🔧 IS - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your IS, the outer “taillight” lenses often contain LED elements that don’t use replaceable bulbs, but the rear turn signal and reverse bulbs are usually serviceable from inside the trunk. This guide shows how to replace the common rear bulbs on both sides and verify everything works after.

Assumption: You’re replacing the serviceable rear bulbs (typically turn signal and/or reverse) accessed from the trunk.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the car OFF and remove the key fob from the cabin.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool before touching them (they can get hot).
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of halogen bulbs with bare fingers; skin oils shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Keep the trunk supported and don’t pinch wiring when reinstalling trim.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim clip removal tool
• Small flathead screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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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
• Rear reverse light bulb - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Trunk trim clips - Qty: 2-6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and remove loose cargo so you can work comfortably.
• Set up a flashlight so you can clearly see behind the trunk trim.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the rear lamp bulb sockets from the trunk

• Use a flashlight to locate the trunk-side access area behind each rear lamp.
• If your IS has small access doors, open them by hand.
• If the trim blocks access, use a trim clip removal tool to pop the trunk liner clips out.
• If a clip is stubborn, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently lift the clip center, then pull the clip out.

Step 2: Identify the bulb you’re replacing

• Use a flashlight to find the bulb sockets going into the back of the lamp housing.
• Turn signal and reverse sockets are usually twist-lock style (they rotate to unlock).
• Compare left and right sides if unsure.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• Grip the socket firmly and rotate it about 1/4 turn counterclockwise by hand.
• Pull the socket straight out of the lamp.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new bulb fully into the socket (it should seat firmly).
• If the bulb is glass, keep nitrile gloves on to avoid touching the glass.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket

• Align the socket tabs with the housing and insert it straight in.
• Rotate the socket clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks.
• Don’t force it—realign and try again.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Move to the other rear lamp and repeat Steps 1 through 5 to replace the matching bulb.
• Replace bulbs in pairs (left and right) so brightness and color match.

Step 7: Reinstall trunk trim

• Reposition the trunk liner.
• Press the clips back in by hand; replace any broken clips with new ones.
• If you removed any 10mm fasteners, reinstall them using a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet and tighten snugly.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition ON and test each function:
• Check rear turn signals with the stalk (verify blink speed is normal).
• With your foot on the brake, shift to Reverse (engine on if required) and confirm both reverse lights work.
• Walk behind the car and confirm both sides match in brightness and color.
• If a new bulb doesn’t light, remove it and rotate it 180° if it’s an LED-style replacement, then retest.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$200 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $70-$160 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.