How to repair taillights

When most people experience problems with their car's tail lights, usually replacing the bulb with a new one solves the problem. However, sometimes it's more than a light bulb and it's actually the fuse that causes the problem. While most car owners can handle a bulb replacement, if the problem is with the wiring, it can get more detailed. To make it even more challenging, taillights will vary from one car brand to another. Some can be repaired without tools, while others require the entire light block to be removed to gain access to the bulbs.

Following the steps in this article can help you determine if you can do the repair yourself or if you need a certified mechanic to help fix your car's taillights.

Part 1 of 4: Required Materials

• Lamp(s) - A vehicle-specific lamp purchased from an auto parts store.
• flashlight
• fuse puller
• Fuse - new and correct size
• Gloves
• small ratchet
• Sockets - wall socket 8 mm and 10 mm deep.

Part 2 of 4: Replacing the tail light bulb

A burnt out light bulb is the most common cause of taillight repairs. Before proceeding to check the fuses, it is important to first try to replace the light bulb, as this can save you time and energy. Wear gloves to prevent oil from your skin from getting on the glass.

• Attention: Make sure the vehicle is turned off before driving.

Step 1: Locate the tail light access panel.. Open the trunk and locate the tail light access panel. In most cars, this will be a soft, felt-like carpeted door that is attached with either Velcro or a hard plastic panel with a twist latch. Open this panel to access the back of the taillights.

Step 2: Unscrew the rear light housing.. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, it may be necessary to unscrew the tail light housing from the vehicle in order to replace the required bulbs. In this case, use a ratchet and an appropriately sized socket to remove the nuts. There are usually three, and this will allow you to carefully remove the tail light assembly from its cavity.

• Functions: If you need to unscrew the tail light assembly to replace one bulb, it is recommended that you replace them all. This can save you time and extra work as the light bulbs usually start to burn out around the same time.

Step 3: Unlock the rear light socket. If you have easy access to the tail lights, locate the tail light socket and turn it counterclockwise. This will unlock the socket and allow you to remove it from the tail light assembly, gaining access to the bulb.

Step 4: Inspect the wiring. Inspect the rear light sockets and connectors to make sure the wiring is not visually damaged. There should be no signs of cuts or breakage.

Step 5: Remove and inspect the light bulb. After gaining access to the light bulb, see if it has a round or rectangular base. If the base is rectangular, wiggle and pull the bulb straight out of the socket. If the bulb has a round base, use your thumb and forefinger to twist and unlock the bulb, then carefully pull it out of the socket. Visually inspect the bulb for burn marks on the glass and the condition of the filament.

Step 6: Replace the bulb with a new one.. As mentioned earlier, the use of gloves ensures that the natural oils from the fingertips do not get onto the bulb. If sebum gets on the glass of the flask, it may crack when heated.

• Functions: These steps also apply to replacing brake, turn signal and reversing lights if they are all located in the same tail light housing.

Step 7: Test Your New Bulb. After you've replaced the bulb, turn on the taillights and test on site to make sure the new bulb is working properly before putting everything back together.

Step 8: Reinstall the tail light assembly.. Once you are satisfied with the repair, insert the bulb socket back into the tail light assembly and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place. If the rear light unit was removed, place it back into its socket and secure with nuts. Tighten it XNUMX/XNUMX to XNUMX/XNUMX turn firmly with a socket and ratchet of the appropriate size.

Part 3 of 4: Broken Assembly

If your tail light is cracked or broken, it's time to try minor repairs or replace the entire assembly if the damage is severe enough.

Reflective tape can be purchased to repair small cracks and holes in the rear light from the same local parts store that sold the bulbs. Be sure to follow all directions printed on the purchased product. Removing and cleaning the tail light before installing the reflective tape will ensure optimal adhesion.

If your tail light has a fairly large crack, multiple cracks, or missing parts, then replacement would be the best and safest choice.

• Functions: There are taillight repair kits that are claimed to fix minor damage to taillights; however, the best way to repair a damaged tail light is to replace it completely. This ensures that water does not enter the assembly area and cause damage to the entire electrical system.

Part 3 of 3: Checking the fuse as the culprit

Sometimes you change a light bulb and find that your tail light is still not working properly. Your next step is to locate the fuse box inside your vehicle. Most of them are located under the dashboard, while others may be located in the engine bay. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location of the fuse box and tail light fuse.

There is usually a fuse puller in the fuse box to allow the corresponding fuse to be removed for visual inspection.

Pull the tail light fuse and look for cracks as well as the condition of the metal filament inside. If it looks burnt, or if it is not connected, or if you are in any doubt about the fuse, replace it with a fuse of the correct size.