You can change a tail light bulb in five to ten minutes with basic tools

A burned-out tail light is a safety problem and a traffic violation in every state. The good news is that replacing the bulb yourself takes almost no time and costs between $5 and $15 per bulb. You do not need a mechanic, and you do not need special skills — just access to the back of your car, a screwdriver, and the correct bulb type for your vehicle.

The process is straightforward: locate the tail light assembly, remove it from the car, take out the burned-out bulb, and install the new one. The hardest part is usually figuring out which bulb your car needs, but that information is in your owner's manual or on a label inside the assembly itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your bulb type in your owner's manual or by checking the label inside the tail light assembly before you buy a replacement.
  • Most tail light assemblies are held in with two to four bolts or screws accessible from inside the trunk or wheel well.
  • The bulb socket twists counterclockwise to remove it; do not pull straight out or you may break the plastic.
  • Buy bulbs at an auto parts store, a big-box retailer, or online — prices and availability are similar everywhere.

Locate the tail light assembly and identify the bulb type

Open your trunk and look at the inside wall where the tail light is mounted on the outside. You will see either bolts or screws holding the assembly in place. Some cars require you to remove the wheel well liner first — a plastic panel that covers the inside of the wheel opening. Check your owner's manual if you are not sure whether your car has one.

Before you remove anything, look for a label or diagram printed on the inside of the tail light assembly or on the trunk wall nearby. This label lists the bulb type — something like 1157, 7440, or 3157. Write down the number. If there is no label, check your owner's manual under "Bulb Specifications" or "Light Bulbs." You need this number to buy the correct replacement.

Remove the tail light assembly from the car

Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to remove the bolts or screws holding the assembly to the car. Most assemblies have two to four fasteners. Keep them in a small container so you do not lose them. Once the fasteners are out, gently pull the assembly away from the car. You may need to wiggle it slightly to clear any rubber seals or clips.

As you pull the assembly out, you will see a wiring connector attached to the back. Do not yank the assembly hard — the connector has a clip or tab that you may need to press to release it. If the connector does not come free easily, look for a small tab on the connector itself and press it before pulling the assembly the rest of the way out.

Remove the burned-out bulb and install the new one

Look at the back of the assembly. You will see several bulb sockets — plastic cylinders that stick out from the assembly. Each socket is labeled with the bulb type it holds. Find the socket for the bulb type you need to replace. Grasp the socket firmly and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The socket will come free from the assembly.

Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. It may take a little force, but it should come out cleanly. Do not touch the metal or glass of the new bulb with your bare fingers — the oils from your skin can damage the bulb and shorten its life. If you do touch it, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Insert the new bulb into the socket by pushing it straight in until you feel it seat. Twist the socket clockwise until it stops — you should feel a slight click or resistance when it is fully seated.

Reinstall the assembly and test the lights

Slide the tail light assembly back into the car. Make sure the wiring connector is fully seated — you should hear or feel a click. Reinstall the bolts or screws and tighten them firmly but not so hard that you crack the plastic. If your car has a wheel well liner, reinstall it now.

Close the trunk and have someone stand behind the car while you turn on the headlights and brake lights. The new bulb should light up when ready. If it does not, turn off the lights, open the trunk, and check that the bulb socket is twisted all the way in. If the bulb still does not work, the socket itself may be damaged, and you will need to replace the entire assembly.

Where to buy replacement bulbs

Auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA stock tail light bulbs for almost every vehicle made in the last 20 years. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target carry common bulb types. Online retailers like Amazon have the widest selection and often the lowest prices, though you will wait for shipping. Prices typically range from $5 to $15 per bulb depending on the type and brand.

When you buy a bulb, bring your vehicle's year, make, and model, or the bulb type number you found earlier. Staff at auto parts stores can look up the correct bulb in seconds. If you order online, search for your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "tail light bulb" to find the right part.

What to do if the bulb does not light after installation

If the new bulb does not work, first check that the socket is twisted all the way in — a loose socket is the most common reason a bulb does not light. Turn off the lights, open the trunk, and twist the socket clockwise as far as it will go. Close the trunk and test again.

If the bulb still does not light, the problem may be a bad socket, a broken wire, or a blown fuse. Check your owner's manual for the fuse that controls the tail lights and inspect it for a broken filament. If the fuse looks intact, the wiring or socket is likely damaged, and you will need to take the car to a mechanic or replace the entire tail light assembly. A new assembly costs $50 to $200 depending on the vehicle, but it is still cheaper than a ticket for a broken tail light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a tail light bulb without removing the assembly?

Not on most cars. The bulb socket is inside the assembly, and you cannot reach it from outside the car. Some older vehicles or specialty cars may have a different design, but the standard approach is to remove the assembly first. Check your owner's manual if you are unsure about your specific vehicle.

What if I cannot find the bulb type number?

Take a photo of the label inside the tail light assembly and bring it to an auto parts store, or call the store with your vehicle's year, make, and model. Staff can look up the correct bulb in their system. You can also search online for "[your year, make, model] tail light bulb type" and find the answer in seconds.

Is it okay to touch the new bulb with my fingers?

Touching the glass or metal of a halogen bulb with bare skin can leave oils that cause the bulb to overheat and burn out early. If you touch it, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth before installing it. Standard incandescent bulbs are more forgiving, but it is still good practice to avoid touching them.

How long does a tail light bulb last?

Standard incandescent tail light bulbs last 500 to 1,000 hours of use. LED bulbs last much longer — 10,000 to 50,000 hours — but cost more upfront. The exact lifespan depends on the bulb type, how often you use the lights, and the quality of the bulb you buy.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before changing a tail light?

No. Tail light circuits are low-voltage and low-power, and there is no risk of shock or damage. You can change the bulb with the battery connected and the car off. Just make sure the lights are off before you start working.