Omar Khalid
Whether it's due to an accident or environmental factors, a broken tail light cover can be unsightly and unsafe. Luckily, replacing a plastic tail light cover is a simple task that can be done at home with a few tools and materials. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively replace your tail light cover, improving the appearance and safety of your vehicle. From locating the tail light access panel to preparing the crack filler, we will cover everything you need to know to confidently tackle this repair project.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing Plastic Tail Light Cover
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Tools Required | Screwdriver |
| Cost of Replacement | $16 to $100 (Spyder tail light lenses range from $47 to $200) |
| Additional Costs | Labour charges (average $50), replacement bulbs (average $20 to $100), and installation costs |
| Time Taken | 10 minutes |
| Repair Process | Remove the tail light lens, fill the crack with a crack filler, prepare the area, unbolt the tail light housing, unlock the tail light socket, inspect the wiring, replace the bulb, and test the new bulb |
| Precautions | Ensure the vehicle is turned off before starting the repair |
| Alternatives | Plastic welding for joining two separate pieces of plastic or repairing a crack |
| Benefits of Tail Light Covers | Improved road safety by containing glass or plastic fragments, protection against UV rays to prevent fading, and enhancing the appearance of the vehicle |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of replacement
The cost of replacing a tail light cover varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Aftermarket tail light assemblies can range in price from $100 to $300 or more, while OEM tail light assemblies can cost closer to $500. The labor cost to replace a tail light assembly typically ranges from $20 to $50.
Some vehicles may only require a replacement of the plastic cover, which can be purchased from junk/salvage yards or online retailers for a lower cost. This option may be more suitable for those with minimal automotive repair experience, as it does not require the replacement of the entire assembly.
It is important to note that modern vehicles typically use the entire assembly, and the cost of replacement will depend on the specific vehicle. Online retailers such as AutoZone offer vehicle-specific tail light covers from various brands, with customizable search options to find the lowest prices for the desired fit.
Additionally, tail light covers can be used to customize the look of a vehicle and protect the tail lights from damage during off-road driving or other extreme conditions. These covers are typically made from durable materials such as acrylic and can be installed using adhesive foam tape.
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Removing the old cover
Removing the old tail light cover is a simple process but requires careful attention to ensure it is done correctly. Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools, which may include a screwdriver and a syringe. It is also important to work with the vehicle turned off for safety.
First, locate the tail light access panel. This may involve opening the trunk and carefully removing the sidings to expose the screws or nuts that hold the tail light in place. Once you have located the access panel, use your screwdriver to unbolt the tail light housing. Be careful not to drop or strip the screws, as this can cause further complications.
Next, unlock the tail light socket and carefully inspect the wiring to ensure nothing is damaged or disconnected. If everything looks intact, proceed to remove and inspect the bulb. If the bulb is broken or burnt out, now is the time to replace it with a new one. Test out the new bulb to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you are simply repairing a crack in the plastic tail light cover, you can use a crack filler. Shake the bottle well, fill the syringe with the material, and carefully fill in the crack. This will help restore the structural integrity and appearance of the cover.
In some cases, you may need to replace the entire tail light assembly. This typically occurs when the cover is severely damaged or broken. The process for removing the old cover is the same as the steps outlined above. Simply unbolt the housing, unlock the socket, and remove the bulb. Then, you can install the new assembly by following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Preparing the new cover
Once you have acquired the new tail light cover, carefully inspect it for any defects or damage. Ensure that the cover is intact, without any cracks or blemishes, and that it matches the colour and style of your vehicle. A clear, undamaged cover will ensure optimal light projection and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your car.
If your vehicle's original cover had UV protection, consider choosing a replacement that offers the same feature. UV protection helps prevent the tail light lens from fading due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, thus maintaining its colour and clarity over time.
Before installing the new cover, it is essential to prepare the area and gather the necessary tools. Open the trunk and carefully remove any sidings or panels that may obstruct access to the tail light assembly. This step will expose the screws or nuts that secure the tail light in place, allowing for easier removal and installation of the cover. Have a screwdriver and any other required tools readily available to facilitate the process.
Finally, if your vehicle's tail light bulbs need replacement or an upgrade, consider doing so while accessing the assembly. Replacing the bulbs can enhance the brightness and improve the overall functionality of your tail lights, ensuring better visibility and safety on the road.
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Installing the new cover
Installing a new tail light cover is a straightforward process, and can be done at home with a few simple tools. It is important to ensure you have the correct replacement part for your vehicle's specific make and model.
Begin by locating the tail light access panel. This is usually found by opening the trunk and carefully removing the sidings to expose the screws or nuts that hold the tail light assembly in place. Once you have located the access panel, use a screwdriver to unbolt the tail light housing. Be careful not to misplace any screws or hardware, as you will need to secure the new cover in place.
With the old cover removed, take the opportunity to inspect the bulb and wiring for any damage. Replace the bulb if necessary, and ensure all wiring is intact and secure. If your new cover comes with a bulb, you may want to install it before securing the cover. Test the bulb to ensure it is functioning properly.
Now, carefully fit the new tail light cover into place, ensuring it is securely fastened and aligned correctly. Tighten the screws or bolts by hand first, and then use your screwdriver to tighten them further, being careful not to over-tighten.
Finally, test your new tail light cover by turning on the lights and inspecting for proper function. Ensure the cover is secure, and check that the bulb is properly seated and functioning.
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Testing the lights
Testing tail lights is a straightforward process that can help identify any issues with the lighting system of your vehicle. Here is a comprehensive guide on testing the tail lights of your car:
Testing the Bulbs
Begin by turning on your headlights and observing if the tail lights illuminate. This initial check will indicate if the tail lights are functional. If the tail lights do not light up, it suggests a potential issue with the bulbs, wiring, or electrical system. Proceed to inspect the bulbs to ensure they are intact and properly connected.
Checking the Brake Lights
Inspect the brake lights by depressing the brake pedal and observing if the brake lights illuminate. Typically, the brake lights are located on the outer (fender-mounted) housings and the upper third brake light housing. It is important to note that the brake lights are usually distinct from the hazard lights and tail lights, both in terms of colour and location. For example, on some vehicles, the hazard lights may be yellow, while the brake lights are red.
Identifying Shorts and Fuses
If you suspect a short circuit, you can test for it by removing the bulb and socket from the tail light assembly. Then, use a test light or multimeter to check for voltage on the ground side of the socket. If voltage is detected, it indicates a ground fault in the socket. If no voltage is present, the issue may be further upstream in the wiring. Additionally, when troubleshooting the parking light circuit, inspect all outside sockets that receive 12V when the lights are on, as these sockets are susceptible to damage from exposure to the elements.
Socket and Grounding Checks
The tail light socket should have a good ground connection. Ensure that the socket is properly grounded when installed into its metal housing. Alternatively, it may have a separate ground wire when snapped into a plastic housing. You can also try running a jumper wire from the ground on the socket to a clean, bare metal part in the trunk or a bumper bolt to address any grounding issues.
Symmetry and Brightness
Ensure that the tail lights are symmetrically bright on both the left and right sides. The tail lights should also be dimmer in comparison to the brake lights. This observation will help identify any discrepancies in brightness or symmetry, which could indicate a problem with the bulbs, wiring, or associated components.
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Frequently asked questions
First, locate the tail light access panel and unbolt the tail light housing. Then, unlock the tail light socket and inspect the wiring before removing and inspecting the bulb. Replace the bulb with a new one and test it out. Finally, seal the casing.
The price of a tail light lens replacement can vary from $16 to $750, depending on the make and model of your car. The cost of replacing the whole tail light assembly can range from $200 to $2000, depending on the inclusions and the quality of the bulbs used.
You can buy a replacement cover online from retailers such as Parts Geek, AutoZone, Spyder, and Outmotoring.
