🔧 Colorado - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Colorado, the easiest way to replace rear bulbs is to remove each taillight housing from the bed side, then twist the bulb socket(s) out from the back.

Because the rear lamp can contain multiple bulbs (stop/turn, tail/park, reverse), you’ll match the new bulb(s) to the bulb number printed on the old one.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Turn lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• Wear gloves—halogen bulbs can fail early if you touch the glass with bare fingers.
• Support the taillight assembly so it doesn’t scratch the paint when it comes loose.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Torx bit set T10-T30
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 1/4" drive extension 3"-6"
• Inch-pound torque wrench (specialty)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Microfiber towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear bulb(s) (match the bulb number from your old bulb) - Qty: 2
• Dielectric grease (bulb socket) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the tailgate for easier access to the taillight screws.
• Lay a microfiber towel on the bumper corner to protect paint while you work.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the driver-side taillight screws

• Open the tailgate.
• Use a Torx bit with a 1/4" drive ratchet and extension to remove the two taillight screws on the inboard edge of the taillight (visible with the tailgate open).
• Set the screws aside where they won’t fall.

Step 2: Pull the taillight assembly straight back

• Hold the taillight with both hands and pull it straight rearward.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle gently while pulling straight back. Don’t pry on the paint.
• Rest the lamp on your microfiber towel so it doesn’t scratch anything.

Step 3: Remove the bulb socket(s)

• From the back of the taillight, locate the socket for the bulb you’re replacing.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand and pull it out.
• If you’re replacing “both taillight bulbs” as in left and right sides, you’ll repeat this on the passenger side too.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Match the new bulb to the old one by the number printed on the bulb base (this avoids buying the wrong type).
• Push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Apply a tiny amount of dielectric grease to the socket seal if it looks dry (optional but helpful).

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and test the light

• Insert the socket into the taillight and twist clockwise to lock.
• Before reinstalling the housing, turn the lights on and test the function you replaced (parking lights / brake / reverse / turn signal).
• If it doesn’t work, turn lights off and re-check bulb seating and socket lock.

Step 6: Reinstall the taillight housing

• Align the taillight locating pins with the body grommets and push the taillight straight forward until it seats.
• Install the two screws by hand first (to avoid cross-threading), then tighten using the Torx bit, ratchet, and extension.
• Final tighten with an inch-pound torque wrench: Torque to 18 in-lb (2 Nm).

Step 7: Repeat on the passenger-side taillight

• Repeat Steps 1-6 for the other side to replace the second bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm all rear light functions work: tail/park lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and hazards.
• Verify the taillights sit flush and don’t rattle.
• Wipe fingerprints off the lens with a clean microfiber towel.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $70-$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.