How do you change a tail light bulb?
Replace the bulb holders. These should look different than the turn signal lights and brake lights. Finish up by replacing the carpet and any panels in the trunk. Don't forget to reconnect the car battery. You may feel good about learning how to change tail light bulb, but your job isn’t quite done yet.
Is it hard to replace tail light bulbs at night?
When night falls or bad weather strikes, it won’t be easy for other drivers to see your car if one or both of these lights are out. Replacing tail light bulbs is critical, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Responsibly owning and driving a vehicle requires maintenance and attention to detail.
Where can I get tail light bulbs for my car?
The most effective way to get your hands on the correct tail light bulbs is to head to AutoZone and shop online. The website has just what you’re looking for to complete this job. You can schedule an in-store pickup, or you can have AutoZone ship them to your place.
What to do if your tail light bulb burns out?
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.
Can you replace the bulb in a tail light?
1:042:22How To: Replace Tail Light Bulbs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's sometimes a small panel that you'll have to remove to access the inside of the assembly.MoreThere's sometimes a small panel that you'll have to remove to access the inside of the assembly. Turn this bulb socket to the left to release it from the assembly.
Can you replace tail light yourself?
Fortunately, tail light bulb replacement isn't difficult and shouldn't take you more than 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Be aware that newer models may be a little more complicated than older ones, as there will be more wires to disconnect.
How do you change an inner tail light bulb?
1:254:11How to Change Inner Tail Light (Rear Light) Bulb (Saloon/Sedan)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that little red tab you want to pull it kind of towards you it is towards the outside away fromMoreSo that little red tab you want to pull it kind of towards you it is towards the outside away from the center of the of the boot. So let's give that a pull to one side give it a bit of a wiggle.
What tools do you need to change a tail light bulb?
You'll likely need either a flathead or Phillips screwdriver. Grab whatever tools you need and remove the screws holding the taillight housing in place. If your vehicle provides easy access to the taillight housing, you might not need tools. Just snap off the fabric covering to expose the bulb in its socket.
Are all tail light bulbs the same?
It depends on the vehicle model. In many vehicles, the tail light and brake light share the same bulb called dual-filament bulb. Here, each filament is on a different circuit. The thin filament light lights up as a tail light, and the thicker filament, which emits a brighter light, is used for brake lights.
How much does it cost to replace a tail light bulb?
If you don't want to change the bulb yourself, a local dealer or auto repair shop can help. Replacing one bulb in an average car will cost $10-$55 labor plus the cost of the bulb ($1-$7). In some cars it's easy to do; in others the taillight assembly might need to be removed in order to change a bulb.
Is tail light same as brake light?
Tail lights are engaged when the you turn on your headlights or when your parking brake is on, whereas the brake lights will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the brakes. On most vehicles, the tail lights are red and the brake lights are a more luminous red.
How do you take off a tail light cover?
0:413:21How to Change a Rear Tail Light / Rear Lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first you need to just pull back this section of the carpet here. And you can see the back of theMoreSo first you need to just pull back this section of the carpet here. And you can see the back of the lamp. There. You need to remove the electrical connection here first so take your flat screwdriver.
How do you remove a rear tail light cover?
Use either a Phillips, slotted or, in some cases, a specialized screwdriver -- sometimes called a star -- to remove the screws holding the lens cover in place. Gently pull out on the lens cover. If it is a two-piece unit -- lens cover and light bulb holder -- then replace the lens cover and screw it back into place.
How long does it take to change a tail light?
It shouldn't take more than 45 minutes to replace the tail light bulb.
Can I drive with one brake light out?
Brake lights are vital to letting those driving behind you that you are either slowing or coming to a stop. By law, you need to have both brake lights in working order. If your brake light is out, drivers may not be able to tell and it could cause a collision. It is illegal to drive with a brake light out.
How do you open a tail light?
6:2813:28HOW TO OPEN TAIL LIGHTS LIKE A PRO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you don't have to worry about warping the lens doing it this way. And some people would evenMoreBut you don't have to worry about warping the lens doing it this way. And some people would even just cut them open. And you can cut them open some tail lights you actually can only cut open.
How to check if taillights are working?
Turn on the lights and see if the taillights are working properly. This is also a good time to check the turn signal lights and brake lights. If they are not, you may have skipped a step. Retrace your steps and try again.
How to keep bulbs clean?
Remove the broken or burned-out bulbs; be careful to not cut yourself if the bulbs are broken. Put on a pair of gloves and replace the bulbs with the new ones. The gloves will help keep the bulbs clean, thus preserving their life and effectiveness. 3.
Why do taillights fail?
The bulb itself may have burned out, as these don’t last forever. There could faulty wiring or a disconnected wire somewhere. Accidents could cause the light to crack or break as well. You may have to replace the light and the light cover in some cases.
How to put a turn signal light back in?
When you're ready to put the assembly back in the housing, first hand-tighten the bolts before using a ratchet. It's important to not tighten these too much, as they have a tendency to crack or break the housing. Replace the bulb holders. These should look different than the turn signal lights and brake lights. Finish up by replacing the carpet and any panels in the trunk. Don't forget to reconnect the car battery.
How long does it take to replace a tail light bulb?
Fortunately, tail light bulb replacement isn’t difficult and shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Be aware that newer models may be a little more complicated than older ones, as there will be more wires to disconnect.
Can you see your car if the tail light is out?
This is true for something as simple as a tail light. When night falls or bad weather strikes, it won’t be easy for other drivers to see your car if one or both of these lights are out. Replacing tail light bulbs is critical, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Is it illegal to drive without a tail light?
It is easy to forget about issues or put them off until a later date. You shouldn’t drive around too long without a tail light. Not only does this pose a danger for others on the road, but it’s also illegal.
What to do when a tail light bulb burns out?
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.
Where do you see the wires on a car bulb?
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.
Do you have to remove the outside assembly on a pickup?
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. Show More Show Less.