10 Easy Steps to Replace a Tag Light

Swapping out your faulty tag light can be an easy and cost-effective way to ensure your car remains roadworthy. However, the process of replacing this bulb can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. If you’re not confident in your ability to do it yourself, it’s best to consult with a professional mechanic. With a few simple tools and a little know-how, you can easily replace the tag light in your car and ensure that you’re visible to other drivers on the road.

Before you begin, gather your tools. You will need a new tag light bulb, a screwdriver, and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Once you have your tools, locate the tag light assembly on your car. In most cases, the tag light will be located on the rear of the vehicle, near the license plate. Once you have located the tag light assembly, use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the assembly out of its housing.

With the assembly removed, you can now access the tag light bulb. Use the needle-nose pliers to gently pull the old bulb out of its socket. Be careful not to touch the glass part of the new bulb, as this can shorten its lifespan. Once the old bulb is removed, insert the new bulb into the socket. Make sure that the bulb is securely in place, then reassemble the tag light assembly. Finally, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the assembly in place. With the new tag light bulb installed, you can now enjoy improved visibility on the road.

Materials Required

To change a tag light, you will need the following materials:

Replacement tag light bulb

This is the bulb that will replace the burned-out bulb in your tag light. Make sure to purchase a bulb that is the same size and type as the original bulb.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a replacement bulb:
- The brightness of the bulb
- The color of the light
- The lifespan of the bulb
If you are not sure which type of bulb to buy, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Screwdriver
Socket wrench
Flashlight
Gloves

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, make sure to observe the following safety precautions to protect yourself from potential hazards:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working underneath it.

2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent any electrical shocks or fires from occurring while you are working on the taillights.

3. Wear gloves and safety glasses. This will protect your hands and eyes from any sharp edges or flying debris.

4. Use a flashlight or work light. This will provide adequate lighting so that you can see what you are doing.

5. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will ensure that you are performing the repair correctly and safely.

Removing the Old Tag Light

Removing the old tag light is a fairly simple process. Just follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the battery

This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical accidents. To disconnect the battery, simply loosen the negative terminal nut and remove the cable from the terminal.

2. Locate the tag light assembly

The tag light assembly is usually located on the rear of the vehicle, near the license plate. It may be held in place by screws or bolts. If there are any screws or bolts, remove them now.

3. Remove the tag light assembly

Once the screws or bolts are removed, you should be able to remove the tag light assembly by pulling it straight out. Be careful not to damage the assembly or the wiring.

Year	Vehicle Model	Bolt Size	Screw Size
2023+	Toyota Camry	10mm	M6
2023+	Honda Civic	8mm	M5
2023+	Ford Mustang	13mm	#10

Once the tag light assembly is removed, you can replace it with a new one.

Disconnecting the Tag Light Wires

Now that you have removed the light assembly from the vehicle, you can begin to disconnect the tag light wires. The first step is to identify the wires. The wires will be connected to the light assembly using a connector. The connector will usually have a lever or tab that you can press to release the wires.

Once you have identified the wires, you need to disconnect them from the connector. To do this, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a small flathead screwdriver. Gently pry the wires out of the connector, being careful not to damage the wires or the connector.

Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the tag light assembly from the vehicle. Be careful not to drop the light assembly, as it could damage the light.

Wire Color	Function
Red	Power
White	Ground

Inserting the New Tag Light

Locate the screws holding the old tag light in place. They are typically located on the back or sides of the taillight assembly.
Remove the screws. Use a screwdriver that fits the screws snugly. Do not overtighten the screws, as this can strip the threads.
Pull the old tag light straight out of its housing. Be careful not to damage the wires attached to the back of the light.
Disconnect the electrical wires from the old tag light. Pinch the connectors with your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart.
Connect the electrical wires to the new tag light. Push the connectors together until they snap into place.
Install the new tag light.
- Insert the new tag light into its housing.
- Tighten the screws to secure the tag light. Do not overtighten the screws, as this can damage the housing.
- Check that the new tag light is working properly. Turn on the headlights and taillights to make sure the tag light is illuminated.
Dispose of the old tag light properly. Do not throw it away with your regular trash. Instead, recycle it or dispose of it at a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Securing the Tag Light

1. Safety First

Before attempting any work on your vehicle, always ensure your safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area.

2. Identify the Tag Light

Locate the tag light housing, which is usually situated on the rear of your vehicle. It consists of a lens and a bulb holder.

3. Access the Bulb Holder

To access the bulb holder, you may need to unscrew a few screws or gently pry open a cover using a screwdriver or trim removal tool.

4. Disconnect the Electrical Connector

Once the bulb holder is accessible, disconnect the electrical connector by pressing on the release tab and gently pulling it away.

5. Unscrew the Bulb

Using a small screwdriver or your fingers, carefully unscrew the old bulb from the bulb holder.

6. Insert the New Bulb

Align the new bulb correctly and screw it into the bulb holder until it’s snug.

7. Securely Mount the Bulb Holder

With the new bulb in place, carefully align the bulb holder back into the housing. Secure it with screws or push it back into place, ensuring that it is securely fastened and the lens is properly aligned.

Tip	Description
Use a clean cloth to handle the new bulb	Avoid transferring oils from your fingers to the bulb, which can shorten its lifespan.
Test the light before securing the housing	Connect the electrical connector and turn on the tag light to ensure it is working properly.
Check the tightness of screws periodically	Over time, vibrations can loosen screws, so periodically inspect and tighten them as needed.

Testing the New Tag Light

1. Disconnect the Battery

Safety first! Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of your vehicle’s battery. This will prevent any electrical shocks or accidents during the replacement process.

2. Locate the Tag Light Assembly

Tag lights are typically mounted on the rear of the vehicle, above or near the license plate. Locate the tag light assembly and identify the screws or bolts holding it in place.

3. Remove the Assembly

Using a screwdriver or socket wrench, carefully remove the screws or bolts securing the tag light assembly. Gently pull the assembly towards you to detach it from the vehicle.

4. Disconnect the Wiring Harness

Once the assembly is detached, disconnect the electrical harness by pressing down on the release tab and pulling the connector apart.

5. Extract the Old Tag Light

Inside the assembly, you’ll find the old tag light bulb. Twist the bulb counterclockwise to remove it from its socket.

6. Insert the New Tag Light

Retrieve the new tag light bulb and gently insert it into the socket. Twist it clockwise to secure it.

7. Reconnect the Wiring Harness

Align the electrical harness connector with its corresponding port on the assembly and press firmly until it clicks into place.

8. Replacing the Assembly

Carefully align the tag light assembly with its mounting points on the vehicle.
Secure the assembly using the screws or bolts you removed earlier.
Ensure that the assembly is properly seated and all screws are tightened securely.

9. Reconnect the Battery

Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery to restore power to the vehicle.

10. Test the Tag Light

Turn on your vehicle’s headlights and check if the tag light is functioning properly. If not, double-check all connections and inspect the new bulb for any defects.

Clean Up and Disposal

Once you have successfully replaced the tag light, it’s important to properly dispose of the old bulb and clean up any debris.

Disposal of Old Tag Light

Most tag lights contain hazardous materials, so it’s essential to dispose of them responsibly. Here are the steps to follow:

Wrap the old bulb in a newspaper or plastic bag to prevent any breakage or contamination.
Check with your local waste management authority or recycling center for specific disposal guidelines in your area.
Dispose of the bulb as per the instructions provided by the authorities.

Cleanup of Debris

After replacing the tag light, there may be some leftover debris or dirt around the work area. To ensure cleanliness and prevent any hazards:

Thoroughly inspect the area for any loose wires, broken glass, or other debris.
Use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to remove any loose debris.
Wipe down the work area with a clean cloth and mild detergent solution to remove any remaining dirt or grease.

Special Disposal Considerations for LED Tag Lights

LED tag lights do not contain hazardous materials like traditional incandescent bulbs. However, it’s still recommended to dispose of them responsibly:

Check with your local waste management authority or recycling center for specific disposal guidelines for LED bulbs.
Contact the manufacturer of the LED tag light for any special disposal instructions.
Refer to the table below for a summary of disposal guidelines for different types of tag lights:

Tag Light Type	Disposal Guidelines
Incandescent	Dispose as hazardous waste according to local regulations.
LED	Check with local waste management authority or recycling center.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are experiencing difficulties with your tag light, try the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check the Power Supply

Make sure that the power supply to the tag light is working properly. This can be done by using a multimeter to test the voltage at the light’s terminals.

2. Check the Wiring

Check the wiring to the tag light to ensure that it is properly connected and secure. Look for any loose connections or damaged wires.

3. Check the Tag Light Socket

Inspect the tag light socket for any corrosion or damage. Clean the socket with a contact cleaner and check for any loose connections.

4. Check the Tag Light Bulb

Replace the tag light bulb with a new one. Make sure that the new bulb is the correct wattage and type for your vehicle.

5. Check the Fuse

Check the fuse associated with the tag light to ensure that it is not blown. Replace the fuse if necessary.

6. Check the Relay

If your tag light is not working and the fuse is not blown, check the relay associated with the light. Replace the relay if necessary.

7. Check the Switch

If your tag light is not working and the fuse, relay, and bulb are all good, check the switch that controls the light. Replace the switch if necessary.

8. Check the Ground

Check the ground wire to the tag light to ensure that it is properly connected. Clean the ground connection and check for any loose connections.

9. Check for Short Circuits

Use a multimeter to check for any short circuits in the wiring to the tag light. Repair any short circuits you find.

10. Computer Scan

If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting tips and your tag light is still not working, you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a computer scan. The mechanic can use a diagnostic tool to identify any electrical problems that may be causing the tag light to malfunction.

How to Change a Tag Light

Tag lights, also known as license plate lights, are an important safety feature that helps other drivers see your vehicle at night. They are typically located on the rear of the vehicle, and they illuminate the license plate so that it can be easily read.

If your tag light is not working, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Here are the steps on how to change a tag light:

Park your vehicle in a safe location and turn off the engine.
Open the trunk or tailgate of your vehicle.
Locate the tag light assembly. It is typically located on the rear of the vehicle, near the license plate.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the tag light assembly.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the tag light assembly in place.
Remove the tag light assembly from the vehicle.
Replace the old tag light with a new one.
Reinstall the tag light assembly into the vehicle.
Connect the electrical connector to the back of the tag light assembly.
Close the trunk or tailgate of your vehicle.
Turn on the engine and test the tag light to make sure it is working properly.