🔧 Legacy - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove the rear tail lamp assembly from inside the trunk, swap the turn-signal bulb, then reinstall everything. This is a simple job, but the lamp has alignment pins that can crack if you pry the wrong way.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Turn lights OFF and let bulbs cool before touching them.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves—bulbs can be hot and glass can break.
• ⚠️ Do not pry on the painted body—only pull the lamp straight back.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this bulb replacement.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension for 1/4" ratchet
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber, match the old bulb number) - Qty: 2
• Trunk trim clips (optional, in case any break) - Qty: 2-6

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🧰 Open the trunk and clear out cargo so you can work comfortably.
• 🧰 If your trunk liner is held with plastic clips, use a trim clip removal tool (a forked pry tool) to pop them out without breaking them.
• 🧰 Replace bulbs in pairs (left and right) so brightness and color match.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the tail lamp fasteners in the trunk

• Use a flashlight to locate the trunk-side trim behind the tail lamp.
• Remove any push-clips using a trim clip removal tool.
• Peel the trunk liner back just enough to reach the tail lamp nuts.

Step 2: Remove the rear tail lamp assembly

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the tail lamp retaining nuts.
• Support the lamp with your free hand as the last nut comes off.
• From outside the car, grab the lamp and pull it straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
• Don’t twist the lamp—pins can crack.

Step 3: Remove the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Look at the back of the lamp and find the turn-signal socket (the one that corresponds to the amber flashing section).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it out.
• If it’s tight, use nitrile gloves for better grip.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• Avoid touching the glass with bare fingers; use nitrile gloves.

Step 5: Test the turn signal before reinstalling

• Reinsert the socket into the lamp and twist clockwise to lock by hand.
• Turn the ignition to ON and activate the turn signal.
• If it doesn’t light, turn ignition OFF and re-check the bulb seating and socket lock.

Step 6: Reinstall the tail lamp assembly

• Align the lamp’s guide pins with the body holes, then press the lamp straight inward until it sits flush.
• Install the nuts by hand first (to avoid cross-threading), then tighten with a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft-lbs).
• Reposition the trunk liner and reinstall clips using a trim clip removal tool (press clips in by hand to seat them).

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Confirm left and right turn signals flash at a normal speed.
• ✅ Turn on hazard lights and walk around to verify both rear turn signals work.
• ✅ Check the lamp sits flush and doesn’t wiggle (prevents water leaks and rattles).

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $70-$140 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.

---

🎯 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.