Replace the Brake Lights on a Yukon
Don't want to waste time and money having your brake lights replaced at a shop? Read this...
Steps
- Make sure of which light(s) is(are) out. Have someone stand in the back of the vehicle while you depress the brake pedal. Once the side that's out has been determined, open the hatch/door and notice where the bulb housing mounts to the body. (Usually, they are held by two screws with either a Phillip's head, or a star - torx head). Also, there are two brackets mounting the other side of the housing which may require a simple tug, or the use of a rubber prying tool. (Unfortunately, these brackets can't be seen until the housing is removed.)
- Note which bulb is the brake light. After the housing has been removed from the body, you will see wiring for the brake light, turn signal, and reverse light. Note which bulb is the brake light.
- Free the light from the housing. The connector is plastic and should have a tab. Push the tab in and turn the connector until you can free it from the housing. Carefully pull the bulb from the connector, preferably wearing gloves or using a rag.
- Inspect the connector and wiring for any damage such as corrosion or melts in the wires. (Conditions like these will cause the light(s) to work intermittently or not at all). If everything looks good in the connection and wiring, simply plug your new bulb into the connector. (Be careful and don't hold the glass, always hold a bulb by it's connecting point.)
- Line up the connector. Once the bulb is in, line up the connector to the housing and reverse the direction it went to take it off. Make sure the tab is in it's proper position.
- Position the bulb housing onto the body. Make sure the brackets are in first so the holes that the screws thread into line up with the holes on the body. Hand thread the screws in.
- Snug the screws tight with your screwdriver.
Tips
- Several times I have dropped tiny screws like the ones used for rear light assemblies. To avoid this, unscrew the screw until it's able to come out but can hang on the threads. Use an automotive magnet pick up tool to remove the screw.
- Once you've completed the job, have someone stand in the rear of your vehicle to verify the inoperative light is now working.
Warnings
- Use caution when removing the rear light housing brackets. Do not use excessive force to pry them out as this may chip or break the housing. Take your time, and work the brackets out.
Things You'll Need
- Phillip's screwdriver or torx head driver
- Gloves or a rag
- Flash light
- rubber prying tool
