Repairing Guides

how to repair a tail light cover

by Geo Nikolaus Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How To Fix A Hole In A Broken Tail Light Cover

  • Step One: Remove Tail Light Cover. A tail light is usually held in place with a couple of torque screws. ...
  • Step Two: Place Adhesive Tape on Cover. Place clear adhesive tape on the inside of the cover over the damaged area. ...
  • Step Three: Put in Epoxy. Flip the cover over and fill the damaged area with epoxy. ...
  • Step Three: Color the Epoxy Red. Test the red permanent magic marker to make sure the color matches up with your tail light cover. ...
  • Step Four: Sand the Epoxy. Use a fine grade sanding block to smooth the surface of the epoxy and make it look good. ...

How much does it cost to replace tail light cover?

Varying types and designs have different price based only on the components. The average cost of replacing a rear tail light cover in 2022 is estimated to be between $150 and $800. You’ll have to pay more for labor if you want it done by a professional.

Can you just replace tail light cover?

You can save money, however, if you replace the broken taillight or turn-signal cover yourself. 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.

How can I replace tail light?

tail light bulbs are replaced by removing the tail light housings. The housings are accessed by removing the nuts, the nuts are secured behind the inner trunk liner inside the trunk. Remove fasteners holding liner in place, remove 3 nuts for each housing(i believe it's 3 nuts if my memory serves me right), remove housing and replace bulbs

How to create a replacement tail light?

Part 2 Part 2 of 2: Installing the New Tail Light Bulb

  1. Put on a pair of nitrile gloves to keep from damaging the bulb. ...
  2. Slide a new version of the same type of bulb gently into the socket. Choose a replacement bulb the same size and wattage as the old bulb.
  3. Replace the socket and turn it to the right to secure the bulb. ...
  4. Put the fabric liner or the panel back into place over the back of the lens. ...

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How do you fix a broken tail light cover?

0:321:43How to Replace a Broken Taillight or Turn-Signal Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just pull the screws. Out. And then what you'll do from there is you'll have to actually putMoreYou just pull the screws. Out. And then what you'll do from there is you'll have to actually put some tension on the outside edge and pop it out it almost feels like you're going to break it.

Can you replace just the cover on a tail light?

The plastic covers or "lenses" for the taillights are not sold separately. You will have to buy the entire taillight unit if you want to make that repair.

How do you reseal a tail light cover?

1:177:03How To: Remove Moisture and Re-seal Lights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo reseal your headlights and taillights you're gonna need all your lights removed from the vehicleMoreTo reseal your headlights and taillights you're gonna need all your lights removed from the vehicle the hairdryer to evaporate the moisture windshield.

Can I drive with a broken tail light cover?

You cannot drive with a broken tail light. Driving with a broken tail light cover not only exposes you to being pulled over and charged with a misdemeanor, but it also puts your safety on the road at risk. In the event of an accident, you may be found liable.

How much does it cost to fix a broken tail light cover?

The Average Cost for Tail Light Cover Replacement Is $50 to $300 Depending on If You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.

How much is a new tail light cover?

How Much Does a Tail Light Cover Cost? Aftermarket tail light covers usually cost anywhere from $50 to $120. They're usually sold in sets of two and can come in different designs and colors. Meanwhile, labor can cost you an additional $75 to $180, but this range may vary depending on the rates in your location.

How do you glue a tail light lens?

Step 1: Wipe down the taillight. Lightly dampen a cloth with some rubbing alcohol and wipe down the entire taillight that is going to be repaired. ... Step 2: Use sandpaper on the broken edges. ... Step 3: Remove moisture from taillight. ... Step 2: Apply glue to the piece. ... Step 2: Install the tail light.

How do you fix a leaky tail light?

Step 1: Disconnect the vehicle's battery. ... Step 2: Remove the tail light. ... Step 3: Remove the tail light from the vehicle. ... Step 4: Remove the light bulb. ... Step 5: Look for the source of the leak. ... Step 6: Fill the light housing with water. ... Step 7: Dry the inside of the tail light.

Is silicone a sealant?

Silicone is a type of sealant used mainly to bind surfaces such as metal, glass, and plastic together. As silicone sealants are more flexible, they are mostly used for DIY jobs to seal out water from all kinds of surfaces.

Can you put red tape over a broken tail light?

3M Lens Repair Tape. 3M Lens Repair Tape provides temporary repairs of broken or cracked taillights, parking lights and side directional lights. The tape applies smoothly and tightly holds with its 3M adhesive that ensures a strong bond. Lens repair tape is available in both red and amber to match the lens color.

Can you get pulled over for a cracked tail light?

If your taillight is broken, don't be surprised if you get pulled over for it. Police are always on the prowl for safety violations, and a broken taillight is one of those.

How do you use lens repair tape?

0:311:10Simple & Effective Auto Lens Care from 3M - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen cut the lens repair film to size with household scissors for curved lenses roll. And shape theMoreThen cut the lens repair film to size with household scissors for curved lenses roll. And shape the film before a plot peel the adhesive liner. And apply the lens repair film to the damaged lens.

How do you fix a crack in a plastic tail light lens?

The best temporary solution is to buy a dedicated tail light lens repair kit made to, just about, permanently patch up a tail light. These are much stronger than tape and more durable than even the strongest duct tape. 3M High-strength clear lens repair film. It also comes in red.

How do you get a brake light cover off?

0:111:26How to Replace a Brake Light - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome vehicles have the screws hidden under the edge of the carpet in the trunk. Pull this backMoreSome vehicles have the screws hidden under the edge of the carpet in the trunk. Pull this back gently to get to the screws. Step 2 remove the screws with the screwdriver.

Can you drive with a smashed rear light?

Unless the bulb colour corresponds with the colour of the casing, then yes. For example, if your indicator light casing is broken but the actual bulb is orange then it's fine. If you have white light showing a good temporary cover is sellotape or clear packing tape over the hole and a red sharpie to colour it in.

How do you remove lenses from tail lights?

7:4813:28HOW TO OPEN TAIL LIGHTS LIKE A PRO - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i'm pretty much just focusing on this back side of the housing. And then once i get that warmMoreSo i'm pretty much just focusing on this back side of the housing. And then once i get that warm enough we'll be able to pull the lens. Off okay guys so i do have this warm.

How to check if taillights are bad?

Check the taillight bulbs. If the fuse and wiring look right, the bulbs themselves might be the problem. To check them, unscrew the taillight lenses from the outside using a screwdriver. If your lenses don't have screws, open the trunk so you can access the lights from the inside.

Why do tail lights go out?

A blown fuse usually causes both lights to go out. On newer cars, the tail lamps can be fused separately and/or each bulb or shared circuit can be fused. A fuse can be blown due to other problems, so you'll need to check more than just the fuse, but it's the right place to start.

What happens if the fuse is broken in the taillight?

If the piece of metal looks broken or fractured, the fuse is blown and will need replacing. Use your fingers or a tweezer to take out the fuse. Most new cars have a fuse extractor in the fuse box or in the tool kit.

How to repair a lens crack?

Using tape is meant to only be a temporary fix. You purchase tape or buy a lens repair kit that comes with resin that you simply place over the crack to make it waterproof again. You want to clean and dry the area where the tape is to be applied.

Why do pile ups happen with no tail lights?

Without car tail lights, the chances of a rear end collision are increased. Some pile ups happen because of faulty car tail lights. They are very important also especially during weather disturbances that affect road visibility.

What happens if your turn signal bulb is burnt out?

This will apply also if the vehicle has a burnt out turn signal bulb in the rear amber turn indicator. If the bulb is burnt out, you'll need to replace it. Take it to your local auto store and buy the correct model for your car. If the bulb is fine, your car may have a deeper electrical problem.

How to clean tape off glass?

Just before adding the tape wipe the area with a lint free cloth that is wet with rubbing alcohol, and let it dry, then apply the tape. Do not use glass cleaner to clean the area because the ammonia in the glass cleaner will cause the tape not to stick as well as it should. The last wipe with rubbing alcohol will remove most of the impurities and leave a clean surface.

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