How do you replace license plate bulb on Scion XA?

This procedure, for replacing rear license plate bulb, is written for the Scion xA model (2005 year).

1) Remove the rear hatch panel (aka trim board). There are nine (9) clips holding the panel in place. Use care when popping them off. To pop these clips off, use a wide flat head screwdriver, and pry the panel off. I used masking tape on the tip of my screwdriver, so that I would not scratch the paint. Some clips remained on the hatch, while most came off with the panel.

Fig 1: Rear side of the panel, after it has been removed. Note the locations of the clips.

Fig 2. Hatch with the panel removed. The plate bulbs are behind those vertical frame thingys.

2) Next, locate the bulb that needs to be replaced, disconnect the cable, and remove the bulb holder. To disconnect the cable, locate the clip and push in and pull on the cable. You need to twist the bulb holder 45 deg's (that is about 1/8 of a turn). Then you pull down on it.

Fig 3. Bulb holder located.

Fig 4. Disconnect the cable. Push on the clip and pull the cable out.

Fig 5. Rotate the bulb holder then pull down to remove it.

3) Replace the bulb. Pull the bulb out straight to remove it.

Fig 6. Bulb holder with new bulb.

4) Reverse these steps to re-install.