🔧 Compass - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove each rear taillight housing, twist out the bulb socket, and replace the bulb(s). This is usually simple, but the housing has alignment pins that can break if you pry the wrong way.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn the lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• 🧤 Let bulbs cool before touching; hot bulbs can burn you.
• 🧼 Don’t touch new bulb glass with bare fingers; skin oil shortens bulb life.
• 📦 Support the taillight as it comes loose so it doesn’t fall and crack.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Torx T25 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb(s) (match the bulb type already installed) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (optional) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🚪 Open the liftgate to access the taillight fasteners.
• 🔦 Use a flashlight and look at the bulb you’re replacing so you can buy the exact match (the bulb number is usually printed on the base).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify which bulbs you’re replacing

• Turn the lights ON briefly and check: tail/running light, brake light, turn signal, and reverse light.
• Turn lights OFF and remove the key again before disassembly.

Step 2: Remove the taillight screws

• With the liftgate open, locate the screws on the inboard edge of the taillight (the side closest to the liftgate opening).
• Remove the screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver or a Torx T25 screwdriver (Jeep may use either style).
• Place the screws somewhere safe so they don’t drop into the bumper gap.

Step 3: Release the taillight housing from its alignment pins

• Hold the housing with both hands and pull it straight rearward (away from the vehicle).
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool and gently help it pop free at the outer edge. Pull straight back—don’t pry sideways.

Step 4: Access the bulb socket(s)

• Once the housing is loose, support it so there’s no strain on the wiring.
• Locate the socket for the bulb you’re replacing (each socket twists out of the housing).

Step 5: Remove and replace the bulb

• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the housing.
• Remove the old bulb from the socket (most pull straight out; some push-and-twist). If it’s push-and-twist, press in gently and rotate counterclockwise.
• Install the new bulb the same way the old one came out.
• If using it, apply a tiny smear of dielectric grease to the socket seal (not on the bulb glass).

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and taillight housing

• Insert the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Align the housing’s guide pins with their holes, then press the housing straight in until it seats flush.
• Reinstall and snug the screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver or Torx T25 screwdriver. Snug only—don’t over-tighten plastic.

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 2–6 for the opposite taillight so both sides have fresh bulbs.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔍 Test tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
• 👀 Confirm both housings sit flush and don’t wiggle.
• 🚿 If you see condensation later, a seal may not be seated—recheck socket and housing fit.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $80-$200 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.