This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front fog light assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine, including bulb and housing replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fog light assembly (if replacing complete unit) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fog light bulb H16 (if replacing bulb only) × 1 — H16 bulb type
• Push-type plastic retainers (if damaged) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is parked on level surface with parking brake engaged
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Allow fog lights to cool completely if recently used (15 minutes minimum)
4. Turn steering wheel fully in opposite direction of fog light being replaced for better access

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the fog light area
   Turn the front wheels away from the side being worked on to improve access. For driver side fog light, turn wheels fully right; for passenger side, turn wheels fully left. This opens up the wheel well area for better reach.
2. 2

   Remove inner fender liner clips
   Locate the plastic inner fender liner (splash shield) in the front section of the wheel well. Remove the 2-3 push-type plastic retainers securing the front portion of the liner near the fog light area. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry the center pin up, then remove the entire clip. Only remove enough clips to fold back the liner for fog light access.
3. 3

   Fold back inner fender liner
   Carefully pull back the front section of the inner fender liner to expose the rear of the fog light assembly. You should now see the back of the fog light housing and electrical connector. The liner is flexible and does not need to be completely removed.
4. 4

   Disconnect fog light electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector at the rear of the fog light assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. The connector may be tight; do not twist or force it.
5. 5

   Remove fog light bulb (if replacing bulb only)
   If only replacing the bulb, rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull straight out from the housing. Remove the old bulb from the socket by pulling straight out. Install new H16 bulb into socket without touching the glass, then reinstall socket into housing with clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks. Skip remaining steps and proceed to reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove fog light assembly mounting screws
   If replacing the entire fog light assembly, locate the two mounting screws at the top and bottom of the fog light housing. These are accessed from the front through the bumper grille opening. Use a 10mm socket or Phillips screwdriver to remove both mounting screws. Keep screws in a safe location.
7. 7

   Remove fog light assembly
   With mounting screws removed, carefully pull the fog light assembly forward out of the bumper. It may require gentle wiggling to release from the mounting tabs. Once free, remove the assembly completely from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Install new fog light assembly
   Position the new fog light assembly into the bumper opening. Align the mounting tabs and ensure the assembly sits flush with the bumper surface. Install the mounting screws finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten securely but do not overtighten as you are threading into plastic mounting points.
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the back of the new fog light assembly until you hear or feel it click into place. Verify connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector.
10. 10

    Reinstall inner fender liner
    Reposition the inner fender liner back into place. Install all push-type retainers by inserting the clip body into the hole, then pressing the center pin down until flush. Replace any damaged clips with new ones to ensure proper liner retention.

Reassembly

1. Ensure inner fender liner is properly secured with all clips fully seated to prevent rattling
2. Return steering wheel to center position
3. Verify fog light assembly is properly seated and flush with bumper surface

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
• Activate fog lights using the light control switch and verify new fog light illuminates properly
• Check for proper beam pattern and alignment - fog light should project low and wide
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster
• Confirm electrical connector is fully seated and fog light operation is stable
• Inspect inner fender liner to ensure it is secure and not rubbing on tire during steering

More procedures for this vehicle