🔧 Taillight Bulbs - Replacement

Assumption: this covers the left and right rear taillamp bulbs in the rear lamp assemblies. On your Equinox, the bulb sockets are accessed from inside the cargo area after removing the rear lamp assembly.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Turn the lights off and let the bulbs cool before touching them.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable if you want extra safety around the lighting circuit.
• Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers. Skin oils can shorten bulb life.
• Be gentle with the lamp housing tabs. They can crack if forced.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Trim panel tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear taillight bulb set - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Make sure the lights are switched off.
• Open the rear liftgate.
• Remove any cargo from the side of the rear trim panel you are working on.
• If replacing both sides, do one side at a time so you can use the other side as a reference.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the liftgate and access the lamp fasteners

• Use the trim panel tool to gently pry back the small rear cargo-side access area near the taillamp mounting points.
• Expose the taillamp fasteners from inside the body opening.

Step 2: Remove the taillamp retaining nuts

• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the taillamp nuts.
• Keep the nuts in a safe place.
• Do not drop the nuts inside the body panel.

Step 3: Remove the taillamp assembly

• Pull the taillamp straight rearward to release the locating pins.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle it gently while pulling. Do not pry hard on the painted surface.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket

• Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise by hand or with a small flat-blade screwdriver if needed.
• Pull the socket out of the lamp housing.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Remove the old bulb from the socket.
• Install the new bulb firmly into the socket.
• Match the bulb base before forcing it.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and lamp

• Insert the socket back into the taillamp housing and turn it clockwise until locked.
• Set the taillamp assembly back into place and align the locating pins.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to reinstall the retaining nuts.
• Torque to 3-5 Nm (27-44 in-lbs).

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same process for the opposite taillamp.
• Replace both bulbs as a pair so the brightness matches.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn on the parking lights, brake lights, and turn signals to confirm both sides work.
• Check that the lamp assemblies sit flush with the body.
• If a bulb does not light, recheck socket seating and bulb orientation.
• If the warning message stays on, cycle the ignition off and back on.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$260 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $20-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $100-$200 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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