🔧 Armada - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Armada, the easiest way to replace a rear bulb is to remove the outer taillight assembly, then twist out the bulb socket and swap the bulb. The exact bulb type can vary by which function you’re replacing (running/brake vs turn vs reverse), so you’ll match the bulb number printed on the old bulb.

Quick questions (so I guide you to the exact bulb): 1) When you say “taillight bulb,” do you mean the red running/brake bulb, or the turn signal/reverse bulb? 2) Are you replacing bulbs on both left and right sides?

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the light switch OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool down first; they can be hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch a new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the lamp so it doesn’t scratch paint when it comes loose.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb(s) (match the bulb number you remove) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (optional) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the taillight mounting area.
• Lay a clean microfiber towel on the bumper edge below the taillight to protect paint.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillight fasteners

• Open the liftgate.
• At the inner edge of the taillight (near the liftgate opening), use a plastic trim removal tool to pop off any small access cover(s), if equipped.

Step 2: Remove the taillight mounting bolts

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" extension, and 1/4" drive ratchet to remove the taillight mounting bolt(s).
• Place bolts somewhere safe so they don’t fall into the body.

Step 3: Release the taillight assembly from the body

• Hold the taillight with both hands and pull it straight rearward (toward you).
• If it feels stuck, gently help it by rocking it a little while pulling straight back.
• Pull straight back to protect the locator pin.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket

• Locate the bulb socket(s) on the back of the taillight assembly.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it out.
• If it’s tight, use a nitrile-gloved hand for better grip (avoid using pliers).

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket.
• Match the bulb number stamped on the old bulb (for example, it may say something like “7443” or “921”) and install the same type new bulb.
• If you have it, apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the socket seal (not on the bulb glass).
• Reinstall the socket into the housing and twist clockwise until it locks.

Step 6: Test the bulb before reinstalling the taillight

• Turn the lights ON and verify the function you replaced (running light / brake / turn / reverse).
• If it doesn’t work, turn lights OFF and reseat the bulb and socket fully.

Step 7: Reinstall the taillight assembly

• Align the taillight’s locator pin(s) and press the assembly straight into place by hand.
• Reinstall the mounting bolt(s) using the 10mm socket, then Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Reinstall any access cover(s) using the plastic trim removal tool (press in until seated).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–7 for the other taillight to replace the second bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• Test all rear functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, and reverse lights.
• Check that both taillights sit flush and don’t wiggle.
• If you see moisture inside the lens later, the socket seal may not be fully seated.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $40-$170 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.