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2.5L I4FWDAUTOMATICgas2AR-FE
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electrical

Turn Signal Bulb - Rear

for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
12 min
Tools
2
Steps
7
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This procedure covers the replacement of the rear turn signal bulb on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine by accessing the bulb socket from inside the trunk.

Warnings

Allow bulbs to cool completely before attempting removal if vehicle was recently operated
ℹ️Avoid touching the glass portion of halogen bulbs with bare hands as skin oils can cause premature failure

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
  2. Open trunk and ensure adequate lighting for working area
  3. Locate the tail light assembly access panel on the interior trunk side panel corresponding to the bulb being replaced

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove trunk side trim panel access cover
    Locate the small fabric or carpeted access panel on the trunk interior side wall directly behind the tail light assembly. Carefully pull back or remove this access panel to expose the back of the tail light housing. Some models have a small removable flap, while others require pulling back the entire trunk lining slightly.
  2. 2
    Locate turn signal bulb socket
    Identify the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the tail light assembly. The turn signal is typically the amber-colored socket positioned in the middle or lower portion of the housing. There will be multiple sockets for different functions (brake, turn, reverse).
  3. 3
    Remove bulb socket from housing
    Grasp the turn signal bulb socket firmly and rotate it counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until it releases from the locked position. Pull the socket straight out from the tail light housing to remove it completely.
  4. 4
    Remove failed bulb from socket
    Press the bulb gently into the socket while rotating counterclockwise to release it from the bayonet-style mount. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Inspect the socket terminals for any corrosion or damage and clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
  5. 5
    Install new turn signal bulb
    Using a clean cloth or while wearing gloves, insert the new bulb into the socket. Press in gently and rotate clockwise until the bulb locks into place in the socket. Ensure the bulb is seated properly and secure.
  6. 6
    Reinstall socket into tail light housing
    Align the socket tabs with the slots in the tail light housing and insert the socket fully. Rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until the socket locks securely into the housing.
  7. 7
    Replace trunk trim access panel
    Reposition the trunk side trim panel or access cover to its original position, ensuring all clips or fasteners are properly secured.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure the bulb socket is fully locked into the tail light housing with no gaps
  2. Verify trunk trim panels are properly reinstalled and secured

Verification

  • Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
  • Activate the turn signal on the replaced side and verify the rear turn signal illuminates with proper amber color and flashes at correct rate
  • Walk around vehicle to confirm front turn signal also flashes in sync, indicating no bulb resistance issues
  • Test hazard lights to confirm both sides flash properly

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

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More procedures for this vehicle

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