Tail lights - DIY

I dont like the amber on the stock tail lights so I had 2 choices:
...1. Exactly like stock but with white turning signals to match reverse lights.
...2. Like the first ones but they're shiny and not "smoked" like stock ones.

I chose the shiny ones because I havent seen them on any car around here, and I caught a glimpse of the other ones a few times. I got them from procarparts.com for only $105 US, which next to $300 is a sweet price.

Before and after pics:

:

Instructions

1. First thing is first. Buy yourself new tail lights.

2. Pop open the trunk. Choose the left or right side. Behind the trunk lid, there is a screw that holds a plastic black piece over the back of the tail light (the part on the trunk lid). Remove the screw and take out the black piece and disconnect the power for the tail lights.

3. There are 2 nuts that sit right beside the black piece you just pulled out. Remove both nuts.

4. Fianlly, there is one last nut you need to take out. It is on the edge of the trunk lid. Remove it and then the tail light should become loose. Pull it out.

5. Insert the new tail light in the same place as the old one and follow the steps 2-4 in reverse order to install it.

Now that you replaced the inside portion of the tail light, you must remove the outside portion (the part with the turning signal).

6. There is a black plastic screw that holds the carpet in, right above the bumper and beside the turning signal portion of the tail light. Remove this screw. Then pull or lift the carpet until it gives you enough room to see the tail light from behind (as if you were replacing a light bulb). If you are lost, refer to the owner's manual section of replacing a lightbulb. This step is explained.

7. There are 4 nuts that hold the tail light in place. Remove them and then disconnect the power.

8. The tail light should now be loose, so take it out.

9. Insert the new tail light in the same poisition as the old (stock) one and follow steps 7 and 8 backwards.

11. Redo steps 2 - 12 for the other side.

12. You're done!

Last Updated: July 15, 2006