🔧 Kicks - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You can replace the rear bulbs on your Kicks from inside the cargo area, behind the taillight access cover. On some bulb positions, you may need to remove the taillight housing to reach the bulb socket.

Quick check: Which bulbs are you replacing—brake/tail, turn signal, or reverse (or “all of them”)?

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the car OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle area.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool before touching them (they can get hot).
• ⚠️ Don’t touch a new glass bulb with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the taillight assembly with your hand when loosening fasteners.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low Nm)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb (match function: brake/tail, turn, or reverse) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (for bulb socket terminals) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the rear hatch and remove cargo so you have room to work.
• Set up a flashlight so you can clearly see behind the side trim.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm the bulb you’re replacing

• Turn the lights on and use the hazards to identify which rear light is out.
• If you need brake lights checked, have a helper press the brake pedal while you look.
• Match the bulb to the dead function.

Step 2: Access the taillight from inside the cargo area

• On the side with the bad bulb, locate the rear interior access cover behind the taillight.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop the cover open.
• If a clip is stubborn, use a small flathead screwdriver gently under the edge.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket (most common method)

• Find the bulb socket going into the back of the taillight (it will have wiring attached).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it straight out.
• If your hand slips, use nitrile gloves for better grip.

Step 4: Replace the bulb in the socket

• Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket.
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• Optional: apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the socket terminals (not on the bulb glass).

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and test

• Insert the socket back into the taillight and rotate clockwise until it locks.
• Before reinstalling the access cover, test the light function (tail/turn/reverse/brake).
• If it doesn’t work, remove the socket again and re-seat the bulb and socket.

Step 6: If you cannot reach the bulb, remove the taillight housing (alternate path)

• If the socket is not accessible from the access opening, you’ll remove the lamp.
• Use a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 1/4" ratchet to remove the taillight retaining nuts/bolts you can reach behind the trim.
• Support the lamp with your other hand, then pull the taillight straight back (it’s held by alignment pins).
• Once the lamp is free, twist the needed socket out (counterclockwise) and replace the bulb as in Steps 3–5.
• Reinstall the lamp and fasteners: Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Do not overtighten; plastic cracks easily.

Step 7: Reinstall the interior access cover

• Reposition the cover and press it back in until the clips snap in place.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the weather seal sits flat.

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✅ After Repair

• Test all rear lighting: tail lights, brake lights, hazards/turn signals, and reverse lights.
• Verify both sides match brightness and flash rate (a fast flash usually means a bulb isn’t working).
• Make sure the access cover is fully clipped back to prevent water/dust entry.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$180 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$160 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.