Cracked Taillight Dome: Parts and Replacement

I tried searching, did not see anything similar to this:

I smashed the clear dome covering my drivers side taillights and want to replace myself. Where can I buy the part (the clear plastic piece) and how do I obtain instructions for replacing. It didn't look readily accessible on my cursory glance at it all..... Also do I need any other pieces during the install?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 25 2006, 02:04 PM) [snapback]276538[/snapback]</div>

Yep. I found that out unfortunately. I found one on-line for about $140.

Any idea what I have to do to replace it? Do I have to start ripping out panels inside the car, or does the whole thing just pop out somehow?

Thanks, Galaxee

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 25 2006, 02:28 PM) [snapback]276545[/snapback]</div>

I love PriusChat. Thanks for the help!

 

The tail light assy came yesterday. $144 including shipping from HoyToyota in Tx. I am following these instructions per Galaxy's link above. Will let you know how it all goes.

The tail-light assembly is held in place by two screws and two pop-rivet things. The screws are pretty much in the middle of the assembly, poking through holes in the bodywork, and are held in place by nuts. There's a little little trap door that gives you access for for bub replacement, but to replace the assembly you have to remove the whole trim panel. To do this you remove the trunk tray and plastic guide along the floor (by the rear hatch latch - it just pops right off), remove one screw, and the bolt holding the tie down eye.

There are two plastic zip-tie cable-tidying clips that screw onto the taillight bolt. These cable ties keep the taillight wiring from flopping around inside the fender. You can't pull them off - they're threaded onto the taillight lens screw, and they can't be spun off with the wiring still attached. So I had to cut the cable ties. Spin these off, remove the nuts, and the lens assembly will pop off. Re-assembly was much easier because now I knew where everything was. I did not have replacement cable tidy thingies, so inside my fender my wiring is (presumably) flopping around at the moment. I'll have to call the local dealer and see if he has the cable tidy thingies.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bigdaddy @ Jul 8 2006, 08:56 AM) [snapback]282948[/snapback]</div>

'Twas easy, about 20 minutes. I'll change the directions some from above, cause maybe my 2005 is a little different.

1) Pull out the big plastic tub and the hatch that covers it and set them to the side (the plastic tub is the thing that is covering up the spare tire.
2) Pull off the trim that is inside the car's hatch (right next to the bumper, where the latch fastens). It pops right off.
3) There is a little tub and cover off to the side. A screw holds this into the bottom of the car. Take these out and set to the side.
4) Unbolt the cargo cover latch at the rear of the car. it is a 10 mm nut.
5) in the trim near the top of the light assy, there is a screw, unscrew, now the entire trim assy is loose and you can get to the light.
5a) caution, if you are working on the drivers side, don't pull the trim assy too hard, as there is a trunk light that will be damaged if you do.
6) there are 2 bolts holding in the tail lamp. Contrary to above, the plastic cable ties will come off as you unbolt these nuts. just be patient, you do not need to cut anything.
7) unplug the cable connector (depress the latch or you'll yank out wires).
8) Move bulbs from old assy to new, replace and reconnect the assy.
9) Reverse the steps to reassemble.