🔧 Taillight Bulbs - Bulb Replacement

This job replaces the rear taillight bulbs in both lamp assemblies. On your Rogue, the outer rear lamp comes out first, then the bulb is accessed from the back of the housing.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Let the bulbs cool before touching them. They can get hot.
• Do not touch the glass on a new bulb with bare fingers. Skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• If you are working near the battery terminal area, avoid shorting any connectors.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Plastic trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the rear lamp fasteners.
• Keep the new bulbs sealed until installation.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear lamp access cover

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a plastic trim tool to pop off the interior access cover behind the taillight assembly.
• Set the cover aside.

Step 2: Remove the taillight retaining fasteners

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the rear lamp bolts.
• Keep the bolts in a safe place.
• Do not pry hard on the lens.

Step 3: Pull the taillight assembly straight back

• Gently wiggle the lamp housing rearward to release the locating pins.
• If it sticks, use a plastic trim tool to carefully ease the edge loose.
• Do not twist the lens side to side.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket

• Find the bulb socket on the back of the lamp housing.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it.
• Pull the socket out of the housing.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new rear taillight bulb into the socket.
• Make sure it is fully seated and straight.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and lamp

• Insert the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise to lock it.
• Slide the lamp assembly into place, lining up the locating pins.
• Install the 10mm bolts and tighten them snugly. Torque to 5-7 Nm (44-62 in-lbs).

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same steps for the other taillight.
• Use the same tools and check that both bulbs match.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn on the parking lights and check both taillights.
• Press the brake pedal and confirm both brake lights work if your bulb type also serves that function.
• Check the turn signal and reverse light while you are back there.
• Make sure the lamp housings sit flush with the body.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $100-$190 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.