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2018 Chevrolet Trax
2018 Chevrolet Trax
Premier - Inline 4 1.4L
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2018 Chevy TRAX tail light removal and bulb replacement

2018 Chevy TRAX tail light removal and bulb replacement

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Nitrile
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Gloves
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Safety
Glasses
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How to Replace Rear Turn Signal Bulbs on a 2018 Chevrolet Trax (Step-by-Step)

Access the rear lamp housing from the cargo area, with tools list, bulb tips, and testing steps

How to Replace Rear Turn Signal Bulbs on a 2018 Chevrolet Trax (Step-by-Step)

Access the rear lamp housing from the cargo area, with tools list, bulb tips, and testing steps

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Orion Logo White

šŸ”§ Trax - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

Your Trax’s rear turn signal bulb sits inside the rear lamp housing. The job is usually done from inside the cargo area by removing a small access cover, then twisting the bulb socket out.

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


āš ļø Safety & Precautions

  • āš ļø Turn the lights OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle before starting.
  • āš ļø Let the bulbs cool first; they can get hot.
  • āš ļø Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
  • āš ļø Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

šŸ”§ Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Flashlight
  • Plastic trim removal tool
  • Small flat-blade screwdriver

šŸ”© Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Rear turn signal bulb (amber, correct fit for your Trax) - Qty: 1
  • Rear turn signal bulb (amber, correct fit for your Trax) - Qty: 1 Replace in pairs for even brightness

šŸ“‹ Before You Begin

  • Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
  • Open the rear liftgate and clear the cargo area so you can reach the side trim.
  • Have your flashlight ready so you can see the bulb socket clearly.

šŸ”Ø Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify the correct rear lamp access point

  • Open the liftgate and go to the inside cargo area next to the rear lamp you’re working on.
  • Use a flashlight to look for a small removable access cover in the cargo-side trim behind the rear lamp.
  • The access cover is usually near the lamp’s back side.

Step 2: Remove the access cover (if equipped)

  • Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry the access cover open.
  • If there’s a tight notch, use a small flat-blade screwdriver carefully to start the edge, then switch back to the plastic trim removal tool to avoid marring trim.

Step 3: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

  • Reach through the opening and locate the bulb socket for the turn signal.
  • Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand until it unlocks, then pull it straight out.
  • If it’s stuck, wiggle—don’t force it.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and close everything up

  • Insert the socket back into the lamp housing, making sure the tabs line up.
  • Twist clockwise by hand until it locks.
  • Reinstall the access cover by pressing it back into place by hand.

Step 6: If your Trax does NOT have an access cover

  • Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pull back the cargo-side trim enough to reach the back of the lamp.
  • If you still cannot reach the socket, tell me whether your turn signal is in the outer body lamp or the liftgate lamp, and I’ll give you the exact lamp-removal steps for that side.

āœ… After Repair

  • Turn the ignition to ON and test the rear turn signal on that side.
  • Test the hazards to confirm the bulb flashes normally.
  • If it flashes fast, re-check that the bulb is fully seated and the socket is locked.

šŸ’° DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $10-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$140 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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