🔧 Fit - Taillight Bulb Replacement

On your Fit, the rear “taillight” function is usually the tail/brake bulb in each outer rear lamp (left and right). You’ll access each bulb from inside the cargo area, twist the bulb socket out, and swap in a new bulb.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ If bulbs were recently on, let the housings cool for 5-10 minutes.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers (skin oils can shorten bulb life).
• ⚠️ Support the hatch fully open so it can’t drop while you work.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Tail/Brake light bulb (7443) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hatch and clear the rear cargo area so you can reach both side panels.
• Have a flashlight ready so you can see the bulb sockets clearly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the left rear taillight bulb area

• Open the hatch and look at the left cargo-side trim panel.
• Use a flashlight to find the small access cover behind the left rear lamp area.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool (a non-metal pry tool that prevents scratches) to pop the access cover open.

Step 2: Remove the tail/brake bulb socket

• Locate the bulb socket for the tail/brake lamp (typically the larger socket on the outer lamp).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand.
• Pull the socket straight out.

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old 7443 bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a push-in style).
• Push the new 7443 bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Tip: Compare old/new bulb bases before installing.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and cover (left side)

• Insert the socket back into the lamp housing, making sure the tabs line up.
• Turn the socket clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks.
• Snap the access cover back into place by hand.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Repeat Steps 1-4 on the right cargo-side access cover using the plastic trim removal tool and flashlight.

Step 6: Function test

• Turn the headlights on and confirm both rear taillights glow evenly.
• Press the brake pedal (or have a helper press it) and confirm both brake lights get brighter.

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✅ After Repair

• Re-check both access covers are fully snapped in and not rattling.
• If one side doesn’t work, remove that socket again and re-seat the bulb firmly.
• If the bulb is seated and still doesn’t work, the next checks are the fuse and the socket condition (corrosion/loose terminals).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$120 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.

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Quick check so I give you the exact bulbs: When you say “taillight bulbs,” do you mean the tail/brake bulbs (outer lamps), or are you trying to replace the turn signal and/or reverse bulbs too?