🔧 Wrangler - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

On your Wrangler, the rear turn signal function is built into the tail lamp bulb (it shares the same bulb as the brake light). You’ll remove the tail lamp housing, swap the bulb, then test the turn signals and hazards.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.3-0.7 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching; they can be hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils 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:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear stop/turn/tail bulb (3157) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and make sure the ignition is OFF.
• Open the tailgate so you can access the tail lamp screws easily.
• Tip: Set screws in a cup.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the tail lamp screws

• Open the tailgate.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the two screws on the inboard edge of the tail lamp (the side closest to the tailgate opening).
• During reassembly, install and Torque to 2.0 Nm (18 in-lbs).

Step 2: Pull the tail lamp housing outward

• Hold the tail lamp with both hands and pull it straight back from the body.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim tool to gently help it pop free.
• Tip: Pull straight back, not sideways.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket for the stop/turn/tail bulb

• Locate the bulb socket for the red brake/turn light (this is the stop/turn/tail bulb).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the tail lamp.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new 3157 bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp and twist clockwise to lock.
• Align the tail lamp locating pins with the body and press the housing back into place by hand.
• Reinstall the two screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver and Torque to 2.0 Nm (18 in-lbs).

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–5 for the opposite rear tail lamp.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for even brightness.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test: left turn, right turn, hazards, and brake lights.
• Confirm the turn signal flashes at a normal speed (fast flashing usually means a bulb isn’t working or seated).
• Make sure both tail lamps are fully seated and not loose.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$110 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.