Camry Brake Light Bulb

ihbh on 22/01/2025 - 17:00
Last edited 24/01/2025 - 17:20

I was quoted $50 to replace the brake light bulb of a Camry 2005.

I happened to check a Youtube video and it looks like it's p*ss easy to do it.

Are the bulbs pretty much the same in most vehicles and will this one do? https://www.bunnings.com.au/narva-stop-indicator-globe_p0047…

Solved. Thanks everyone for your help. Replacement bulb has arrived and I've installed it, using the bubble wrap bag to hold it. Very quick job.

As an aside, my car was also pinged for the horn not working and quoted nearly $300 just to do the diagnostic (there might be a problem with the airbag…). The cable was not attached (previously my wife had a battery problem and a Good Samaritan helped her jump start it and disconnected the horn cable). One minute to reconnect - I forgot to do it before.

I don't know whether it's not standard procedure to check if the cable is attached or they were trying to charge me some more for the pink slip service, which did take half an hour labour, not to mention the contribution to the depreciation of their hoist, etc..

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • cashless on 22/01/2025 - 17:07

    Does it match the old one that you took out to examine?

  • churningNburning on 22/01/2025 - 17:11
    -3

    Who quoted that? They're a jerk.

    • ihbh on 22/01/2025 - 17:14

      Pink slip check.

      • pegaxs on 22/01/2025 - 22:34
        +4

        Hahah, of course they did… they prey on the thick and the desperate.

        They always play the “We failed it because of the busted light… so you will have to re-book for late next week… OR, we can have our guy do it today and I’ll pass it on the spot… for an extra $50.” in the hope of scaring people into just saying “yeah, just get it done, I need it done today…”

        • Save 50 Cent on 25/01/2025 - 12:35

          Honestly, $50 is not exactly outrageous when you are running a business and have so much overheads.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 22/01/2025 - 17:19
    +11

    Bulb fitment at sca is like $15 or $12 for members if you 100% get stuck.

    Brake light generally super easy assuming bolts not seized to access.

    Comes down to how much you value your own time to run around.

    • ihbh on 22/01/2025 - 17:24
      +1

      Cheers, I forgot about SCA. And they have "Fits Your Vehicle" filter.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 22/01/2025 - 17:56
        +8

        lol I had to change the front headlight bulbs in my Navara many years ago and for the freaking life of me I could not dislodge the holder from the main body to disconnect it… asked sca and the guy said yep no problems … in the end practically had the whole team out at my Ute trying to disconnect the freaking thing. 40 min later manager said ok..no we cannot fit it off sorry, we’ll refund your install charge lol

        • bhubb18 on 22/01/2025 - 21:43
          +2

          I used to work there and had a few doozies lmao, some cars are just terrible for access (especially if you have big hands). We weren't really allowed to take much apart for access

        • HeWhoKnows on 23/01/2025 - 07:23
          +2

          What did you end up doing?

          • Nugs on 23/01/2025 - 10:08
            +3

            @HeWhoKnows: duct tape a dolphin torch on front?
            .

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 23/01/2025 - 10:33
            +2

            @HeWhoKnows: said f' it and basically just bent the pin until it deformed enough to allow me to dislodge the holder.
            replacing the bulb was 1 second work.
            then re-bent the holding pin to correct angle and aligned it again.

        • Euphemistic on 23/01/2025 - 16:06
          +1

          Every time ive needed to change a headlight globe in a modern car its been a hit-fight. Theres something about the location plus that stupid clip thing on fop of axtually removing the plug without damaging yourself or the plug…

      • TK Deadwalker on 24/01/2025 - 08:40

        Hi,

        The bulb section at SCA usually has a tablet that allows you to input the vehicles details and it will provide a diagram of which bulbs will fit your car.

        To be safe, maybe remove the burnt out bulb as well for comparison to be 100% sure.

        Also, if you have the owner's manual for the Camry, it will also have a list of bulb types and required wattage for each bulb.

        Good luck.

      • webmonkey on 24/01/2025 - 09:41

        That thing is usually wrong. I had to swap out a tail light in a 2006 corolla and that fits your vehicle thing recommended a bulb which would not fit.

        Take out the existing bulb before you buy so you don't waste your time.

        • ihbh on 24/01/2025 - 09:53

          Cheers, have taken it out and it matches exactly what BingChilling said below and I have an OEM to be delivered today.

  • kekw on 22/01/2025 - 17:23
    +5

    The quote sounds about right but I did just take the old ones out and go to sca to match it.

  • JimmyF on 22/01/2025 - 17:28
    -3

    Are the bulbs pretty much the same in most vehicles and will this one do?

    I believe the later to your Camrys are a two stage bulb (tail light/brake light in one), not sure about your one, if it is a two stage, then they are about $16 for a pair.

    https://www.repco.com.au/globes-batteries-electrical/globes-…

    Anyhow, take out your globe and buy a matching one from repco or SCA.

    Pro tip, if one side has gone, the other side isn't far behind. So replace both at once.

    • jv on 22/01/2025 - 17:31
      -5

      to your Camrys

      🚗

      • pegaxs on 22/01/2025 - 22:41
        +8

        They are not talking about multiple “Camries”, they are talking about possession, and possession is noted by an apostrophe…

        As in “the Camry’s tail lights…”, albeit written poorly. It should have been more along the lines of;

        I believe the later to your Camry’s tail lights… are a two stage…

        Added to that, “Camry” is a proper noun, and you don’t “ies” proper nouns, so it would be one Camry, or 12 Camrys.

        So, not only did you get it wrong, you also failed to pick up the actual error.

        • Protractor on 24/01/2025 - 16:46

          Our mechanic is illiterate.When we pick the car up and go through his invoice it's like a year 7 quality document.Lately their mechanical standards are catching up (as in going backwards). I think he may also have reverse Tourette Syndrome, in that he never tells me when something gets broken or stripped. I usually discover it later. And yes, I'm shopping around again, for someone who earns the gig. Sigh.

    • JIMB0 on 22/01/2025 - 19:53
      +1

      Pro tip, if one side has gone, the other side isn't far behind. So replace both at once.

      It's a 20 year old car, that would be overcapitalising.

      • JimmyF on 22/01/2025 - 20:04
        -1

        Globes come in pairs, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

        • JIMB0 on 23/01/2025 - 11:09

          You can buy a single globe from Toyota.

          • JimmyF on 23/01/2025 - 11:43
            -2

            @JIMB0: and pay as much as a pair elsewhere……

            • JIMB0 on 23/01/2025 - 12:15

              @JimmyF: Toyota's prices on consumables are quite competitive with the aftermarket.

      • Protractor on 24/01/2025 - 16:58

        It's not pro tip unless the owner has always changed 2 at a time.Or it's the first bulb change. 2005? Not likely.
        It might be referred to as a 'better to be safe than sorry' tip (unless you know) .

  • milanoxpress on 22/01/2025 - 17:31

    Do It Yourself OP. It’s relatively easy job as seen on YouTube videos. Bulb itself should cost no more than $10-$12 a piece.
    Get a quality bulb so you can replace now & have at least 10-15 years trouble free motoring.

    You may or may not experience brake light switching on every time. It’s usually a rubber grommet piece that has disintegrated to bits that’s the issue. Search “brake light stop turning on all the time Camry” on Google to get a big picture of the problem.

    Goodluck!

  • apple2016 on 22/01/2025 - 17:38
    +2

    For $50, you can get the bulb and all necessary tools to DIY with spare change..

  • Drakesy on 22/01/2025 - 17:58
    +1

    I just get LED's off AliExpress for $10 and replace them proactively,

    Haven't had one fail in 6 years.

    Be careful though of the head and brakelights, they can be blinding.

    • Euphemistic on 22/01/2025 - 18:20
      +1

      I bought a replacement brake/tail lamp LED a while back. Ended up not using it because the brake and tail light brightness was too similar. Tail light was too bright, brake light not enough.

      Gotta make sure it's right before full installation when you buy cheap.

    • Lvl1pro on 24/01/2025 - 16:28

      Yep i get the auxito from Aliexpress. Legit best bulbs i have come across. They have actually been designed and not just some person who just keeps throwing as many LEDS that they can fit on the PCB.

      • Protractor on 24/01/2025 - 17:02

        Different for me. I got some Auxito headlight bulbs once.Never again. They were claimed as all aircraft aluminium body, but the main part that locates the bulb was plastic.And they claimed they could be adjusted for bean pattern which was BS. The brightness was good, but useless.The heat would killed them quickly and no way could they be set NOT to impact other drivers.They still tell the same BS on listings on ebay on the globe design we bought . I contacted the company direct and they were useless.Deliberately

  • Daniel Plainview on 22/01/2025 - 18:01
    +1

    The proper bulbs for each light will be listed in your factory manual.

  • Euphemistic on 22/01/2025 - 18:22
    +1

    Have a look at your existing light. Is it a conbinatio. Brake and tail light? Ie one globe does both? If so, the one youve linked is incorrect.

    • JimmyF on 22/01/2025 - 20:06
      +3

      I agree with the roadside person, not something they would 'cover'.

    • 2025 on 22/01/2025 - 21:49
      +1

      Roadside assist man was not a happy camper!

      I can understand, cranky pants was right.

    • rumblytangara on 23/01/2025 - 09:20
      +4

      Muppet and anyone else involved was an entitled tosser to think that this was a roadside assist problem. What next- you're going to call roadside assist because the ice cream melted in the boot when you parked it for an hour in the sun and you want a new ice cream?

      Can't believe that you posted this up thinking it was even vaguely reasonable.

      • 2025 on 23/01/2025 - 12:02

        Some coins fell out of my pocket, in between the seat and centre console, and I can’t reach them, tried under, both sides, over top, no chance I’m getting them back, thing is I need the coins to purchase a GPS so I know where I’m going. Guess I’ll call RACQ.

      • Muppet Detector on 23/01/2025 - 18:23
        -2

        Couldn't see where the phone was. I guess they weren't courageous enough to drive the car incase the phone become dislodged and got stuck somewhere it caused some damage to the car.

        What else could he have done? Drove it and hoped for the best? Hired a retrieval dog? Towed it to the dealer?

        Couldn't drive car. Seemed like a roadside assist problem to me.

        • 2025 on 23/01/2025 - 21:00

          What else could he have done?

          Obviously it wasn’t that complicated because the roadside assist was able to help. He could have done whatever they did to get the phone? Not sure if they unclipped the bottom cover, or used a torch, or what, but roadside assist isn’t exactly a workshop with a hoist and an X-ray machine.

        • rumblytangara on 23/01/2025 - 21:15
          +2

          What else could he have done? Drove it and hoped for the best? Hired a retrieval dog? Towed it to the dealer?

          They could have been responsible adults and paid for the problem to be fixed, rather than offload the problem onto some guy who had no responsibility for it.

          Yeah, tow to a garage would be one option. A magnet on a stick would be another. And a third would be paying for a mechanic to come out rather than abusing a service.

          In end, husband told RACQ he needed to retrieve phone cos daughter needed gps feature on phone to know where she was going.

          I mean, you're relating this like it's something to be proud of, rather than ashamed of.

          • Muppet Detector on 24/01/2025 - 09:42
            -2

            @rumblytangara: Settle down, who peed on your corn flakes? We do pay for Roadside assist, ya know? Can give that judgemental conga line going on inside your head a rest, eh?

            If OH had been able to find it or knew how to retrieve it, he wouldn't have needed help.

            What you are forgetting though, is when you ring, they ask what the problem is before dispatching somebody to help.

            We did tell them what we did when we called them yet they chose to send out someone to assist anyway. Had it not been within their parameters, they could always have said "no", and refrained from sending anybody.

            Really not sure how that is abusing a service, especially as it is one we pay to use. Seems like you've caught a case of hysterical hyperbolic outrage.

            • 2025 on 24/01/2025 - 12:04

              @Muppet Detector: You told them that your daughter needs to use your husbands phone because of the GPS feature on it. Does she take the phone with her? What does your husband use when she’s out?

            • us3rnam3tak3n on 24/01/2025 - 14:24
              +1

              @Muppet Detector:

              give that judgemental conga line going on inside your head a rest

              Vote count suggests the conga line is real and currently 9 people long

        • Bammers on 24/01/2025 - 08:03

          Did you try and drive the car? just cause there is a phone in there doesn't mean the car couldn't be driven.

      • serpserpserp on 24/01/2025 - 21:05

        What next- you're going to call roadside assist because the ice cream melted in the boot when you parked it for an hour in the sun and you want a new ice cream?

        Happens more than you think

    • Cluster on 24/01/2025 - 11:27
      +1

      Muppet? Hmm. Now reverse the genders in the story about 'my stupid wife was doing things with the car'. It wouldn't go down well.

      • Muppet Detector on 24/01/2025 - 13:00
        -1

        I don't need to do things to my car. I have roadside assist…

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 24/01/2025 - 14:25
        +1

        Sounds like a healthy, not toxic at all, relationship.

  • Ocker on 22/01/2025 - 19:45

    If you have done all of the research needed yourself then why waste peoples time on OZB.
    That aside, if you cannot simply change a brake light bulb then hand back your drivers license.

    • kiitos on 23/01/2025 - 15:21

      Didn't get tested on that in my driver's test

      • Euphemistic on 23/01/2025 - 16:04

        Thatd be an eye opener. Secondary test: Check fluids, air pressure, locate jack and spare, replace wiper blades and globes.

  • JIMB0 on 22/01/2025 - 19:50

    Get one from a Toyota dealer, it won't cost that much, just give them your rego and they'll look it up. Aftermarket globes are rubbish and don't last long.

    • pegaxs on 22/01/2025 - 22:57
      -2

      $138 from Toyota because it comes in a Toyota box with a Toyota bag inside, but the globe has “Phillips” on it, or $5 from SCA for exactly the same globe, just minus the “Toyota” branding.

      Toyota do not make their own light globes.

      • JIMB0 on 22/01/2025 - 23:25
        +1

        I bought a genuine interior light globe as I couldn't find an 8w aftermarket one, it was only a few dollars and made by Toshiba.

      • BingChilling on 23/01/2025 - 10:06
        +2

        I can understand where you come from in terms of dealership pricing for parts, however replacement incandescent bulbs are one thing dealers are generally better value than aftermarket.
        Amayama sells the OEM 90981-13044 part for $3.50. Cheaper than retail stores such as SCA and is better quality than any aftermarket bulb. Philips supplies Toyota with Halogen headlights and HID lamps only. Signal/Indicator lamps are sourced from Japanese OEMs not available in the aftermarket such as Koito, Stanley and Toshiba.

      • AG_ACT on 24/01/2025 - 09:42
        +2

        Only FYI, genuine parts from Toyota can sometimes be cheaper than aftermarket ones from SCA when not on sale. I've found this with an oil filter and spark plugs for my car (genuine platinum spark plugs were almost 30% cheaper than aftermarket)

  • NevC on 22/01/2025 - 21:04

    Stop/Tail lights are usually 5/21 watt. You can get 21/21 watt but don't use them. Tail lights will be too bright.

  • bobbified on 23/01/2025 - 04:11

    I was quoted $50 to replace the brake light bulb of a Camry 2005.

    It's not all bad. It's forced you to do some research to learn some basic maintenance.

  • magic8ballgag on 23/01/2025 - 07:22
    -1

    I happened to check a Youtube video and it looks like it's p*ss easy to do it.

    If it were that easy, you would have just done it yourself by now.

    • ihbh on 23/01/2025 - 07:27
      +3

      I need to source replacement bulb first.

      • magic8ballgag on 23/01/2025 - 11:27
        -1

        So I guess the process isn't as easy as you thought then?

        • ihbh on 23/01/2025 - 11:30
          +2

          Yes, it is. When the replacement bulb is delivered tomorrow, I'll just pop it in.

          • magic8ballgag on 23/01/2025 - 11:33
            -1

            @ihbh:

            Yes, it is

            You needed to ask an online forum on how to identify and source the correct globe though.

            • ihbh on 23/01/2025 - 11:38

              @magic8ballgag: It was raining and I didn't want to get out and pull out the dead bulb then.

              Someone might have recently had the same problem or work in the area or have domain knowledge like @BingChilling.

              Likewise, anyone who has questions about real estate, investing, edible gardening, etc. I try to share my domain knowledge where I can.

              • magic8ballgag on 23/01/2025 - 11:40
                -1

                @ihbh: I don't think they are comparable, but whatever excuse (possibly getting wet?) will do.

                Either way, there's a reason auto store/mechanic services exist, and you just proved it by creating this thread.

                • 2025 on 23/01/2025 - 21:05
                  +2

                  @magic8ballgag: Were you born being able to write garbage, or was it something you learnt along the way? Perhaps OP is cable of learning how to change the light bulb.

                  I learnt that genuine bulbs are probably better value than aftermarket jobbies that only last a year via this thread.

                  Either way, there’s a reason downvotes exist, and you just proved it with your comments.

                  • magic8ballgag on 24/01/2025 - 07:29
                    -1

                    @2025:

                    Perhaps OP is cable of learning how to change the light bulb

                    Yet here we are, on a forum thread created by OP discussing how to source said light bulb.

                    It's so easy though and they're totally going to do it all by themselves!

                    • 2025 on 24/01/2025 - 08:15
                      +1

                      @magic8ballgag: Imagine that, asking about buying something on a website dedicated to buying things.

                      Why are you acting like a hypocrite? Did you learn that behaviour or was it something you were born with?

                      Looking for an all-in-one solution that I can install myself

                      It was in that 2019 you were asking about ceiling storage solutions here, shouldn’t you have engaged a professional?

                      • magic8ballgag on 24/01/2025 - 08:40
                        -1

                        @2025: That's your view of it.

                        The difference between me and OP is that I thoroughly research every DIY project I do, and I'm not lazy.

                        OP could have literally checked their light bulb and found a replacement within five minutes if they wanted to.

                        • 2025 on 24/01/2025 - 17:11

                          @magic8ballgag: My view is you’re both asking for purchasing help.

                          Unfortunately, I don't own any appropriate tools for that sort of job, so was looking for an 'already-made' solution that I could just assemble and install.

                          Sounds like you’re just being lazy there , but whatever excuse (possibly appropriate tools?) will do

                          I guess one difference is, OP already has his new bulb installed, and last update from you about the storage thing? You were going to look through other people’s rubbish

                          You and OP are not the same after all.

                          • magic8ballgag on 25/01/2025 - 09:53
                            -1

                            @2025: Yeah, you're just clutching at straws now.

                            There's a big difference between the two scenarios, but you already know that and are just looking for a debate.

                            I guess one difference is, OP already has his new bulb installed, and last update from you about the storage thing? You were going to look through other people’s rubbish

                            I found and installed my solution shortly after posting that thread, all by myself, in the rain. Clearly the joke went over your head though.

                            • 2025 on 26/01/2025 - 11:12
                              +1

                              @magic8ballgag:

                              all by myself

                              No you didn't, did you already forget that I posted a link to your post that has you asking about it?

                              The bulb pictured here hasn't got the part number on it https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/bulb-909811304…

                              Is it safe to assume that had OP checked the original bulb, it would look like that? It doesn't have the Toyota specific part number. In other words, had OP gone and retrieved the bulb, he'd still be missing the part number.

                              I've plugged the first line of text into a search engine, and it lists a variety of aftermarket options, and none are genuine parts from Toyota.

                              Fortunately OP asked about it here, and BingChilling had the part number handy. How good is that?

                              As luck would have it, the rain worked in OPs favour. Not only did OP receive sound advice about using genuine bulbs by simply researching his options here, OPs research also led to BingChilling providing the exact part number required to order from Toyota.

                              This thread is the only place in the whole of OzB that mentions that Toyota part number. OP and BingChilling have shared all the information anyone needs in future to replace their bulb. It really is a shame that you couldn't contribute to the helpful comments. But at least you know, for next time, if anyone is researching the part number for the bulb, its right here and you'll be able to provide a link, or direct them to research in solitude and isolation with no external assistance, that choice is yours.

            • Muppet Detector on 25/01/2025 - 14:09
              -1

              @magic8ballgag: Should have called roadside assist, eh?

  • BingChilling on 23/01/2025 - 09:59
    +3

    For the 2005 Camry Brake/tail combination light should be a W21/5W type.

    For longevity I'd recommend the OEM Toyota part 90981-13044 which shouldn't be very expensive to source from the dealers directly, Amayama sells them for $3.50 each but shipping would take a long time. Aftermarket bulbs don't compare to the OEM Koito/Toshiba/Stanley made bulbs in terms of longevity.

  • doctordv8 on 23/01/2025 - 13:26

    Standard 21/5W Stop/Tail Bayonet Globe. There is also an LED upgrade if you wish, few more $$ and you do both sides together.

    If you were local, being a 2 min job i would have knocked that over as a freebie + bits.

    • ihbh on 23/01/2025 - 13:28

      Cheers. I have the replacement bulb coming tomorrow. I've taken the old one out so yeah, 2 min job. Just making sure I sourced the right part.

      • kiitos on 23/01/2025 - 22:24

        Check if you need to wear gloves when touching the new bulb to avoid putting oil on it

        • ihbh on 23/01/2025 - 22:33

          Cheers, I've been using gloves as a practice run taking out the dead bulb.

        • us3rnam3tak3n on 24/01/2025 - 15:36

          I was looking for this comment. I always avoid touching the glass but I think it's only really important for headlights as they stay at much higher temperatures for longer. (well longer than the brake light and much hotter than the tail)

        • doctordv8 on 24/01/2025 - 17:30

          That is for Halogen Globes, ie H3, H4 etc Head and Spot lights.

          The oil on your fingers - on the glass… and the globes can burn out / fail.

          Not applicable for standard body globes.

  • kaleidoscope on 23/01/2025 - 22:44

    If $50 too expensive just DIY on these older models.

    Pray that the lights do not go out on a newer models with LED arrays as they are not DIY friendly and would cost $1000+ for the unit itself (pieces of the light assembly are not replacable appratently..) + whatever they charge for a half a day of labour these days

  • Purp on 23/01/2025 - 22:53

    When you pay someone to do something you aren't just paying for the replacement part, you're paying for their time/expertise as well.

    • thanatos350 on 23/01/2025 - 23:48

      They aren't really making any real money from it, either. Even if it takes 10 minutes all up, that is 10 minutes that they could have spent working on a job they'd actually profit from. I think people compare their own salaried hourly rate to what services that they need to pay for cost.

      OP should just change it themselves. YouTube and a couple of household tools.

    • magic8ballgag on 24/01/2025 - 08:07

      Don't forget the willingness to actually research the correct part required!

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