How to Change a Tail Light Bulb

One of the easiest things to do is changing a tail light bulb in your car. Newer cars really do not even need special tools. Some older vehicles, Jeeps, trucks still use the T-driver,like a star driver. You can get most any bulbs you need for your car at any auto parts store. Either way you remove the tail light, changing the bulb is similar.

Things You'll Need

• the right size replacement Bulb
• A safe place to work
• rubber gloves
• Star Driver. (T2)

Instructions

1. 

   First if you don't know you have a burned bulb, you could have a person get into your car to make sure all your tail lights, brake, and back-up lights are indeed working. It's good to do basic maintenance checks, on your car, especially if the car is getting older.

2. 

   When you know which bulb that needs replaced, you open your trunk. You also want to wear rubber gloves. There is usually a knob or catch you must turn and release to unhinge the bulb housing. When you turn this usually counterclockwise, you may now pull the bulb assembly loose. Remembering which bulb is out remove the burnt bulb by pushing down, a slight spring action, and turning the bulb a half turn counterclockwise, then pull the bulb out. You can see two little nipples on the base of the bulb that allows the bulb to stay secure in the housing.

3. 

   As I mentioned before, some vehicles you will have to unscrew the tail light cover, then you will see the housing from the outside. Older models have this type of bulb removal.

4. 

   So now make sure you have the correct bulb, put it into the area where your old bulb was, and with just the opposite way you removed it, you will push down and turn the bulb clockwise, only a half turn, until it stops. Make sure all is secure, the other bulbs are good and tight, and now place the bulb housing back into the taillight. Just as you removed it, you will again turn the knob to make it fit back securely. Close your trunk, have someone check behind your car, just to make sure the light is working.

Tips & Warnings

• The type and watt of the bulb is written on the bulb, you may want to write down the type it is. It saves time not having to look up your bulb size every time you have to change them.

• Just make sure you have the correct size of any bulb. It could be damaging with the wrong size or type of bulb.

• Make sure the bulb is lined up, do not force it.

Resources

• Discount Car Lights
• AutoPartsWarehouse
• Auto Anything