Toyota released its pickup-based utility vehicle, the 4Runner, in the 1985 model year. As the 4Runner aged, it became a more refined and comfortable SUV. By the 2005 model year, the 4Runner was completely separated from any Toyota pickup and was a high-end SUV. The 2005 4Runner included smooth body-lines, elongated and angled headlights, as well as vertical taillights that wrapped partially around the quarter panel. Replacing the brake light bulb in these taillight assemblies involved removing a small access panel in the cargo area.
Open the 4Runner's rear hatch and locate the access panel near the rear or the side trim panel in the cargo area.
Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver under the upper part of the access panel on the side of the 4Runner with the burnt-out brake light. Pry the access panel from the cargo area side trim panel.
Look behind the panel, toward the rear of the 4Runner and locate the three sets of wires and sockets plugged into the rear of the taillight assembly.
Grab the lowermost socket on the taillight assembly -- the taillight socket -- and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb out of the taillight assembly and out through the access panel.
Take hold of the burnt-out bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 7443 taillight bulb using a clean, lint-free cloth, and press it into the socket. Don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, as the oils from your hands may cause premature bulb failure.
Insert the socket and new bulb into the rear of the taillight assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place.
Insert the tabs on the bottom of the access panel into the notches in the cargo side trim and press the top of the panel until it seats into place.
Close the 4runner's rear hatch.
