2012 Chevrolet Traverse - Tail Light Assembly

What is a Tail Light Lens Assembly?

The tail light assembly houses a variety of lights and is mounted at the rear of your vehicle. These lights allow you to drive safely by communicating with other drivers using turn signals, reverse lights, and brake lights, and maintain your visibility while driving in dark or harsh weather conditions. The tail light assembly may utilize a relay system or tail light circuit board and illuminates the appropriate light when it receives signals from different mechanical and electrical systems in your vehicle. The tail light assembly houses tail light bulbs, brake light bulbs, and reverse light bulbs that are protected by a tail light lens that also prevents moisture from entering the tail light assembly, and limits the risk of damage to the bulbs that could cause them to break. These color-tinted lenses also create the correct color illumination of each bulb. There are several reasons your tail light assembly may not be working properly, including collision damage, damaged or faulty bulbs, wiring or electrical problems, and discoloration. If you notice your tail lights, brake lights, or reverse lights not working, or if none of the bulbs in your tail light assembly are operating at all, there are some common areas to check when trying to diagnose these problems. Blown or burnt-out light bulbs are the first item to check, and often the simplest repair. Corroded or damaged bulb sockets may also cause intermittent operation or bulb failure as corrosion and poor connection can prevent your light bulbs from being properly secured or receiving the power needed to work. Blown fuses in the lighting system can also cause tail light assembly failure and can affect one or all of the assembly's lights. Oxidation caused by sun exposure can create a thick layer of condensation to form inside the tail light lens, causing dim or reduced illumination. The tail light assembly on your vehicle is an important safety component for you and other drivers on the road to communicate when you are stopping, slowing, and turning, and to ensure your vehicle is visible to other drivers after dark or in poor weather conditions. If your tail light assembly needs to be replaced or repaired, visit O'Reilly Auto Parts to find the right bulbs, fuses, and sockets for your vehicle's tail light assembly, or find a complete tail light assembly for your vehicle if needed. If you need help installing your replacement parts, visit our How-To Hub for detailed articles and videos on