🔧 Taillight Bulb Replacement - Replace Both Bulbs

On your Silverado, the rear lamp assembly comes out from the bed side after removing the tailgate-side fasteners. Once the housing is out, you can access the bulb sockets, swap the bulbs, and reinstall everything.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the lights off before starting.
• Let the bulbs cool first if the lights were just on. Bulbs can get very hot.
• Support the tail lamp housing while removing it so it does not drop or scratch the paint.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 7mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim removal tool
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear stop/turn/tail bulbs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park with the tailgate fully lowered.
• Make sure you have the correct replacement bulbs before removing the lamp.
• If one bulb is out, replace both rear bulbs together so the brightness matches.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the tailgate

• Lower the tailgate fully so you can reach the taillight fasteners.
• Keep one hand on the lamp.

Step 2: Remove the taillight fasteners

• Use a 7mm socket with a ratchet and short extension to remove the two screws on the inside edge of the taillight.
• Set the screws aside where they will not roll away.
• Torque on reinstall: 5 Nm (44 in-lbs)

Step 3: Pull the taillight housing straight back

• Grip the taillight housing and pull it straight rearward to release the locating pins.
• If it sticks, use a trim removal tool very gently at the edge. A trim removal tool is a plastic pry tool that helps avoid scratches.
• Do not twist the housing.

Step 4: Remove the bulb sockets

• Twist each bulb socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the housing.
• Remove both rear bulbs.

Step 5: Install the new bulbs

• Install the new bulbs into the sockets.
• Make sure each bulb is fully seated and straight.
• Do not touch glass bulbs with bare fingers.

Step 6: Reinstall the bulb sockets

• Line up each socket with the housing and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Make sure each socket is snug and fully seated.

Step 7: Reinstall the taillight housing

• Align the housing locating pins with the body holes.
• Push the lamp straight in until it seats flush.
• Reinstall the two screws with a 7mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs)

Step 8: Test the lights

• Close the tailgate.
• Turn on the parking lights, brake lights, and turn signals to verify both bulbs work.
• Check that the lamp sits evenly and there is no gap at the body.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both rear lamps work on parking light, brake, and turn signal modes.
• If a bulb does not work, recheck the socket fit and bulb seating.
• Make sure the housing is fully clipped and screwed in before driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$150 by doing it yourself!

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

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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