🔧 Soul - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove each rear lamp housing, twist out the bulb socket, and swap the bulb(s). This is a simple job, but you need to be gentle so you don’t crack the lamp or break the locating pins.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

Assumption: your Soul uses standard incandescent rear bulbs (not LED); match the new bulb to the old bulb’s number.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching; they can burn you.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the lamp housing with your hand so it doesn’t drop and scratch paint.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear stop/tail bulb (dual-filament) - Qty: 2
• Rear turn signal bulb - Qty: 2
• Rear reverse light bulb - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the ignition OFF.
• Open the liftgate to access the taillamp screws on each side.
• Set a towel on the bumper edge below the lamp to protect paint.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillamp fasteners

• Open the liftgate and locate the two Phillips screws on the inner edge of the taillamp (one near the top, one near the bottom).
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove both screws and set them aside.

Step 2: Remove the taillamp housing

• Hold the lamp with one hand, then pull the lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins (they’re tight).
• If it’s stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool to gently help it start moving at the body seam. Pull straight back, not sideways.
• Once loose, support the lamp so it doesn’t hang by the wiring.

Step 3: Remove the correct bulb socket

• On the back of the lamp, identify the socket for the bulb you’re replacing (commonly: stop/tail, turn, reverse).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn and pull it out.
• A “socket” is the plastic holder the bulb locks into.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the bulb sits flat and centered in the socket.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the lamp and twist clockwise to lock.
• Before reinstalling the lamp housing, turn the ignition ON and test the light function:
• Tail lights: parking lights ON.
• Brake lights: press brake pedal (use a helper or brace a stick).
• Turn signals: activate left/right.
• Reverse lights: key ON, shift to reverse (parking brake engaged, foot on brake).

Step 6: Reinstall the taillamp housing

• Align the lamp’s locating pins with the body holes, then press straight in until it seats flush.
• Reinstall the two screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Torque to 2-3 Nm (18-27 in-lbs) (snug only—do not overtighten).

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1-6 for the opposite taillight to replace the other bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both sides match brightness and all functions work (tail, brake, turn, reverse).
• Make sure each lamp sits flush to the body and doesn’t wiggle.
• If a bulb doesn’t work, remove it and reinstall—bulbs can look seated but not fully locked in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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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.