How To Change a Tail Light

Always wear nitrile gloves when handling bulbs as oils from your skin can damage the bulb and cause it to burn out prematurely. Once you have your replacement bulbs, your nitrile gloves and safety glasses on: open the trunk or the tailgate, move the fabric (or remove panel) and take a look behind the tail light lens. In some cases, you might have to remove the outside assembly. If removing the assembly is necessary, remove the fasteners (screws or bolts) and put them somewhere safe so you don’t lose them.

Pull the tail lamp assembly out slowly to disengage it from the vehicle. You’ll see the wires connected to the back of the bulbs. If you’re changing a bulb in a vehicle that does not require you to remove the assembly, this is what you’ll see, only from inside the trunk or hatch.

Turn the bulb socket to the left to release it from the assembly. Then, in most cases, your old bulb will slip straight out of the socket.

Add a little bulb grease, and slide the new bulb into the socket. You may see small nodes that fit into notches in the socket. Once you have your bulb attached, guide it carefully back into the assembly and turn right to secure it.

If you had to remove the assembly, reattach it now, making sure it aligns correctly with the vehicle. Tighten the screws or bolts and make sure it’s secure.

Repeat all steps on the other side of your vehicle, and make sure your tail lights work before cleaning up.