This procedure covers removal and replacement of the outer tail light assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — 81560-06630 (LH) or 81550-06630 (RH)
• Push-pin fasteners (if damaged) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Open trunk fully to access interior trunk panel

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior panel
   From inside the trunk, locate the carpeted interior side panel on the same side as the tail light being replaced. Identify the push-pin fasteners securing the panel.
2. 2

   Remove interior trunk panel
   Carefully remove the push-pin fasteners securing the trunk interior side panel. Pull the panel away gently to access the back of the tail light assembly. You may need to fold or move the panel aside rather than completely removing it.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out from the tail light socket. Ensure the connector is completely disconnected and moved aside.
4. 4

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket and extension, remove the two mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly from inside the trunk. These bolts are typically located at the top and bottom of the assembly backing plate.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, gently pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the vehicle body. The assembly is secured by clips in addition to the bolts, so gentle but firm pulling may be required. Do not twist or bend the assembly excessively.
6. 6

   Install new tail light assembly
   Align the new tail light assembly with the mounting holes and body clips. Push firmly but evenly until the assembly seats flush against the vehicle body and the mounting holes align with the threaded inserts.
7. 7

   Install mounting bolts
   From inside the trunk, hand-thread both tail light mounting bolts to prevent cross-threading. Once both bolts are started, torque them in a crisscross pattern to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly into the back of the tail light assembly until you hear or feel a positive click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
9. 9

   Reinstall trunk interior panel
   Reposition the trunk interior side panel and secure with the push-pin fasteners. Ensure all fasteners are fully seated and the panel is properly aligned with no gaps.

Reassembly

1. Verify all push-pin fasteners are fully seated in the trunk panel
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the trunk area
3. Close trunk and verify proper latch operation

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run)
• Turn on headlights and verify tail lights illuminate
• Test brake lights by pressing brake pedal with ignition on
• Activate turn signals and verify proper operation on replaced side
• Check reverse lights by shifting to Reverse with ignition on
• Inspect exterior fitment for even gaps and proper alignment with body panels
• Verify tail light assembly is flush with surrounding body panels with no protruding edges

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