🔧 Legacy - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll replace the left and right rear taillight bulbs by accessing the bulb sockets from inside the trunk. This restores proper rear visibility and keeps you legal and safe at night.

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 first; they can be very hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the trunk lid securely so it can’t fall while you work.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim clip remover (specialty)
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight/brake bulb (7443 / 7443LL) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and remove loose items so you have room to work.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the left taillight bulb area (inside trunk)

• Use a flashlight to locate the trunk side liner behind the left taillight area.
• Remove any plastic push-clips using a plastic trim clip remover (specialty) (a trim clip remover is a forked plastic tool that pops clips out without tearing fabric).
• If your liner has a small access door, open it; if not, gently peel the liner back by hand.

Step 2: Remove the left bulb socket

• Find the taillight bulb socket (it will be in the back of the lamp housing).
• Grip the socket and twist it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it straight out.
• If there’s a retaining screw on an access cover, remove it with a Phillips screwdriver #2.

Step 3: Replace the left bulb

• Wear nitrile gloves, then pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new 7443 / 7443LL bulb straight in until fully seated.
• Tip: If touched, wipe glass with alcohol.

Step 4: Reinstall the left bulb socket

• Insert the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise until it locks.
• If you removed any 10mm trim nuts/bolts, reinstall them using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet, then Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Reinstall trunk liner clips by pressing them in by hand; use the plastic trim clip remover (specialty) to align clips if needed.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Repeat Steps 1-4 on the right trunk liner area for the other taillight bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition to ON and switch on the parking lights; confirm both taillights illuminate evenly.
• Press the brake pedal (or have someone help) to confirm brake lights get brighter.
• Verify no bulb-out warning light is displayed.
• Make sure trunk liner is secured so it won’t rattle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.7 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.