🔧 Kicks - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Kicks’ rear turn signal bulb sits inside the outer tail lamp assembly. To replace it, you’ll remove the tail lamp from the body, swap the bulb in the correct socket, then reinstall and test.

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 (they can be hot).
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and avoid touching glass bulbs with bare fingers (skin oils can shorten bulb life).
• ⚠️ Support the tail lamp as you remove it so it doesn’t drop and crack.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3" socket extension
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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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.
• Lay a clean microfiber towel nearby to set the tail lamp on so it doesn’t get scratched.
• Trim tool = plastic pry tool for panels.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the tail lamp fasteners

• Open the liftgate.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to open/remove the small interior access cover behind the outer tail lamp.

Step 2: Remove the tail lamp mounting nuts

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 3" socket extension to remove the tail lamp mounting nuts.
• Set the nuts aside where they won’t get lost.

Step 3: Release the tail lamp from the body clips

• Hold the tail lamp with one hand and pull it straight rearward (away from the vehicle).
• If it feels stuck, use the plastic trim removal tool very gently at the edge to start it moving.
• Set the tail lamp on the clean microfiber towel.
• Pull straight back—don’t twist.

Step 4: Remove the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Look at the back of the tail lamp for the bulb sockets.
• Find the turn signal socket (the one that corresponds to the amber/blinking function).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out.
• If unsure, turn hazards ON briefly to identify.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• If the bulb is glass, avoid touching the glass; use the gloves.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp and twist clockwise by hand until it locks.
• Align the tail lamp locating pins/clips with the body holes, then push the tail lamp straight forward until it seats flush.
• Reinstall the nuts using the 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet.
• Torque to 5.0 Nm (44 in-lbs)

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 1–6 for the other rear turn signal so both bulbs match in brightness and color.

Step 8 (If your Kicks has LED rear turn signals): Confirm serviceability

• If there is no removable bulb/socket and the “bulb” area is a sealed module, your rear turn signal is LED.
• In that case, the fix is typically replacing the tail lamp assembly (no bulb replacement).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test left and right turn signals.
• Turn on the hazards and walk around to confirm both rear turn signals blink evenly.
• Check that the tail lamp sits flush and doesn’t wiggle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$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.

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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.