How to Change a Burned Out TaillightSo, your vehicle has a burned out taillight. You don't have to waste time and money going to the dealership to get it replaced. Here's how it's done.
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Inspecting your car or truck's taillights is really a two person job, one to sit in the driver's seat and step on the brakes and the other to stand behind it to see if they are working.
Step 2: Purchase a replacement bulb.
If one of your vehicle's taillights is not working, look in your owner's manual to see what sort of replacement bulb you need and head out to the auto parts store to pick one up.
Step 3: Find out how to access the taillight.
After you have the replacement bulb, you need to find out how to access the burned out one. Again check your vehicle's owner's manual to see how it is done.
Step 4: Pull out the taillight housing.
In some cars one can access their taillight's housing through the truck or tailgate. It is usually held in place by a couple of screws. Some screws can be turned by hand and others need a screwdriver. Remove the screws and separate the taillight housing from your vehicle.
Step 5: Take out the socket.
Now that the housing is out, turn the bulb socket counterclockwise as far as it will go and pull it out of the housing.
Step 6: Inspect the bulb.
Once the bulb is out, take a close look at it to make sure that it is burned out. If its filament is broken it definitely needs to be replaced. If the filament is intact, but it isn't working it may be a sign of another problem.
Step 7: Remove the bad bulb.
If the bulb is burned out, remove it from the socket. In newer vehicles you should be able to simply pull the bulb out, but in many older vehicles you will have to turn the bulb to remove it.
Step 8: Plug in the new bulb.
Step 9: Put the socket back in the housing.
Step 10: Screw the housing back into the vehicle.
Step 11: Test out the new light.
You're all done!
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