How to Replace a Broken Taillight or Turn Signal Cover

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: August 22, 2024 References

There are many reasons why a turn-signal cover or taillight lens has been broken. It could be as easy as someone, or you, backing into something that broke the taillight. It could even have been a rock that came off of a truck's tire. It doesn't matter what the cause; for, in the end, it still costs you money to get it fixed. You can save money, however, if you replace the broken taillight or turn-signal cover yourself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing a Turn-Signal Cover on an Older Vehicle

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1
Replace a turn-signal cover that is mounted in a bumper, grill or leading edge of a fender using it as a clearance light. This type is found mostly in older vehicles and will be relatively easy to replace with only a screwdriver.
- Locate the turn-signal cover and the screws that are holding it in place.
- Use either a Phillips, slotted or, in some cases, a specialized screwdriver -- sometimes called a star -- to remove the screws holding the lens cover in place.
- Gently pull out on the lens cover. If it is a two-piece unit -- lens cover and light bulb holder -- then replace the lens cover and screw it back into place.
- If it is a combination lens and light bulb holder, pull out the unit exposing the light bulb holder and wiring.
2
Grip behind the bulb much like you would if you were changing any light bulb.^{[1]
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- Turn counter-clockwise and pull the bulb holder from the lens case.
- Reverse the procedure, reinserting the light bulb holder into the new turn-signal cover and screw it back into place on the vehicle.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Change a Turn Signal Cover on the Front of a Newer Vehicle

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1
Removal of the turn signal, headlight and the clearance light may be required, because they will most likely be integrated into one unit.^{[2]
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- You need a screwdriver and, depending on your vehicle, a standard (imperial) or metric deep-socket set. The socket set must have a ratchet wrench, extensions and an open wrench set.
- Raise the hood and identify the connections or tie-down locations on the turn-signal, headlight and clearance light.
- Disconnect all of the screwed down locations and nuts from the bolted sections.
2
Pull out the unit to get the back side of the unit.
- This will give you access to the bulb holders for the turn signal, headlight and clearance light. You need to disconnect the turn signal cover from the individual bulb holders. There will most likely be three at the back of the broken lens, similar to changing any burned out bulb.
Reconnect the turn signal, headlight and clearance light.^{[3]
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For some vehicles, the turn-signal unit needs to be grounded to the metal body in order to work.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Replacement of a Broken Taillight/Turn-Signal Cover in the Rear of the Car

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1
Use a screwdriver and, possibly, a set of open-end wrenches or sockets. You may need a ratchet wrench as well, depending on the vehicle requirements.^{[4]
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- Access will be from the inside of the trunk or cargo area on an SUV or typical car. You need to pull away or unscrew the cover from around the back of the broken taillight/turn-signal cover to gain access. This exposes the bulb connections at the back of the taillight.
- Grip firmly at the back of the bulb and push it in. Twist counter-clockwise to remove it from the broken taillight/turn-signal cover.
- You will either need to unscrew the broken taillight/turn-signal cover from the outside or unbolt (or unscrew) it from the inside of the cargo area or trunk, depending on how the taillight/turn-signal cover is held in place.
Check to see if the taillight/turn-signal cover is working once it is reinstalled.
4
Understand that the procedure for replacing a broken taillight/turn-signal cover will be a little different for a small truck or pickup, depending on the age. Those made prior to 1960 could have a separate taillight and turn-signal cover. However, the tools are the same.^{[5]
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- You will find a screw holding the taillight in place on the back of the bed on some small trucks. Unscrew and remove the taillight/turn-signal cover from the bed.
- You will have exposed wires in the bulb holder once you have pulled the taillight/turn-signal cover from the bed. There may be more than one bulb holder.
- Disconnect the bulb holder by gripping it firmly at the back and pushing in. Twist counter-clockwise and remove the bulbs from the broken taillight/turn-signal cover.
- Reverse the process and install the new taillight/turn-signal cover and check to see that it is working properly.
5
Unscrew the cover from inside the bed, exposing the back of the taillight/turn-signal cover to unbolt the broken taillight for removal on some newer trucks. Other than that, it is the same procedure as above.^{[6]
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- Reverse the process as noted above and install the new taillight/turn-signal cover and check to see that it is working properly.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I replace the front turn signal on a 2002 Ford Ranger?

Community Answer

Remove the lens, replace the bulb (available at auto parts stores), and replace the lens.

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Tips

Since you already have the bulbs disconnected from the taillights and turn-signal lens, it would be a good idea to replace any bulbs. Just make sure that you use the same kind of lightbulb. In other words, don’t put an LED bulb in a vehicle that only uses halogen bulbs.^{[7]
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Charley Helvy
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You can save a significant amount by replacing a broken taillight or turn-signal cover using used parts available from an auto-recycler.

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There are online sites that will give you a hand on replacing a broken taillight and/or turn-signal lens for your model of vehicle.

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Warnings

It is advisable to disconnect the positive battery cable when working on any electrical part in order to prevent accidental grounding and damage to the electrical system.

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If you replace any bulbs, you must use the same type. In other words, replace halogen bulbs with halogen bulbs, LED bulbs with LED bulbs, and so on. If you use the wrong kind of bulb, it could cause electrical damage or harness issues.^{[8]
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Things You'll Need

Replacement taillight and/or turn-signal cover
Replacement taillight/turn-signal cover or combination turn/clearance/headlight unit
Screwdrivers - Phillips, slotted, or hex
Standard or metric open ended wrenches
Standards or metric socket, ratchet wrench and extensions
Light bulbs for the turn-signal or taillight