I read a bunch of threads tonight on how to change the tail light bulbs and had absolutely no luck getting to them. While I managed to touch the back of one of the lights from under the car I also managed to almost get my arm stuck and then rip it apart when I tried to get it out. I'm not really sure what to try next because I didn't really have any luck trying to get to the inboard light via the license plate either. Assuming I could get to the light socket and get it out, how are you supposed to replace the bulb? Does the wire drop down below the car or something? Did GM have a tool or something for switching bulbs? UGH

 

Did you try unscrewing the screws on the tail light and removeing the lens?

 

I saw no screws unless I'm just completely oblivious. There are screws on the inside of the bumper but I can't really reach those.

 

You must have a older one the year always helps try pulling the apron off around the gas cap and see if you can get your arm stuck there.

 

It's a 1985 that was built in January of that year.

 

Try the fuel boot

 

I have heard that you need to remove the backup light assembly. I've never had to replace a rear lamp so I don't have personal experience. My 29 year old lamps are all still working OK.

 

I would think you would remove the rear tag and work from there, Cliff mentions removing the B/U and that might certainly be required or help. I do recall I believe seeing threads mentioning being able to remove fuel door/bezel, fuel pocket and working from there. I have also seen threads that mention removing the rear wheelhouse liner for the outer and actually threads that mention removing nothing and reaching up from under.

It might be easier to remove the inner lamp to reach the outer through that opening. Two or three 10mm screws at 12:00, 7:00 and/or 5:00 maybe.

 

On my 86, I managed to change the inners from license plate hole and the outers from wheel well area. I may have had to remove a few screws and a brace when doing outers. It's been years and I have a fussy memory, so I don't recall too much.

 

Remove the plate, backup light assy and drop the spare tire and remove that bolt assy. That will give you enough room to get your arm in there. I was able to remove the bulb without taking out the lens. Its a quarter turn socket. There is enough wire to let you replace the bulb with a little patience. Take a look at You Tube; I'm sure someone has a video of it.

 

What's scary is the FSM says to remove the whole rear fascia. NOT!

I've heard that if it's an inboard bulb, remove the plate then the backup light fixture and reach in and replace that bulb. But if it's an outboard bulb that's out then do the same but then remove the inboard tail light fixture then reach in that hole and replace the outboard bulb.

Luckily I haven't had to replace any but it almost appears that if it's an outboard bulb that's out then removing the muffler on that side would be simpler. LOL

From 1984 to 1990 base cars it is definitely an engineering fail. ZR1's and 91s and up just remove the lens like any normal car.

 

Removing the rear license plate and then the backup lamp housing is the best way to get to the inside tail/brake lamp housing. Small hands will be a big help too!

The socket is like other GM sockets that have a small tang that you have to press in to be able to twist the socket to remove it. It would be easier to remove the small 10mm nuts and pull the entire housing out, then remove the socket. These nuts are self-threading on the stud that is part of the housing. Use a 1/4" drive 10mm socket and a small ratchet or a "thumb-drive" ratchet.

Once the inside lamp housing is out, it's a simple matter to reach in that hole and remove the outer housing.

I would suggest that you take the time to remove all 4 of the lamp housings and replace all the bulbs. GM used a grease to protect the bulb contacts from moisture and possible loss of contact. Over the years, this grease would harden and not only is there a good chance of breaking the glass part of the lamp when you remove it, it will be difficult to even get the bulb base out. Will the old bulbs out, scrape the contacts and the sides of the sockets. Use some fresh dielectric grease and replace the bulbs (either 1157 or 2057).

The lamp housings will more than likely have some dirt and debris in them so it's a good time to clean the inside. Use some Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm water in each housing. Let the solution sit for an hour and then rinse out. Let them dry and re-install everything. You can also do the same to the backup lights.

 

just did my 85, through the back up lights is the way...still had to use my skinny armed son in law to get in there.....

 

Same here.

On my '85 I tried through the license plate/back up lights and couldn't do it. My wife's arm was a lot skinnier and she could do it.

 

I don't have mufflers on my 89, and I just reached up , grabbed the bulb, twisted it out, and put in the new bulb.( Took about 3-4 minites) ..The mufflers are what stop you from getting to the tail lights and having an easy replacement..It may be a pain in the azz, but dropping the rear exhaust will get the job done easily and without major blood spilled.......(Or try this) If you unbolt the 2 hangers on the mufflers and the one at the convertor, you should be able to push the exhaust system over far enough to get in there and replace the bulb..Unbolting these 3 points should only take a few minites.......WW

 

One thing I consider a must are led bulbs. The odds on them ever needing replacing again after installing them are pretty slim. So you only get tortured once that way

As mentioned the tag/reverse lights are a good way into them.

 

Update

So, I went at the project again tonight after I got home and accomplished changing the one outboard bulb that was burnt out! Ended up unbolting the muffler and dropping it down some and I also jacked up the car. A neighbor of mine helped out by actually getting their arm(s) up there and making the switch so I can't really say how hard that part was. Glad that thing is switched.

Teamwork!

 

It's always GOOD when someone posts back with a DONE and mentions the HOW.

 

WW7 are running side exhausts?

 

I should mention that my 198t has custom exhausts from the manifold back so you might be able to get away with not dropping the muffler. That was the only way it would work for me though.