Tail Light Replacement Made Easy. – Socket set Middle tail light won't turn off on my 05 mustang? Disconnect all of the screwed down locations and nuts from the bolted sections. The process is similar for the right side, or an other tail light bulb. In all other cases where the lens is an integral part of a larger tail light assembly, the entire assembly is removed and replaced as follows. Buying a Replacement Fender Online: What You Need to Know Now, depending on the severity of the damage, you may be able to get away with just doing some minor repairs. Remove the light bulb. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Raise the hood and identify the connections or tie-down locations on the turn-signal, headlight and clearance light. You will either need to unscrew the broken taillight/turn-signal cover from the outside or unbolt (or unscrew) it from the inside of the cargo area or trunk, depending on how the taillight/turn-signal cover is held in place. % of people told us that this article helped them. The tail lights all work fine, but the one light stays on. Reconnect the bulb plugs as well the wiring harness. Compare the damaged tail light assembly with the new one to be sure you have bought the correct one. Reverse the process as noted above and install the new taillight/turn-signal cover and check to see that it is working properly. Unlike packing tape or other alternatives, specialized headlight and tail light repair tape is moisture resistant and uses the same highly visible colors of your covers. There are online sites that will give you a hand on replacing a broken taillight and/or turn-signal lens for your model of vehicle. You can always consult a professional auto mechanic to change a discoloured or broken backlight. Access will be from the inside of the trunk or cargo area on an SUV or typical car. Remove bulb holder plugs Use either a Phillips, slotted or, in some cases, a specialized screwdriver -- sometimes called a star -- to remove the screws holding the lens cover in place. This type is found mostly in older vehicles and will be relatively easy to replace with only a screwdriver. In … Car models built in 1970s and before have external screws holding the lights. Remove the plastic tail light cover by turning the screws or bolts to the left. It's … Open trunk or rear cargo area. Reconnect the electrical connectors. You can save money, however, if you replace the broken taillight or turn-signal cover yourself. And it is always on. Unscrew and remove the taillight/turn-signal cover from the bed. If the ring is loose any, that can cause your light to not work properly. To seal a tail light takes just a few minutes, and it solves all of those problems. But even if your tail light lenses are in excellent shape, they can still leak, which causes foggy lenses and other problems. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 70,988 times. Broken tail light overview. To separate the tail light from the car, remove the plugs holding the bulb. You will have exposed wires in the bulb holder once you have pulled the taillight/turn-signal cover from the bed. There will most likely be three at the back of the broken lens, similar to changing any burned out bulb. You need a screwdriver and, depending on your vehicle, a standard (imperial) or metric deep-socket set. The amber color will match the lens cover, protecting your light until it can be replaces. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. After the tail light has been removed from the vehicle, you'll need to remove … As long as it doesn’t suffer from any major physical damage, a tail light cover can last the life of your vehicle. I always pick up broken tail light lens on the road from accidents. This article has been viewed 70,988 times. There are many reasons why a turn-signal cover or taillight lens has been broken. This article has been viewed 70,988 times. Since these lights are made up of coloured plastic, overtime they fade out and become brittle. The tail light cover will then be pried loose off its seal in order to access the tail lights inside. If the tail light crack or hole is too large, then the next best thing will be to source a used tail light assembly (listed from cheapest to most expensive) from a junkyard, used online, a new aftermarket non-oem unit online, or a brand new OEM one from a dealership. The socket set must have a ratchet wrench, extensions and an open wrench set. – A small bowl (to keep screws and bolts, ensuring you don’t lose them). This will give you access to the bulb holders for the turn signal, headlight and clearance light. Remove bulb holder plugs To separate the tail light from the car, remove the plugs holding the bulb. If it is a combination lens and light bulb holder, pull out the unit exposing the light bulb holder and wiring. How do I replace the front turn signal on a 2002 Ford Ranger? Pry the plastic stud out of the socket while pulling back on the taillight assembly. Reverse the process and install the new taillight/turn-signal cover and check to see that it is working properly. 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