Safety Glasses
Gloves
Tail Light Bulbs
Phillips-Head Screwdriver
Bulb Grease
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Do It Right: Oils from your skin can damage the bulb and cause it to burn out prematurely. Always wear nitrile gloves when handling your new tail light bulbs to prevent hot spots or other damage. |
Changing your brake light or tail light bulbs is an easy maintenance task that you can usually perform on your own vehicle. The tail light assembly may need to be removed to access the bulbs on your specific vehicle, and additional disassembly, including removing cover panels or interior panels from your trunk or cargo access may be necessary to replace the tail light or brake light bulbs. Before you begin your repair, we recommend taking a look at your vehicle’s owners manual or vehicle-specific service manual for the appropriate procedure on your specific vehicle, but we have covered the general procedure to replace tail light and brake light bulbs below. For step-by-step instructions to change your vehicle’s brake light and tail light bulbs, read on.
Step 1: Open the Trunk or Tailgate
Once you have your replacement bulbs, and have put on your gloves and safety glasses, open the trunk or the tailgate. You may need to move the fabric or remove an interior or trunk panel for access to the rear of the tail light lens assembly. In some cases, you might also have to remove the outside tail light assembly. If removing the assembly is necessary, remove the fasteners, screws, or bolts and set them aside somewhere safe so you don’t lose them. Once these fasteners are removed, the tail light assembly should pull free from the car, or it may have clips or plastic alignment brackets that require it to be pulled straight out to disengage it from the body.
Step 2: Pull the Tail Light Assembly Out (if Needed)
Pull the tail light 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 from inside the trunk or hatch.
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Do It Right: You might see a small panel that you’ll need to remove to access the inside of the assembly. |
Step 3: Remove the Tail Light Bulb Socket
Rotate the tail light bulb socket counterclockwise to release it from the assembly. It may be connected using a wiring harness, and if so, it might make sense to disengage the connector to allow the socket to be fully removed from the vehicle. This is a good opportunity to inspect the tail light socket for signs of corrosion or other damage to ensure it will continue to work its best.
Step 4: Remove the Tail Light or Brake Light Bulb
Grasp the bulb end lightly with your fingers and pull straight back to separate it from the socket. In most cases, your old bulb will slip easily out of the socket, but it may require some force if any corrosion is present.
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Do It Right: Older vehicles may have tail light bulbs with round bases, and these typically require the end of the bulb to be pushed into the socket and then rotated counterclockwise to free it from the socket. |
Step 5: Insert the New Tail Light Bulb
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 to help you align the bulb during installation. Once the new tail light or brake light bulb is in place, carefully guide the socket back into the assembly, observing any alignment notches, and rotate it clockwise to secure it.
Step 6: Reinstall the Tail Light Assembly (if Needed)
If you had to remove the tail light assembly, reinstall it now, ensuring it aligns correctly with the vehicle. Tighten the screws, bolts, or nuts and make sure it’s securely in place.
Step 7: Repeat These Steps on the Other Side
Repeat these steps on the other side of your vehicle.
Step 8: Check the Tail Light Bulbs
Turn on your vehicle’s running lights and make sure your tail lights and brake lights are working properly before completing the job.
Step 9: Reinstall Interior Panels
If you had to remove any interior panels or carpet, reinstall these panels and secure them.
Step 10: Close Trunk or Tailgate
Close your trunk or tailgate.
Installing Headlight Bulbs
Do your headlight bulbs also need to be replaced? Follow these simple steps.
Bulb Selection
Find the right headlight bulbs for your vehicle.
Headlight Restoration
Fix dull, cloudy headlight lenses to restore visibility.
Free Bulb Installation at O’Reilly Auto Parts
If you’re not comfortable completing this job yourself, learn more about FREE bulb installation available at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts.
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.