🔧 Traverse - Rear Taillight Bulb Replacement (Left & Right)

On your Traverse, most of the rear lighting is LED, but the reverse and/or rear turn signal may still use replaceable bulbs (depending on which light you mean). This guide covers the common “bulb-in-socket” style; if you find there is no twist-out bulb socket, your Traverse uses an LED lamp assembly and the fix is lamp replacement instead of a bulb.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• 🧊 Let the bulbs cool before touching them (they can get hot).
• 🧼 Do not touch new glass bulbs with bare fingers; use gloves (skin oil can shorten bulb life).
• 🔌 Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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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 set
• Pick tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber, OEM-equivalent) - Qty: 2
• Reverse light bulb (clear, OEM-equivalent) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 🚪 Open the liftgate for easier access to the rear lamp areas.
• 🔍 Identify the exact bulb you’re replacing: turn signals flash amber, reverse lights come on in Reverse, brake lights brighten when pressing the pedal.
• 🧭 Quick check: if you can access a twist-out socket behind the lamp, you have a replaceable bulb. If there is no socket, it’s an LED assembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillamp fasteners

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a flashlight to locate the small interior trim access cover near the rear corner (inside the cargo area, behind the lamp).
• Use a plastic trim removal tool set to pry the access cover open.

Step 2: Remove the taillamp assembly (one side at a time)

• Use a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 1/4" ratchet to remove the lamp retaining nuts/fasteners behind the access cover.
• Pull the taillamp straight rearward (toward you) to release the alignment pins.
• Tip: Pull straight back, not sideways.
• Reinstallation fastener torque: Torque to 2.5 Nm (22 in-lbs)

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Find the correct bulb socket on the back of the lamp (turn signal and/or reverse).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand; if tight, use a nitrile gloves grip for traction.
• Pull the socket straight out.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket by hand.
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• If it’s a glass bulb, wear nitrile gloves so you don’t touch the glass.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and lamp

• Insert the socket into the lamp and twist clockwise until it locks.
• Align the lamp’s guide pins and push the lamp straight into place.
• Install the retaining nuts using a 10mm socket, 6" socket extension, and 1/4" ratchet.
• Finish tightening: Torque to 2.5 Nm (22 in-lbs)
• Snap the access cover back in using the plastic trim removal tool set (gentle pressure).

Step 6: Repeat for the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–5 on the opposite rear lamp.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔦 Test all rear lights: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
• 👀 Verify the lamp is seated evenly (no gaps) and no moisture can enter.
• ⚠️ If the light still doesn’t work, swap the new bulb side-to-side to rule out a socket/wiring issue.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $110-$210 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.