How to Replace Tail Light Bulbs

You do not have to remove the taillight lens to replace the taillight bulb on most cars.

Taillight bulbs usually push into a bulb socket that secures to the backside of the taillight lens on most coupes and sedans, eliminating the need to remove the taillight lens to replace the bulb. There is typically an access panel that leads to the taillight bulb inside the vehicle's trunk. On SUVs and pickup trucks, you usually have to remove the lens to gain access to the taillight bulb.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver (optional)
• Torx driver (optional)

Instructions

Coupes and Sedans

1. Open the trunk of your vehicle.

2. Open the trunk of the car. Locate and remove the plastic panel that covers the taillight lenses. Usually, the cover is secured with screws that require using a Phillips-head screwdriver or Torx driver to remove.

3. Locate the socket connected to the burned-out taillight.

4. Turn the socket counterclockwise until the socket and bulb pull out of the lens.

5. Pull the bulb out of the socket and push the new bulb into the socket.

6. Place the socket into the taillight and turn it counterclockwise to lock it in place.

7. Place the cover over the taillight lenses and secure it in place using the screws, turning the screwdriver/ Torx driver clockwise.

SUV and Pickup Trucks

1. Open the rear hatch of your SUV or lower the truck-bed gate.

2. Locate and remove the two Torx screws that secure the taillight to the vehicle. The screws are usually located on the side of the lens covered by the tailgate or hatch. Inspect the other side of the lens for screws. If you locate any, remove them. In some cases, the back of the lens has clips that press into the vehicle instead of screws.

3. Pull out on the taillight lens. If the other side of the lens is not screwed on, pull enough to pop the clips out of that side.

4. Turn the taillight socket counterclockwise and remove the socket and bulb from the lens.

5. Pull the bulb out of the socket and place the new bulb into the socket.

6. Put the socket back into the taillight lens and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

7. Push the taillight lens against the vehicle (push the tabs in place, if necessary) and secure it using the screws and Torx driver.

References

• "Chevrolet, GMC Pickups, Suburban, Blazer, Jimmy, Tahoe, Yukon, Denali Repair Manual 1988-2000"; Ken Freund, John H. Haynes; 2001
• "Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac Full-Size Models (FWD) Repair Manual 1985-2005"; Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 2006