Owners of other Jeep, Dodge and RAM vehicles such as the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Renegade, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, Charger, Challenger, Durango, RAM 1500, Promaster, 2500 and 3500 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is W21W (also known as 7440).

If you'd like to have brighter reverse lights, install some W21W LED (or 7440 LED) units.

The tools needed to access and replace the light bulbs include a flat head screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool and possibly also some pliers to help rotate a stubborn bulb socket.

An alternative method for accessing the bulb socket includes removing the housing by using a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet.

The first two steps are to open the tailgate door for the cargo area and move to the side of the vehicle with the burnt out reverse light bulb.

Locate the access cover for the reverse light bulb socket on the plastic tailgate interior trim panel.

Gently pry out the access cover. You may need to remove and reinsert the screwdriver in several locations to loosen the retaining clips.

Try to avoid using excessive force. The access cover should pop out relatively easily.

Once the cover is out of the way, you'll be able to see the gray plastic electrical connector and the round black plastic bulb socket.

For easier access to the bulb socket, push in the release tab on the electrical connector and slide it straight out of its socket.

If you have trouble turning the socket, use some pliers to rotate it.

Carefully pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

If you have trouble removing the old bulb, put on some protective gloves and try gently wiggling it back and forth while pulling it straight out.

Push a new number W21W light bulb straight into the socket.

Clean off the new bulb with a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol. If there is any oil or grease on the new light bulb, it may create a hot spot and cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

If you'd like to have brighter reverse lights, install some compatible replacement W21W LED units.

Reinsert the bulb socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn in the clockwise direction.

Tip - If you installed an LED bulb and it doesn't work, try removing it from the socket, rotate it 180 degrees and push it back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only turn on when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are in the correct orientation.

An alternative method for accessing the reverse bulb socket is to fully remove the inner tail light housing by detaching three black metal nuts.

There is one black metal nut on the inner section of the housing near the electrical connector.

After removing all three nuts, you'll be able to pull the tail light housing of the tailgate door for easier access to the reverse bulb socket.

Tighten the 10mm nuts in the clockwise direction.

Line up the plastic access cover with the opening in the tailgate interior panel.

First, reinsert the two plastic tabs on the outer edge of the cover (closer to you).

Then pop in the inner edge of the access cover (closer to the front of the SUV) to secure the retaining clips.

To test the new light bulbs, have an assistant step on the brake pedal and shift the transmission into reverse.

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

Please check out all of my 2017-2022 Jeep Compass DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.