This procedure covers the removal and replacement of tail light bulbs in the rear lamp assembly of a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb (3157 or 3057) × 1 — 3157 or 3057 depending on application

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and allow bulbs to cool if recently used
3. Open tailgate for access to rear lamp assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the lamp assembly
   Lower the tailgate fully. Locate the two Phillips head screws or 7mm fasteners on the inner edge of the tail light assembly inside the cargo bed. These are accessible from the side of the bed liner.
2. 2

   Remove mounting fasteners
   Remove the two mounting screws or fasteners securing the tail light assembly to the body. Keep these fasteners in a safe location for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Pull assembly outward
   Gently pull the tail light assembly straight rearward away from the vehicle body. The assembly is held by the two fasteners and alignment pins. Use steady, even pressure to avoid breaking the mounting tabs. You may need to wiggle it slightly to release it from the alignment pins.
4. 4

   Access bulb socket
   With the assembly pulled away from the body, identify the correct bulb socket on the back of the assembly. The Silverado tail light assembly contains multiple bulbs: brake/tail light (top), turn signal (middle), and reverse light (bottom). Locate the socket for the bulb being replaced.
5. 5

   Remove bulb socket
   Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight out from the lamp assembly housing. The socket has locking tabs that release with the rotation.
6. 6

   Remove failed bulb
   Gently pull the bulb straight out from the socket. For 3157/3057 type bulbs, they pull straight out without rotation. Inspect the socket for any corrosion, melting, or damage. Clean contacts if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
7. 7

   Install new bulb
   Using a clean cloth or gloves, insert the new bulb straight into the socket until it is fully seated. Ensure the bulb pins align with the socket contacts. Do not force the bulb; it should insert smoothly with light pressure.
8. 8

   Reinstall bulb socket
   Insert the bulb socket back into the lamp assembly housing and rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Gently tug on the socket to verify it is secured.
9. 9

   Reinstall lamp assembly
   Align the tail light assembly with the mounting pins on the vehicle body. Push the assembly straight forward into position, ensuring the alignment pins engage properly and the assembly sits flush against the body seal.
10. 10

    Secure assembly
    Install and tighten the two mounting screws or fasteners finger-tight, then snug them down. Do not overtighten as this can crack the plastic housing. Ensure the assembly is seated evenly against the body.

Reassembly

1. Verify the tail light assembly is flush with the body panel and properly sealed
2. Close tailgate and verify it operates without interference from the lamp assembly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and test all tail light functions: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Have an assistant observe the lights while you operate each function, or walk around to verify each bulb illuminates properly
• Inspect for proper seating of the lamp assembly with no gaps or misalignment

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