Easy lifehacks

What tools do I need to change a tail light?

What tools do I need to change a tail light?

Tools & Materials

  1. Safety Glasses.
  2. Gloves.
  3. Tail Light Bulbs.
  4. Phillips-Head Screwdriver.
  5. Bulb Grease.

How do you remove a tail light bulb?

Typically, this involves turning the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the tail light assembly. Put on your safety glasses. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

How to replace your tail light assembly in the garage?

Pull the tail light assembly out and away from the vehicle. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the back of the assembly. Remove the old bulbs and sockets from the tail light assembly.

When is the best time to replace a tail light?

Once you have the taillight assembly disconnected, remove the lightbulb sockets by releasing the catch mechanism and twisting. If you haven’t replaced the bulbs in the past two years, now is a good time to do that, since you already have everything apart.

Do you have to remove rear bumper to replace tail light?

Regardless of why you want to replace your tail light assembly, generally, the procedure is pretty straightforward. On some vehicles, however, the rear bumper cover or interior trim panel must be removed to access the tail light fasteners—and that can make the job more complicated.

How do you remove a tail light from a car?

If applicable, remove any mounting screws located on the outside of the tail light assembly. Open the trunk of your vehicle and locate the back of the tail light assembly. Disconnect the wiring harness from the back of the tail light assembly. Remove the tail light assembly mounting screws or nuts. Push the tail light assembly out from behind.

Where can I find a replacement taillight assembly?

Nope—this is a job you can do with ordinary hand tools and the Internet. Finding a replacement taillight assembly is easy. Simply enter “taillight” into your favorite search engine. You’ll be amazed at the number of hits you get. Most of the companies sell low-priced offshore “knockoffs” of the original equipment (OEM) parts.

Where are the tail light mounting screws located?

They are located on each corner and light up when you apply your brakes or turn signal. If applicable, remove any mounting screws located on the outside of the tail light assembly. Open the trunk of your vehicle and locate the back of the tail light assembly.

Regardless of why you want to replace your tail light assembly, generally, the procedure is pretty straightforward. On some vehicles, however, the rear bumper cover or interior trim panel must be removed to access the tail light fasteners—and that can make the job more complicated.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle