🔧 Taillight Bulbs - Bulb Replacement

Replace both rear taillight bulbs by accessing each lamp from inside the cargo area and swapping the bulb sockets. This is a simple job if your Equinox uses replaceable bulbs; if your rear lamps are LED units, the whole lamp assembly must be replaced instead.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the lights off and let the bulbs cool before touching them.
• Do not touch the glass part of a halogen bulb with bare fingers; skin oils can shorten bulb life.
• Keep the liftgate fully open and support it safely while you work.
• If a bulb is stuck, do not force the socket or lamp housing.
• 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
• Trim panel tool
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 fully.
• Turn the headlight switch to OFF.
• Make sure you have the correct replacement bulb type before removing anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the cargo access panel

• Use a trim panel tool to remove the small access cover behind each taillight inside the cargo area.
• Set the cover aside so it does not get bent.
• Work gently to avoid breaking clips.

Step 2: Remove the taillight housing fasteners

• Use a 7mm socket and ratchet to remove the retaining screws or nuts holding the lamp assembly.
• Keep the fasteners together so they do not get lost.

Step 3: Remove the taillight assembly

• Pull the taillight housing straight rearward to release the locating pins.
• If it feels stuck, gently wiggle the lamp while pulling back.
• Do not pry hard against the body panel.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise by hand and remove it from the housing.
• Remove the old bulb from the socket and install the new bulb.
• Use gloves to keep the new bulb clean.

Step 5: Reinstall the lamp assembly

• Insert the bulb socket back into the housing and twist it clockwise to lock it.
• Align the lamp pins with the body openings and press the assembly into place.
• Reinstall the fasteners with the 7mm socket.
• Torque to snug fit only for the small lamp fasteners; do not overtighten.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Perform the same steps on the opposite taillight.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn on the parking lights and check both taillights.
• Press the brake pedal and confirm both brake lamps work.
• Put the vehicle in reverse with the engine running and verify the reverse lamps if you removed those bulbs too.
• Check that both lamps sit flush with the body.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$240 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $100-$180 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.