Functioning tail lights are vital to keeping you safe and avoiding tickets. Need to replace a burned-out tail light? You can handle this, so don’t stress.

How to Replace a Tail Light Bulb?

Here is an easy step-by-step guide on how to replace a tail light bulb:

Step One

Find out how to get to your car’s taillight bulb first. On some cars, you can access the taillight housing from the outside, but on other cars and SUVs, you have to open the trunk to access the taillight bulb.

Consult your owner’s manual if you need help figuring out how to get to the taillight bulb.

Step Two

You’ll be able to choose the tools you need now that you know how to get to the taillight bulb. A flathead or Phillips screwdriver is probably necessary. The screws holding the taillight housing in place should be removed with the appropriate tools. You might not need tools if the taillight housing is accessible on your car. Simply remove the fabric covering to reveal the bulb in its socket.

Step Three

Decide which bulb(s) needs to be replaced after the housing has been removed. Find the light bulb holder that contains the one you need to replace. Turn it a quarter turn or so to unscrew it and pull it out to remove it.

Step Four

Pulling the lightbulb out of the socket gently is how to remove it. However, some might need a quarter turn to be removed. The majority of them pull out straight. Additional screws might need to be removed depending on how your car is set up. To avoid breaking the bulb, proceed carefully.

Step Five

Clean out the socket to make sure there are no messes and debris before putting in the new bulb. In the same way that you took it out, put the bulb back into the open socket. In order to prevent damage to the bulb, you might want to wear gloves.

Reverse the method you used to take out the old bulb. Screw any missing screws back into the taillight housing before reinstalling it. If you had to remove any additional components to get to the taillight bulb, replace them.

Step Six

Check the taillight’s functionality by starting your car.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Tail Light Bulb?

$20-$100. Your tail light bulb replacement will typically run you $20 to $100. The cost may vary depending on the kind of car you drive and the kind (and caliber) of the auto shop you visit.

Is Replacing a Tail Light Bulb Hard?

Fortunately, tail light bulb replacement isn’t difficult and shouldn’t take you more than 45 minutes to an hour to complete. As there will be more wires to disconnect on newer models than on older ones, be aware that they might be a little trickier to work with.

Is It Okay to Drive With a Broken Tail Light?

According to the broken tail light law, you may receive a ticket from a police officer if your car has a broken tail light. A broken tail light is considered a non-moving violation and is a ticketable offense similar to a broken muffler or failing to display proper vehicle registration stickers on your license plate.

Summary: How to Replace a Tail Light Bulb?

You can easily replace tail light bulbs with a few simple tools and the right bulb. By going through the trunk or taking apart the entire assembly, you can first access the back of the tail light from behind. In order to remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one that matches it, you can then grab the back of the light socket from behind the tail light, turn it to the left, and pull it out. After that, put everything back in place that you had to take out to get to the light’s back. For more advice on how to change a broken tail light bulb, see the tips below.