10 Easy Steps To Fix A Broken Tail Light

Driving with a broken tail light is not only unsafe but also illegal in most states. A broken tail light can make it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle, especially at night, which can lead to accidents. If you notice that one of your tail lights is broken, it is important to fix it as soon as possible.

Fixing a broken tail light is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. First, you will need to purchase a new tail light assembly. You can find these at most auto parts stores. Once you have the new tail light, you can follow the steps below to replace the old one:

1. Park your vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Open the trunk or hatch of your vehicle and locate the tail light assembly.
3. Remove the bolts or screws that hold the tail light assembly in place.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the tail light assembly.
5. Remove the old tail light assembly and replace it with the new one.
6. Reconnect the electrical connector and tighten the bolts or screws that hold the tail light assembly in place.
7. Test the new tail light to make sure it is working properly.

Identifying the Issue

When your tail light fails to illuminate, it’s crucial to promptly investigate and determine the root cause. This process involves cautious examinations and systematic troubleshooting steps. Begin by:

Visually Inspecting the Tail Light Assembly

Thoroughly examine the tail light assembly for any physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or loose connections. Check the lens for scratches, fogging, or other impairments that could obstruct light transmission. Ensure the assembly is securely fastened to the vehicle, as a loose fit can cause flickering or complete failure.

Inspecting the Bulb and Socket

Remove the tail light assembly from the vehicle and carefully inspect the bulb. Check for any burnouts or damage to the filament. Also, scrutinize the bulb socket for signs of corrosion, loose connections, or broken contacts. If necessary, replace the bulb or clean the socket using an appropriate cleaner.

Use the table below for further guidance on bulb and socket inspection:

Component	Potential Issues
Bulb	Burnouts, broken filament
Bulb Socket	Corrosion, loose connections, broken contacts

Removing the Tail Light Assembly

Before you can replace the broken tail light, you’ll need to remove the tail light assembly. This process varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but here are the general steps:

Locate the screws or bolts that hold the tail light assembly in place. These are usually located around the perimeter of the assembly.
Remove the screws or bolts. Be careful not to drop them, as they can be difficult to find if they fall into the engine compartment.
Gently pull the tail light assembly straight back from the vehicle. It may be necessary to wiggle the assembly back and forth slightly to free it from its mounting points.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail light assembly. The connector is usually located on the back of the assembly.

Once you have removed the tail light assembly, you can replace the broken tail light. To do this, simply follow the steps in reverse order.

Replacing the Bulb

Before you begin, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged. You will need a new bulb, a socket wrench or screwdriver, and a pair of gloves.

Locate the taillight assembly. It is usually located on the rear of the vehicle, near the bumper. Remove the bolts or screws that hold the taillight assembly in place. Carefully remove the assembly from the vehicle.

Once the taillight assembly is removed, you will need to identify the broken bulb. The bulb is usually held in place by a socket. Twist the socket counterclockwise to remove the bulb. Insert the new bulb into the socket and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.

Reinstall the taillight assembly onto the vehicle. Tighten the bolts or screws that hold the assembly in place.

Additional Tips for Replacing a Broken Tail Light Bulb

If you are having trouble removing the taillight assembly, you may need to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Be careful not to overtighten the bolts or screws that hold the taillight assembly in place.
If the new bulb does not work, check the fuse for the taillight circuit. The fuse may have blown and will need to be replaced.

Table of Bulb Types

Bulb Type	Description
Incandescent	Traditional bulb type that uses a filament to produce light.
LED	Light-emitting diode bulb that is more energy-efficient and durable than incandescent bulbs.
HID	High-intensity discharge bulb that produces a brighter light than incandescent bulbs.

Troubleshooting Electrical Connections

Once you know the light bulb is not the cause of the problem and all the other lights are working properly, the issue is most likely in the electrical connections. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the electrical connections:

1. Check the Wiring

Visually inspect the wires for any visible damage, such as cuts, fraying, or corrosion. Examine the connectors for any loose or broken wires.

2. Test the Voltage

Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the bulb socket. It should measure 12 volts when the headlights are turned on.

3. Clean the Connections

Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean any corrosion or dirt from the connectors and the bulb socket.

4. Check the Ground Connection

The ground wire is responsible for completing the electrical circuit. Check the ground connection by ensuring that the wire is properly connected to a metal surface, such as the chassis or body of the vehicle. If the ground wire is loose or damaged, it can cause electrical problems.

Step	Description
1	Locate the ground wire, which is usually black or brown.
2	Follow the ground wire to the point where it is connected to the body of the vehicle.
3	Check the connection for any loose wires or corrosion.
4	If the connection is loose, tighten it using a wrench or pliers.
5	If the connection is corroded, clean it using a wire brush or sandpaper.

Repairing the Lens

If the lens of your tail light is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it. This is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps.

1. Gather your materials. You will need a new tail light lens, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.
2. Remove the old lens. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lens in place. Once the screws are removed, you can gently pry the lens off of the taillight assembly.
3. Clean the taillight assembly. Use a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the taillight assembly. This will help to ensure that the new lens fits properly.
4. Install the new lens. Place the new lens over the taillight assembly and align it with the screw holes. Use the screwdriver to tighten the screws until the lens is securely in place.
5. Test the tail light. Turn on the tail light to make sure that it is working properly. The lens should be clear and bright, and the light should not be flickering or dim.

Using a Splice Kit

If the wires are completely severed, you will need to use a splice kit to repair them. Splice kits are available at most hardware stores. The kit will include everything you need to make the repair, including wire strippers, crimp connectors, and electrical tape.

Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires. Use the wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire.
Twist the exposed wires together. Make sure that the wires are twisted together tightly.
Crimp a crimp connector onto the twisted wires. Use the crimping tool to crimp a crimp connector onto the twisted wires. The crimp connector will hold the wires together and prevent them from coming apart.
Wrap electrical tape around the crimp connector. Wrap the electrical tape around the crimp connector to insulate it and protect it from the elements.
Reconnect the repaired wire to the taillight. Use the electrical tape to reconnect the repaired wire to the taillight.
Test the taillight. Turn on the taillight to make sure that it is working properly.

Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in using a splice kit to repair a broken tail light wire:

Step	Description
1	Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires.
2	Twist the exposed wires together.
3	Crimp a crimp connector onto the twisted wires.
4	Wrap electrical tape around the crimp connector.
5	Reconnect the repaired wire to the taillight.
6	Test the taillight.

Heat-Shrinking the Connection

Once the wires are connected, it’s time to heat-shrink the connection to protect it from the elements. Heat-shrink tubing is a thin, flexible plastic tube that shrinks when heated, forming a tight seal around the wires.

To heat-shrink the connection:

Cut a piece of heat-shrink tubing long enough to cover the connection, plus about 1/4 inch on each side.
Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the connection.
Use a heat gun or lighter to heat the heat-shrink tubing until it shrinks down and forms a tight seal around the wires.
Make sure to heat the tubing evenly, so that it doesn’t melt or burn.
Once the heat-shrink tubing has cooled, the connection is secure and protected.
Repeat steps 1-5 for the other wire connection.
Insulating and Securing the Connection:

To further insulate and secure the connection, you can wrap electrical tape around the heat-shrink tubing. Start by wrapping the tape around the middle of the tubing, then continue wrapping it around the entire connection, overlapping each layer by about 50%. Once the connection is completely wrapped in tape, it will be well-protected from the elements and any potential shorts.

Reinstalling the Tail Light Assembly

Once you have replaced the bulb or socket, it’s time to reinstall the tail light assembly. This process is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the light or the surrounding area.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstalling the Tail Light Assembly:

1. Locate the mounting points. There are typically two or four mounting points on the tail light assembly. These points will align with corresponding holes in the vehicle’s body.
2. Insert the assembly into the holes. Carefully align the assembly with the mounting points and gently push it into place. Do not force the assembly, as this could cause damage.
3. Secure the assembly with bolts or screws. Once the assembly is in place, tighten the bolts or screws that secure it to the vehicle. Do not overtighten the fasteners, as this could strip the threads or damage the assembly.
4. Connect the electrical connector. The tail light assembly has an electrical connector that plugs into a corresponding connector on the vehicle’s wiring harness. Make sure the connectors are securely plugged together.
5. Check the operation of the tail light. Turn on the headlights and brake lights to ensure that the tail light is functioning properly. If the light does not illuminate, check the electrical connections and the bulb or socket again.
6. Inspect for leaks. If you notice any water leaking from the tail light assembly, it may be necessary to reseal the gasket or replace the assembly altogether.
7. Double-check the assembly. Once you are satisfied that the tail light assembly is properly installed and functioning, double-check that all bolts or screws are securely tightened and that the assembly is aligned correctly.
8. Retain the safety features. Make sure the reflector, brake light, and turn signal are properly aligned and functioning. These features are crucial for vehicle safety, especially during nighttime driving.

Component

Function

Reflector

Enhances visibility of the vehicle, especially at night

Brake Light

Alerts following vehicles that the car is braking

Turn Signal

Indicates the direction of intended movement

Testing the Light

To test the tail light, you will need a helper and a few simple tools. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Safety First

Park the car in a safe location and engage the parking brake. Ensure that the ignition is turned off.

2. Gather Tools

You will need a flashlight, screwdriver, and a multimeter (optional but recommended).

3. Identify the Affected Lights

Turn on the headlights and inspect the tail lights. Note which tail light is not working.

4. Check for Power

Using the multimeter, set it to voltage mode and connect the positive probe to the positive terminal of the battery and the negative probe to the negative terminal. This will show you if there is any power going to the lights.

5. Check the Bulbs

Turn off the headlights and remove the tail light assembly by unscrewing the retaining bolts.

6. Inspect the Sockets

Inspect the bulb sockets for any corrosion or damage. If the sockets look damaged, replace them.

7. Remove the Bulb

Gently twist or push the bulb out of the socket to remove it.

8. Check the Bulb

Hold the bulb up to the flashlight and look for any broken filaments. If the filament is broken, replace the bulb.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the bulb and sockets are intact, you may need to check other components, such as the wiring harness, tail light relay, or fuse box. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each:

Component	Description
Wiring Harness	Inspect the wiring harness for any breaks, loose connections, or damage.
Tail Light Relay	Locate the tail light relay in the fuse box and check if it is faulty or needs replacement.
Fuse Box	Check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the tail lights and replace them if necessary.

Troubleshooting Further Issues

If you’ve completed the previous steps but your tail light is still not working, there may be a deeper issue. Here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

10. Electrical Wiring Issues

Inspect the wiring harness that connects the tail light to the vehicle’s electrical system. Look for any loose or damaged wires, corrosion, or signs of wear and tear. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the wires and ensure they are making proper contact.

Consider the following table for troubleshooting electrical wiring issues:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No power to tail light	Damaged or loose ground wire	Clean and tighten ground wire connection
Tail light only works intermittently	Loose or corroded wire connection	Inspect and repair any loose or corroded connections
Tail light stays lit even when headlights are off	Short in wiring harness	Identify and repair short circuit in harness

How To Fix A Broken Tail Light

A broken tail light is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. It is illegal to drive with a broken tail light, and you could be pulled over and ticketed. More importantly, a broken tail light makes it difficult for other drivers to see you, which can lead to an accident.

There are a few different ways to fix a broken tail light. The easiest way is to replace the bulb. If the bulb is blown, you can simply unscrew the old bulb and screw in a new one. If the bulb is not blown, then you may need to replace the entire tail light assembly.

To replace the tail light assembly, you will need to remove the old assembly from the car. This can be done by unscrewing the bolts or screws that are holding it in place. Once the old assembly is removed, you can simply install the new assembly in its place.

If you are not comfortable replacing the tail light yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic and have them do it for you. However, replacing a tail light is a relatively simple task that most people can do themselves.