Replacing a Tail Light
- Step 1: Open the tailgate or trunk.
- Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly (if needed)
- Step 3: Remove the bulb.
- Step 4: Insert a replacement bulb after adding bulb grease.
- Step 5: Reattach the component (if needed)
- Repeat step 6 on the opposite side.
In This Article...
Is it simple to change the tail lights?
Fortunately, changing the tail light bulbs isn’t hard and shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes to an hour. Be careful that newer models could be a little trickier to disassemble than older ones because there will be more wires.
Are light bulbs replaced by AutoZone?
AutoZone can assist you in replacing a burned-out headlight bulb, but only if you bought the replacement bulb from their store and only if the procedure doesn’t involve disassembling the car.
While knowledgeable AutoZone staff members can assist you with a straightforward replacement, the store is not a substitute for a qualified mechanic. To execute a service, they won’t take apart or remove any of your car’s components.
Not all AutoZones will change your headlight for you, to add to that. You shouldn’t rely on your neighborhood AutoZone to assist you service your automobile because different locations may have different policies. Of course, you can always show up and inquire, but for your own protection, you should definitely have a scheduled mechanic appointment.
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O’Reilly modifies the tail lights?
While you wait, at no cost to you, our parts specialists can swiftly and easily change wiper blades because they are experts at changing headlamp and taillight bulbs.
Are the brake light and the tail light interchangeable?
The primary distinction between brake lights and tail lights is that the latter only come on when the brake pedal is depressed, whereas the former illuminates as soon as the headlights are turned on. While both lights are red, brake lights often produce a red light that is more vivid.
Is the bulb used for both the brake and blinker lights?
Every light bulb has two filaments. One is for your turn signal, and the other is for your brake light. Therefore, one filament remains on while the other blinks when you’re stopped and your turn signal is on.
Step One
Find out first how to get to the taillight bulb on your car. While you can access the taillight housing from the outside of some vehicles, you have to open the trunk on other cars and SUVs to get to the taillight bulb.
Consult your owner’s manual if you need help figuring out how to get to the taillight bulb.
Step Two
You can decide what equipment you’ll need now that you know how to get to the taillight bulb. Either a flathead or Phillips screwdriver will probably be required. To remove the screws keeping the taillight housing in place, gather the necessary equipment. You might not require tools if the taillight housing is accessible on your car. The cloth covering may easily be removed to reveal the bulb in its socket.
Step Three
Once the housing has been removed, decide which bulb or bulbs need to be replaced. Find the light bulb holder that contains the one you need to replace. Unscrew it by rotating it about a quarter turn and pulling it out to dislodge it.
Step Four
Pulling the bulb out of the socket slowly will allow you to remove it. The majority of them simply pull out, but others might need to be turned a quarter turn. There might be some additional screws to remove depending on how your car is set up. To avoid shattering the bulb, be gentle when doing this.
Step Five
Make sure the socket is clear of any dirt and debris before replacing the bulb. In the same way that you removed it, put the bulb back into the open socket. In order to prevent damage to the bulb, you might want to use gloves.
The procedure you used to remove the old bulb should be repeated. Reinstall the taillight housing by putting in any missing screws. If you had to remove any extra components to get to the taillight bulb, replace them.
Step Six
Find out more about high-quality lighting items, where to buy your car part, or how to locate it.
Only for entertainment and informational reasons, the information in this article should not be used as a substitute for consulting a qualified technician or mechanic for expert guidance. We advise you to speak with a licensed technician or mechanic if you have any specific queries or issues regarding any of the subjects discussed here. We will not, under any circumstances, be held responsible for any loss or harm resulting from your reliance on any content.
What is the cost of changing a tail light bulb?
Anyone can learn how to replace a broken brake light. A replacement bulb costs approximately $10, and doing it yourself will save you about $20 in labor costs as well as the time it would take to drive to the shop and wait for the work to be completed.
Can you drive while your tail light is broken?
Driving with a damaged tail light is illegal. Two functional tail lights are a requirement for all vehicles. All tail light lenses must also be transparent. Additionally, they must come from the original automaker and look to be in good shape.
Additionally, installing dark lenses or bulbs that reduce the efficiency of tail lights is prohibited. Additionally, you should only use tail lights with U.S. Department of Transportation-approved bulbs.
How can you determine if the bulb in your taillight is burned out?
The rear brake lights may also be activated by the tail lamp bulb. Although it is highly challenging for one person to inspect this object, it is always a good idea to enlist assistance in order to conduct this crucial safety inspection. As previously said, once a week, spend a few minutes throughout the day or nighttime verifying that all brake lights are operational. Replace the tail lamp bulb if the parking lights (the back lights that come on when the headlights are on) operate properly but the brake light does not.
People frequently experience the situation where the parking lights function but the tail lamp bulb entirely disappears when the brakes are applied. This can occasionally be brought on by a fuse or a short in the tail light system. In either case, as soon as you become aware of the issue, have it inspected and replaced by an ASE-certified mechanic to prevent any safety or legal problems with the police.
AutoZone will they change a brake light?
Problems with the brake light switch or turn signals A replacement switch can be placed after you check the connection to the switch for corrosion or other problems and buy it at your neighborhood AutoZone.
How much does a new tail light assembly cost?
Cost of replacing a tail light Expect to pay between $200 and $500 if you elect to have a professional replace your tail light assembly. If you own a high-end luxury or performance vehicle, the cost of the job may increase.
How long does it take to replace a lightbulb in a car?
- Pick a spot with sufficient lighting in your garage or a tidy portion of your driveway to work on your car. Be calm and give yourself plenty of time (at least two hours) to change a headlight. It can be straightforward, but it also might turn out to be trickier than you anticipated.
- Any fasteners and retaining clips you’ve taken off should go in a container or jar. Otherwise, they’d be too simple to lose.
- Kneeling or working beneath the car can be made more comfortable by using an old throw rug, a rubber mat, or a sizable piece of clean cardboard to lie on.
- When connections are made, keep an eye out for a loud click.
- Mark the location of the wiring removal with masking tape and a felt-tip pen to ensure that it is reinstalled accurately.
We anticipate that your headlight replacement efforts will succeed if you follow these advice. We also hope that you don’t need to replace as many bulbs as this guy:
Installs Advance Auto light bulbs?
Why Should You Have Services Performed for Headlight Bulb Replacement at Advance Auto Center? It may be time to come see us so that our service team may change your headlight bulbs if your lights are no longer bright enough to clearly illuminate the road as they once did. Please enable us to assist you if one or more of your bulbs burn out.
Will headlights be replaced at Walmart?
Yes, headlights are changed at Walmart Auto Care Centers. At Walmart, installing new headlights costs $7.50 for each light, excluding parts. Each vehicle’s headlamp refurbishment costs $25.
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