🔧 Passport - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

On your Passport, the rear turn signal may be a replaceable amber bulb (most common) or, on some builds, an LED unit that requires replacing the lamp assembly. The steps below cover both so you can confirm what you have once you open the access panel.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Let the exhaust cool before working near the rear bumper area.
• 🔦 Turn the lights OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• 🛑 Do not touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim removal tool
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber, 7440/7440A type) - Qty: 1
• Rear turn signal bulbs (amber, 7440/7440A type) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear outer tail lamp assembly (if equipped with LED turn signal) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• 📦 Open the tailgate and clear the rear cargo area so you can reach the side access panels.
• 🔦 Have a flashlight ready; the bulb socket is easiest to see in low light.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which side is out

• Turn the hazard lights ON and walk behind your Passport.
• Confirm whether the left or right rear turn signal is not flashing (or flashing fast).
• Turn the hazards OFF.

Step 2: Open the rear lamp access panel

• In the cargo area, go to the side of the failed turn signal.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to carefully pry open/remove the small interior access cover behind the tail lamp.
• Tip: Pry at the notch, not the edges.

Step 3: Identify bulb-socket vs LED lamp

• Look for a twist-out socket with wires going into the lamp housing.
• If you see a socket you can grab and rotate, follow Step 4-6 (Bulb type).
• If you do NOT see a removable socket and the turn signal appears integrated, follow Step 7-10 (LED lamp type).

Step 4: Remove the turn signal bulb socket (bulb type)

• Reach in and locate the turn signal socket (it will twist out of the lamp housing).
• Rotate the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it straight out.

Step 5: Replace the bulb (bulb type)

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight into the socket.
• Wear nitrile gloves to keep oil off the bulb glass.

Step 6: Reinstall socket and test (bulb type)

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp.
• Rotate clockwise by hand until it locks.
• Turn the hazards ON and confirm the rear turn signal flashes normally.
• Reinstall the access cover by pressing it back into place.

Step 7: Remove inner access fasteners (LED lamp type)

• With the access cover removed, locate the tail lamp retaining nuts.
• Use an 8mm socket, 1/4" drive ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the nuts.
• Place the nuts somewhere safe so they don’t fall into the panel.

Step 8: Remove the tail lamp from the body (LED lamp type)

• From outside, support the lamp with one hand.
• Pull the lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins/clips.
• If it’s stuck, use a plastic trim removal tool to gently help it release—do not pry on painted surfaces.

Step 9: Swap the lamp and reconnect (LED lamp type)

• Disconnect the electrical connector from the lamp (press the lock tab and pull apart).
• Connect the harness to the replacement lamp until it clicks.
• Re-seat the lamp, aligning the pins, and press it flush.

Step 10: Tighten fasteners and test (LED lamp type)

• Reinstall the retaining nuts using an 8mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Turn the hazards ON and confirm proper operation.
• Reinstall the access cover.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Verify left and right rear turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights all work.
• 🔎 If the turn signal still flashes fast, check the front turn signal on the same side (a bulb out there can also cause fast flash).
• 🧰 If you replaced an LED lamp and it doesn’t work, re-check the connector lock tab engagement.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $5-$30 (bulb) or $180-$450 (lamp assembly)

You Save: $50-$150 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.