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How To Replace Tail Light Bulbs

How To Replace a Tail Light Step 1: Open trunk or tailgate. Step 2: Pull tail lamp assembly out (if needed) Step 3: Pull bulb out. Step 4: Add bulb grease, put new bulb in. Step 5: Reattach assembly (if needed) Step 6: Repeat on other side.

Is it hard to replace tail light?

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 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.

What tools do I need to remove a tail light?

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.

How do you remove a broken tail light bulb?

If it’s an oldstyle bulb (brass base), just grab it with Vise-Grips and deform it until it comes out. If it’s newer blade style, you should be able to pry it out with a screwdriver. Obviously you don’t want to go at it full bore in either case, just pry/twist/crank enough to get it out.

Can I change a brake light myself?

Changing a faulty brake light is something anyone can learn to do. A replacement bulb costs about $10, and replacing it on your own will save about $20 in labor and the time it takes to travel to the shop and wait for the work to be done.

Are tail lights and brake lights the same bulb?

On many vehicles, the tail lights and brake lights share the same bulb. One filament inside the bulb is for the tail light and the other filament is for the brake light. There are also some vehicles that have a separate bulb for each circuit.

Does O’Reilly change tail lights?

Our Parts Professionals will install wiper blades and replacement bulbs free of charge (with purchase of wiper blades or bulbs). Whether you’ve bought front or rear wipers (or both), headlights or tail lights, we’d be happy to install them for you. Restrictions apply. See your local store for details.

Why do police tap the tail light?

Police officers will often briefly tap your car’s tail light before approaching the window. Basically, if the officer’s safety were to be jeopardized by the driver, or if the car fled, investigators could track that fingerprint to the suspect in question.

How do I know if my tail light socket is bad?

The socket may have gone bad Push the point of the tester through the wire insulation behind the socket to make contact with the wire. The tester should light for two of the three wires (the ground wire won’t light). If it lights for two wires, the wiring is good. Simply replace the socket.

Will AutoZone replace my headlight bulb?

AutoZone does not provide mechanic services; thus, no disassembly should be done. However, they can change headlight bulbs in some cases. AutoZone will not replace the bulb if the store dealer must remove other car elements, such as the windshield wiper fluid or battery.

How long does it take to replace a tail light cover?

It shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to replace the tail light bulb.

How do you remove a rear tail light cover?

You need to pull away or unscrew the cover from around the back of the broken taillight/turn-signal cover to gain access. This exposes the bulb connections at the back of the taillight. Grip firmly at the back of the bulb and push it in. Twist counter-clockwise to remove it from the broken taillight/turn-signal cover.

How much does it cost to fix a broken tail light?

A dealer may charge $75-$180 labor (for an average car) plus the cost of the part to replace one taillight assembly. If you are looking for a less expensive option, many auto parts stores sell aftermarket taillight assemblies, although the quality might not be on par with the OEM (original) part.

Why do LED bulbs fail so often?

Temperatures are too high (or too low) When heat can’t dissipate from the heat sink, it can cause lamps to fail prematurely. Also keep the surrounding environment in mind. The hotter the room is, the earlier an LED light may degrade.

Do light bulbs expire if not used?

In general, light bulbs do not expire, and they can have an exceptionally long shelf life. To maintain unused light bulbs, store them properly so that they do not break. Keep the bulbs in their original box and in a safe place.

Why did my light bulb burn out immediately?

Habitually loose connections, either at the socket or with the wire connections, can burn out the bulb quickly, as well as cause flickering. These loose connections increase the electrical resistance and the heat passing through the filament of the bulb, which can shorten its life.

Does Walmart fix brake lights?

Unfortunately, Walmart Auto Care Centers do not service any aspects of a vehicle’s brakes—including brake pads, sensors, brake fluids, taillights, and brake lights. Walmart does not install brake lights, they do sell replacement brake light bulbs, so you can purchase a replacement to install yourself.