How To Change a Tail Light

Changing your tail light bulbs is an easy form of maintenance that you can perform for your vehicle.

Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Safety Glasses

Protective Gloves Gloves

LED Headlight Bulbs Tail Light Bulbs

Screwdriver Phillips-Head Screwdriver

Headlight Bulb Grease Bulb Grease

How To Replace a Tail Light

Changing your tail light bulbs is an easy form of maintenance that you can perform on your vehicle. Before you begin - or if you have any questions about your specific vehicle - we always recommend taking a look at your service manual.

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Use screwdriver to remove the screws on tail light assembly
Step 1: Open trunk or tailgate
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.

Do It Right: Most pickups will require removing the outside assembly.

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Pull out the tail light assembly slowly
Step 2: Pull tail lamp assembly out (if needed)
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.

Do It Right: There’s sometimes a small panel that you’ll need to remove to access the inside of the assembly.

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Turn the tail light bulb socket
Step 3: Pull bulb out
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.
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Carefully grease tail light bulb and slide into socket
Step 4: Add bulb grease, put new bulb in
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.
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Reattach tail light assembly
Step 5: Reattach assembly (if needed)
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.
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Screw tail light assembly back into place on car after replacing tail light
Step 6: Repeat on other side
Repeat all steps on the other side of your vehicle, and make sure your tail lights work before cleaning up.
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Featured Product Categories

Wiper Blades Wipers

Automotive Lighting Automotive Lighting

Headlight Restoration Kits Headlight Restoration

Additional Resources

New Headlight Bulb on Car

Headlight bulbs need replaced? Follow these simple steps.

Headlight Bulb Selection

Find the right headlight bulbs for your vehicle.

Headlight Lens Restoration and Cleaner

Fix dull, cloudy headlight lenses.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

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