🔧 Traverse - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Traverse’s rear turn signal bulb sits inside the outer tail lamp assembly. The job is mostly careful trim/fastener removal, swapping the bulb, then re-seating the lamp so it doesn’t leak water or sit crooked.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key before working near lighting wiring.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool first; hot bulbs can burn fingers.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the tail lamp with your hand when it’s loose so it doesn’t fall and crack.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Trim removal tool (plastic pry tool)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 7mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (inch-pound)
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb - Common fit: 7440 amber (match the bulb you remove) - Qty: 1
• Rear turn signal bulb - Replace in pairs for even brightness - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the liftgate for access to the tail lamp fasteners.
• Tip: Take a quick photo before unplugging anything.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the tail lamp fasteners

• Open the liftgate.
• At the inner edge of the tail lamp (the side closest to the liftgate opening), locate the retaining fasteners.
• Remove the fasteners using a 7mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet or a Phillips #2 screwdriver (hardware style can vary).

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp assembly

• Use a trim removal tool (plastic pry tool) to gently start the lamp loose if needed (a pry tool is a plastic wedge that helps release clips without scratching paint).
• Pull the tail lamp straight rearward (toward you) to release the alignment pins/clips.
• Support the lamp with one hand so it doesn’t drop.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• On the back of the tail lamp, locate the turn signal bulb socket (usually a twist-lock socket).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it out.
• Use a flashlight if you need help identifying the correct socket.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Wear nitrile gloves to keep skin oils off the bulb.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: Match the old bulb number and shape.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the bulb socket back into the tail lamp and twist clockwise to lock (hand-tight).
• Line up the tail lamp alignment pins with the body and press the lamp straight in until fully seated.
• Reinstall the retaining fasteners using a 7mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet or a Phillips #2 screwdriver.
• Tighten fasteners using a torque wrench (inch-pound): Torque to 18 lb-in (2 Nm).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test left/right turn signals and the hazards.
• If the turn signal “hyper-flashes” (blinks fast), recheck that the bulb is fully seated and the socket is locked in.
• Confirm the tail lamp sits flush and even on the body (prevents water leaks).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$130 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.