🔧 Canyon - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Canyon, the taillight bulbs are accessed from the outside by removing each rear lamp assembly. You’ll remove two screws, pull the lamp straight back, twist out the bulb sockets, and swap the bulbs.

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

Assumption: You’re replacing the main stop/turn/tail bulbs on both sides.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Turn all lights off and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool first; hot glass can burn you.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Torx T15 screwdriver
• Plastic trim tool
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Stop/turn/tail bulb (3157 type) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (optional) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Open the tailgate to access the taillight screws on each side.
• Lay a towel on the bumper area to protect paint while handling the lamp.
• If you’re unsure which bulb is out, turn on the lights and use the brake pedal (or have a helper press it) to identify the failed function before you shut everything off.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the left rear lamp screws

• Open the tailgate.
• Use a Torx T15 screwdriver to remove the two screws on the inside edge of the left taillight (they’re visible with the tailgate open).

Step 2: Pull the left rear lamp assembly outward

• Grip the lamp with both hands and pull it straight rearward (toward you) to release the locator pins.
• If it feels stuck, use a plastic trim tool to gently help it start moving at the edge.
• Don’t pry hard—pins can crack the lamp.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket for the stop/turn/tail bulb

• Locate the socket for the main red bulb (stop/turn/tail) on the back of the lamp.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise using your hand (use nitrile gloves for grip), then pull the socket out.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket by hand (use nitrile gloves).
• Push the new 3157 type bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• If you have it, apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the socket seal only (not on the bulb glass).

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and refit the left lamp

• Insert the socket back into the lamp and twist clockwise by hand until it stops.
• Line up the lamp’s locator pins with the body grommets, then push the lamp straight forward until it seats flush.
• Reinstall the two screws using a Torx T15 screwdriver and Torque to 2.5 Nm (22 in-lbs).

Step 6: Repeat on the right side

• Repeat Steps 1-5 for the right taillight using the Torx T15 screwdriver, plastic trim tool, nitrile gloves, and flashlight as needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn on the parking lights and confirm both sides illuminate.
• Press the brake pedal and confirm both brake lights work (use a helper or back up near a wall to see reflections).
• Test turn signals and hazard flashers.
• Make sure both lamp housings sit flush and don’t wiggle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $70-$150 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.