1997 Corolla, couple of questions....

[bob6831]

Hi.
Need to do some work on my wife's 1997 Corolla to help it pass yearly state inspection.
Trying to replace rear taillight........ is 2 black screws? on inside wall side of the lights, which appear to be stopping me from taking the lens off on the outside. I don't know how to remove them! Help please. All book says is to remove 2 screws on the outside and 1 nut on the inside.
Also, my wife says there was a 'working' trunk light that stopped working about 2 years ago............ but I can not find any indications that there ever was a trunk light! Please confirm.
Thx.
Bob

[gold94corolla]

Hi, yes, open the trunk, and you will see 2 black bolts holding on the tail light. Then, you need to pop the carpet off enough to get your had behind the tail light to undo that nut there. Then, pull hard on the tail light to unclip it out.

There is a trunk light, it is right in the middle of the ceiling, right under the 3rd brake light. It takes a 194 bulb which you probably need to replace for it to work. It is inside a little cage which unclips.

[bob6831]

Thx Chris for the quick reply...... but you are missing my problem on the light lens removal......... there is 2 black things..... on the inside of the trunk that 'appear' to be holding the lens bracket. This is AFTER I have removed the nut and the 2 screws on the outside.

[iToaster]

The two black things you're talking about are part of the clips that go outside the trunk. There are two pins that come out of the taillight assembly that go into them. I'll attach a picture so you can get an idea of what's there. Just pull straight back with sufficient force and the light will free itself.

[gold94corolla]

Yeah, that is why I said that you have to pull hard to unclip the light

[jelly53]

im having the same problem. BUT which way do you pull?? Your suppose to be pulling the tail light assembly right? Thanks

[PhatRoyale]

Pull straight out with a bit of force, don't worry about breaking anything.

The taillight's pretty sturdy.

[Rip The E Brake]

Pull on the tail light assembly, directly towards you, and straight.

If you cant get it to break free, use a flat head screw driver to pry between the car and the tail light. Make sure you do it gently, or you'll end up scratching paint, or just wrap the flat head with some electrical tape to prevent scraping. VIOLA, tail light is free.

[jelly53]

i did that but it wouldnt come off. i read somewhere that you first pull up and then towards you. But i'll try it again.

[Rip The E Brake]

Did you remove the nut behind the carpet in the trunk?

[jelly53]

yes sir, I removed the 2 outside and 1 10mm nut inside. The tail light is lose, I can wiggle it around.

[Rip The E Brake]

you gotta exert some force then. give it a good yank. the studs are probably rusted.

[jelly53]

alright bud thank you very much for your help. God Bless You!

[bob6831]

Thx - I was able to get my taillight off (had to pry and pull)......now I see what those clips do - they hold other clips that hold the light in place.
Ok........ back to the trunk light question. I have a 3rd brake light, but nowhere under it do I see a socket or any light! Anyone have a picture?
Thx

[Rip The E Brake]

Originally Posted by bob6831

Thx - I was able to get my taillight off (had to pry and pull)......now I see what those clips do - they hold other clips that hold the light in place.
Ok........ back to the trunk light question. I have a 3rd brake light, but nowhere under it do I see a socket or any light! Anyone have a picture?
Thx

This too, I know I don't see anything in my trunk.