How to change a tail light

When your tail light is not working, there are some things you can do. First, you can go to the back of the car and look through the trunk or take off the whole tail light. Once there, you will need to twist the round thing and pull it out so that a new light can come in. 

Sometimes this is hard because your old bulb is stuck inside a little bit. You will need to make sure that everything else on the back of your tail light is fixed before putting new bulbs in. At https://taillightbulb.com/ you can choose the bulb for tail light you need.

Removing the Old Tail Light Bulb

Step 1

Open the trunk of your car. To open it, press the button on the driver's side of the car. Open it so you can access your back lights.

Step 2

Open your trunk or tailgate. You need to find a fabric liner or a sheet of plastic that is covering the back of your truck where the brake lights are. It will be at the edge where it meets the trim of your vehicle. Pull back this cover with your hands, and then you should see the brake light.

Step 3

If you can't get to the backside of your tail light, try to take the entire light assembly out. If your car doesn't have a fabric liner or panel that will let you access the backside of your tail light, look for screws or bolts on the side of the lens covering the tail light. 

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws or a wrench to remove the bolts and gently slide out the whole light assembly so you don't disconnect the wires attached to the backside of it.

Step 4

Grab the back of the light socket and turn it to the left. Then slide it out. On the backside of your tail light assembly, you will see a wire connected to a bulb that is burned out. Grab this wire and pull it out from the backside of your tail light.

Step 5

To change a lightbulb, press down on the bulb and then slide it out of the socket. Grip the bulb by the metal part of the plug and depress it slightly into the socket to release it. Then, slide it out of the light socket.

Installing the New Tail Light Bulb

Step 1 

When you're changing a light bulb, put on some gloves to keep it from getting damaged. Oils from your hands can damage the bulb, so it's important to wear gloves.

Step 2

When you need to change a bulb, choose a new one that is the same size and wattage as the old one. Line up the terminal at the end of the bulb with the plug in socket and gently push it into place.

Step 3

To replace the socket and bulb, turn it to the right to secure the bulb. With the new bulb in place, put the socket back into the tail light assembly from the rear. Turn it to the right until it clicks into place so it is held securely.

Step 4

After you have fixed the light, put the fabric liner or panel back into place. If you got to the back of the light through your trunk or tailgate, make sure to cover the light with the fabric liner and snap it into place.

Step 5

If you took the screws or bolts out of your tail light, put them back in and tighten them. If you had to take the entire assembly out, slide it back into place and replace the screws or bolts.

Step 6

Close the trunk or tailgate and start your car. Shut the trunk or raise your tailgate. Pay close attention to make sure the bulb doesn't fall out or rattle. Have a friend start your car and press on the brake pedal so you can check if all of the lights work. Then, with their foot on the brake, have them put the car into reverse to make sure all the lights work.