Tail Light Bulb

This procedure covers replacement of the tail light bulb on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, accessed by removing the tail light assembly from the rear of the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb (7443 or 3157 type, verify which socket) × 1 — 7443 or 3157 depending on function
• Dielectric grease × 1 — Optional for bulb socket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and turn off ignition
2. Ensure tail lights are off and have cooled if recently used
3. Open the tailgate for easier access to tail light assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate tail light assembly mounting bolts
   From outside the vehicle, locate the four 10mm mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. These are visible on the face of the tail light housing around the perimeter of the lens.
2. 2

   Remove tail light assembly mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove all four mounting bolts from the tail light assembly. Keep these bolts in a safe location as they will be reused.
3. 3

   Pull tail light assembly from body
   Carefully pull the entire tail light assembly straight back away from the vehicle body. The assembly may require gentle wiggling to release from alignment pins and weather seal. Do not pull excessively on the wiring harness.
4. 4

   Access bulb socket
   With the tail light assembly pulled away from the body, locate the bulb socket on the rear of the assembly corresponding to the failed bulb. Sockets are labeled or can be identified by position (brake/turn, tail, reverse).
5. 5

   Remove bulb socket from housing
   Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight out from the tail light housing. The socket should release easily once rotated to the unlocked position.
6. 6

   Remove failed bulb
   With the socket removed, push the bulb into the socket slightly and rotate counterclockwise to release it from the bayonet-style mount. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Inspect the socket for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Install new bulb
   Insert the new bulb into the socket, push in slightly and rotate clockwise until it locks into place. Ensure the bulb is fully seated and cannot be pulled out without rotating. If desired, apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the socket terminals to prevent corrosion.
8. 8

   Reinstall bulb socket
   Insert the bulb socket back into the tail light housing and rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into position. Verify the socket is secure and cannot be pulled out.
9. 9

   Reinstall tail light assembly
   Carefully align the tail light assembly with the body panel, ensuring alignment pins engage properly and the weather seal seats correctly. Push the assembly flush against the body.
10. 10

    Install mounting bolts
    Install all four 10mm mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly. If using a torque wrench, reference mounting bolt specifications, otherwise tighten securely by hand tools without over-tightening plastic housing.

Reassembly

1. Ensure tail light assembly is flush with body panel with no gaps that could allow water intrusion
2. Verify all four mounting bolts are tight and assembly does not move when pressed

Verification

• Turn ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
• Test all tail light functions: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights (shift to reverse)
• Have an assistant verify all lights illuminate properly or observe lights in a reflection
• Check that no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster
• Verify tail light assembly remains securely mounted during normal tailgate operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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