Here's "How2" update your rear lights...
...from the '99-00 look to the '01-'03 Altezza look!

There 2 parts to the update. Part 1 is to do the outer light assemblies, the second part is the inner assemblies in the hatch door (even easier than the outer lights!).


Altezza Style ........... vs .......... original 1999 style

Once you change to altezza style - you wont go back!

 

 

 

RX 300 "How2" HOME
Part One

Pop off the trim around lower door opening in the back, both sides (left side shown here). These are plastic pop fastener that will go back easily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second pic shows the outer right light with screw covers removed. Back out the 2 screws.
After removing the screws, pop off lamp assembly, straight back separating the plastic pop fastener in 2 places "A" and "a".

The wiring harness has to be replaced that enters the sheetmetal because one of the lamp sockets is different and the wiring is a bit different. Therefore, the assembly complete with the sockets and harness have to be replaced. To do so, the inner walls must be partially removed.

The left side wall is the most difficult part of the upgrade, so the pics will concentrate there. First the power socket must be removed. Power connector socket must be removed, First, disconnect the battery. Always work safely around electrical components.

Then pry out the metal inner shell a quarter inch or so, then the plastic mounting assembly should pull out. This is necessary to allow this wall material to be pulled out for connector access behind it.
With power socket free, the edge trim removed, and the bottom storage bin that must be removed (bottom plastic screw and several pop fasteners), you are now ready to pull back the wall amterial enough to get at the connector.
By pulling back the wall, the harness connector is seen.
Disconnect the white plastic connector by releasing the side latch and pulling down on the harness connector.
Power cable shown through inner mounting bracket for power socket.
After disconnecting the inner connector, remove harness by working out the grommet.

Insert new wire harness from new lamp assembly. Work in the grommet as best as possible (my unit came with a larger grommet, so it was squeezed into place as best as possible). The rubber grommet protects the harness from the sharp sheet metal edges and must be used to prevent a short circuit if the metal was to cut through the wire insulation. Connect the inner connector.

Test lights before buttoning everything up.

Part 2

The inner assemblies are very easy to change because the inner lamp housings in the hatch door will use the old wiring (existing) and sockets. The inner panel just pops off with the same plastic fasteners to expose the wiring and nuts to remove the lamp assemblies.