins just to take one side out...but once u took one out eventually it will come easy for the next one....about taking the whole housing yea that works too if ur willing to do more work

[Mr. HQ]

On the '08 Yaris hatchback. Drivers side tail light housing (socket) should be turned toward the passenger side of the car.

I screwed up (cracked) the plastic housing on mine trying to turn it the wrong way. Still works though.

Tail light replaced successfully. A job that should take 60 seconds took me 30 minutes

[Kralj]

Originally Posted by thepartsmancometh

if its really that resilient, you can always remove the entire housing for better access. Its just two 10mm nuts (be careful not to drop them! ask me how I know...) and a few clips. easy to get off, and will grant you much better access to the bulbs.

I removed 2 nuts but I have trouble with 2 plastic pins that also hold the housing. How do I open/unlock them without breaking?

[komichal]

Use the Force, Kralj.
No, really, I think you need just to grab the housing and pull it out by force. Those are clicking plastic pins that will let go eventually. At least on my Yaris 07 it was that.
Hopefully you are not freezing like we do here (-12 oC) - these plastic parts tend to break when frozen.
Yaris 2012 and onwards was a bit different as well, there was actually another nut that had to be unscrewed and to reach that nut (or bolt) a rear bumber must be removed... but that should not be your case.

[Kralj]

So these circled pins here, you think to just use force?
We have way warmer temperatures here, scorching -9°C.

[komichal]

I do not see anything to break there. I used the force when I was removing my tail lights and it all worked out well. But it was during summer. If you have some chance to warm her up a bit before the action, that might certainly help.