How to Replace a Taillight in a Chevy Express Van
by Ziggy Thomas
The Chevrolet Express van is a full-size van made by General Motors. It comes in a variety of styles, models and trims to suit the needs of anyone. Replacing the taillights on the Chevy Express is a simple do-it-yourself car maintenance project that should take less than 30 minutes to complete. Keeping your Express's taillights in working order is an essential part of vehicle safety, and it's the law. Replace a burned out bulb on your Express van as soon as you discover one has gone out.
Step 1
Open the Express van's rear doors to grant access to the nuts holding the taillight in place. Remove the two nuts on the inside of the taillight assembly with a wrench or ratchet wrench.
Step 2
Pull the taillight assembly straight back. Make sure to clear the studs that hold it in place.
Step 3
Slide the taillight assembly slightly upward. This will release the lower clip and grant access to the three nuts located on the taillight assembly.
Step 4
Remove the three nuts on the taillight assembly with a wrench or ratchet wrench and remove the taillight assembly from the vehicle completely.
Step 5
Remove the bulb socket by squeezing the tabs on the sides of the socket and turning the socket in a counterclockwise direction.
Step 6
Remove the bulb from the socket by turning counterclockwise and pulling straight out.
Step 7
Attach a new bulb in the same place you removed the old bulb by inserting the bulb straight into the socket and turning clockwise.
Step 8
Reattach the bulb socket by squeezing the tabs on the sides of the socket and turning the socket in a clockwise direction.
Step 9
Repeat steps 5 through 8 for as many bulbs as need replacing in the taillight assembly.
Step 10
Reattach the taillight assembly to the vehicle and securely reattach the three nuts taken off the taillight assembly, using a wrench.
Step 11
Slide the taillight assembly slightly downward. This will reset the lower clip.
Step 12
Push the taillight straight forward into the recess. Make sure the studs line up correctly and are in their original placement with the taillight.
Step 13
Reattach the two nuts on the inside of the taillight assembly securely with a wrench or ratchet wrench.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench or ratchet wrench
- Bulb number 3157
Writer Bio
Ziggy Thomas started writing professionally in 2010, specializing in fitness, business and technology, among other topics of interest. He works as a financial analyst in Austin. Thomas holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in finance and economics from the University of Nevada, Reno.
