Turn Signal Bulb - Rear

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear turn signal bulb on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK, accessed from inside the rear cargo area without removing the entire tail light assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear turn signal bulb × 1 — 7440 or 7443 amber bulb (verify owner's manual)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
2. Open rear tailgate or swing gate for access to cargo area
3. Allow tail lights to cool if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light assembly from interior
   From inside the rear cargo area, locate the back side of the tail light assembly on the affected side. You will see the bulb sockets protruding through the body panel.
2. 2

   Identify turn signal bulb socket
   Identify the turn signal bulb socket, which is typically the amber-colored socket. On JK Wranglers, the turn signal is usually the middle or lower socket depending on model year and configuration. Reference your owner's manual if uncertain.
3. 3

   Remove bulb socket
   Grasp the bulb socket firmly and rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until it releases from the tail light housing. Pull the socket straight out from the housing.
4. 4

   Remove failed bulb
   With the socket removed, push the bulb gently into the socket while rotating counterclockwise to release it from the bayonet mount. If bulb is a wedge-type, simply pull straight out. Remove the old bulb from the socket.
5. 5

   Install new bulb
   Using gloves or a clean cloth, insert the new bulb into the socket. For bayonet-style bulbs, push in gently while rotating clockwise until it locks. For wedge-style, push firmly until fully seated. Ensure bulb is secure in socket.
6. 6

   Reinstall bulb socket
   Align the socket tabs with the slots in the tail light housing and insert the socket. Rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Ensure socket is fully seated and secure.
7. 7

   Test turn signal operation
   Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run). Activate the turn signal for the side you just replaced and verify the new bulb illuminates and blinks at the correct rate. Check that the dash indicator also blinks normally.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this procedure
2. Ensure bulb socket is fully locked into housing with a clockwise turn

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and activate turn signal to verify bulb illuminates and blinks properly
• Verify turn signal indicator on instrument cluster blinks at normal rate (fast blinking may indicate poor connection)
• Walk around vehicle to visually confirm amber turn signal is working on the repaired side
• Test hazard lights to confirm bulb functions in both turn signal and hazard mode

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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