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Dodge Grand Caravan Reverse Tail Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out reverse bulb in the tail lights of a 5th generation 2008-2013 Dodge Grand Caravan with photos.

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2013 Grand Caravan Tail Light
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Open Tailgate Door
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Loosen Upper 10mm Bolt
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 5th generation or "Generation V" (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014) Dodge Grand Caravan in changing a burnt out reverse bulb in the tail light housing.

Owners of other Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM minivan, SUV or hatchback vehicles with similar tail light housings such as the Town & Country, Durango, Journey, Patriot, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster van may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

Replacement reverse light bulbs are part number 3157 which are available from manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE, Eiko and PIAA.

For the 2008, 2009 and 2010 model years with all incandescent bulbs, the turn signal and brake light bulbs are also part number 3157.

The tools needed to replace the bulbs include a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench. You may also need an automotive panel removal pry bar tool or a flat head screwdriver.



 
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Loosen Lower 10mm Bolt
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Two 10mm Bolts Removed
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Pull Off Tail Light Housing
The first two steps are to open the tailgate door and the move to the side of the minivan with the burnt out reverse light bulb.

Remove the two bolts along the inner edge of the tail light assembly by turning them counterclockwise with the 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratcheting wrench.

Set the two bolts aside in a safe place.

The tail light housing is still held in place by two metal pegs or "spikes" near the outer edge of the assembly that are inserted in to grommets on the vehicle.

Try to pull the tail light housing straight off the rear of the vehicle. If you have trouble removing the assembly, try gently wiggling the assembly back and forth a bit while pulling.

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Pry Out Edge With Tool
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Housing Removed
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Reverse Bulb Socket
If you still can't remove the housing, use a plastic automotive panel removal tool or a flathead screwdriver covered with a thin cloth to pry along the outer edge of the tail light.

Gently pry in several locations along the outer edge until the two peg friction fasteners are loosened.

Pull the housing straight off the rear of the vehicle, turn it over and rest it on the bumper to access the bulb socket.



 

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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Remove Bulb Socket
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Pull Out Old Bulb
Rotate the light grey reverse bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.

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Push In New # 3157 Bulb
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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
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Two Pegs On Outer Edge
Push a new # 3157 bulb straight in to the socket.

Re-insert the socket in to housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

For the 2008, 2009 & 2010 Grand Caravan models with incandescent brake and rear turn signal light bulbs, the procedure for replacing them is exactly the same as for the reverse light bulb shown on this page.

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Insert Spikes In To Grommets
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Push On Tail Light Housing
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Replace Upper 10mm Bolt
Line up the two pegs or "spikes" on the rear of the tail light housing with their corresponding grommet holes on the rear corner of the vehicle.

Push the tail light housing back in to place.

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Tighten Lower Bolt Clockwise
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Test New Reverse Light Bulb
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LED Brake Light Bulbs
Re-insert the two 10mm bolts and tighten them in the clockwise direction until they are snug.

Do not over tighten the two bolts to prevent from cracking the plastic inner edge of the assembly.

Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, check out my other Dodge Grand Caravan DIY Maintenance Guides.
 

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