electrical

Fog Light Bulb

for 2020 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 · AWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
5
Steps
10
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the fog light bulb on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine, requiring access through the wheel well liner.

Warnings

Allow fog lights to cool for at least 15 minutes before starting work to prevent burns from hot bulb and housing
Do not touch the glass portion of the new halogen bulb with bare fingers as skin oils will cause premature failure and hot spots
ℹ️Turn the steering wheel full lock away from the side being serviced for better access to wheel well liner

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 engage parking brake
  2. Turn off fog lights and all electrical accessories
  3. Allow fog lights to cool if recently used (minimum 15 minutes)
  4. Turn steering wheel full lock in opposite direction of fog light being replaced (left lock for right fog, right lock for left fog)

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access wheel well liner
    Locate the front portion of the inner wheel well liner directly behind the fog light assembly. You will see several plastic push clips and Phillips screws securing the liner to the bumper and fender.
  2. 2
    Remove wheel well liner fasteners
    Remove the forward-most Phillips screws (typically 2-3) and push clips from the wheel well liner section in front of the tire. You only need to remove enough fasteners to pull the liner back for access, not the entire liner. Gently pull the liner away from the bumper to create working space.
  3. 3
    Locate fog light assembly
    With the liner pulled back, identify the rear of the fog light housing. You will see a circular bulb socket with a wiring harness connector attached to the back of the fog light assembly.
  4. 4
    Disconnect bulb connector
    Press the tab on the electrical connector and pull it straight away from the bulb socket. There may be a rubber weather seal covering the connector that needs to be moved aside first.
  5. 5
    Remove bulb socket
    Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn (90 degrees) and pull it straight out from the fog light housing. The socket and bulb come out as one assembly.
  6. 6
    Remove old bulb
    The H11 bulb is secured in the socket with a twist-lock design. Grasp the bulb base (not the glass) and rotate counterclockwise to release, then pull the bulb straight out from the socket. Inspect the socket terminals for corrosion or damage.
  7. 7
    Install new bulb
    Using a clean cloth or nitrile gloves to avoid touching the glass, insert the new H11 bulb into the socket aligning the tabs. Rotate clockwise until it locks into place. Verify the bulb is fully seated and secure in the socket.
  8. 8
    Reinstall bulb socket
    Insert the bulb socket assembly back into the fog light housing, aligning the tabs. Rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into position. Ensure it is fully seated and secure.
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the bulb socket until it clicks into place. Ensure the connection is secure and the rubber weather seal (if equipped) is properly positioned over the connection.
  10. 10
    Reinstall wheel well liner
    Position the wheel well liner back into place and reinstall all Phillips screws and push clips that were removed. Ensure all fasteners are fully seated and the liner is secure with no gaps.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all wheel well liner fasteners are properly installed and tight
  2. Return steering wheel to center position
  3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well area

Verification

  • Turn on the vehicle and activate the fog lights to verify the new bulb illuminates properly
  • Check that fog light beam pattern is correct and brightness matches the opposite side
  • Visually inspect the wheel well liner to ensure it is properly secured with no loose fasteners
  • Test fog lights again after a short drive to confirm sustained operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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