Leaky Tail Light

[MKIIITrbo89]

My rear drivers side tail light has some dirt and water in it. How hard is it to change this. Is there a gasket or anything that seals it? On that side of the car there is a panel that pops off and I can partially see the taillight and some screws.

Didnt know whether you have to take off the whole plastic rear side panel to get at it. Hopefully not?

 

[Justin727]

yes there are gaskets. I posted the part numbers for these gaskets in another thread. they are not hard to change


EDIT: part numbers
81564-14610
81564-14580
Tail Light Gaskets
That is for both Right and left hand

 

[TONY!]

As Justin727 stated, yep, there are gaskets between the lights and the body.
Easy deal to change them.
Very common to have the gaskets leak too.
If it were me, I would use some sealant along with new gaskets.
(That would be the most fail safe method.)

 

[Justin727]

yes tony when I goto install mine I will be using toyota FIPG to help ensure sealing

 

[MKIIITrbo89]

Ok sounds good. So can I access it through the panel or does the whole plastic left side piece need to be removed.

Also there is a white box hanging under the tail light...what does this do

 

[TONY!]

Ok sounds good. So can I access it through the panel or does the whole plastic left side piece need to be removed.

Also there is a white box hanging under the tail light...what does this do

White box is the tail lamp failure box.
It tells you if one of your lights is out.
If it is not plugged in or if you have a light out, a 'dummy light' will light up on the instrument panel for you to notice.

All you need to do is get a deep well socket that is either an 8mm or maybe a 10mm and remove like 6 screws for each tail light.
I think that the rear plastic interior will have to come out, but that is easy too.
Very easy! Go take a look and I am sure you can figure it out.

 

[Justin727]

8mm.. you can do it with them on but its a pain.

 

[cwapface]

I don't see this posted very often, but when you take out the taillights to put in new gaskets, inspect the edge where the lens meets the black plastic surround. If there is any gap, water will leak in a frustrate the crap out of you. I ran a nice bead of clear silicone on the top edge of mine, then scraped off the excess with a piece of cardboard and it fills the gap perfectly.

 

[supra90turbo]

Good tip, Dylan!