Chevrolet
Equinox License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in the tailgate of a 3rd generation 2018 to 2022 Chevy Equinox.
 2018 Equinox Tailgate |
 License Plate Light Housing |
 Right (Passenger) Side Light |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the third
generation (2018, 2019 and probably also the face-lifted or updated 2020,
2021 and 2022 model years) GM Chevrolet Equinox SUV in changing a burnt out
license plate light bulb located in the tailgate door for the cargo area. Owners of other General Motors vehicles from Chevy, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Holden such as the Trax, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban, Cruze, Malibu, Impala, Camaro, Cascada, LaCrosse, Encore, Envision, Enclave, Regal, Canyon, Sierra, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Savana, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, CTS, XTS, CT6, Astra, Commodore and Trailblazer may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 2825 (also known as W5W). If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some 2825 LED bulbs. The only tool needed to access and replace the bulbs is a small plastic pry bar tool or a flat head screwdriver. |
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 Pry Out Outer Edge |
 Plastic Retaining Clip |
 Pry Outer Edge - Right |
| The procedure for
removing the driver side or passenger side light housings is the same. Insert the plastic pry bar tool in between the outer edge of the plastic light housing and the painted metal tailgate. Gently pry out the light housing to release the plastic retaining clip. Try to avoid using excessive pressure, the light housing housing should pop out relatively easily. Repeat the process to remove the other light housing. You should only pry at the outer edge (closest to the outside of the car) for either light housing. |
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 Right Housing Removed |
 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Bulb Socket Removed |
| Rotate the base of the bulb socket 1/4 turn in the counterclockwise direction before pulling it straight out of the housing. | ||
 Other Bulb Socket |
 Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
 Push In New Light Bulb |
| Carefully pull the
old bulb straight out of the socket. Try to avoid using excessive pressure on the old bulb to avoid having it break and cut your fingers. If you have trouble removing the old bulb that is rusted in place, try gently wiggling it back and forth while pulling it straight out. Push a new number 2825 miniature wedge base light bulb straight into the socket. If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some compatible replacement 2825 LED bulbs. |
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 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
 Re-Insert Wires First |
 Pop In Retaining Clip |
| Re-insert the bulb
socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn in the clockwise direction to
secure it into place. Then re-insert the wires on the inner edge of the light housing back into the opening in the tailgate door. |
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 Light Housing Secured |
 Replace Other Housing |
 Snap In Retaining Clip |
| Then gently pop in
the retaining clip on the outer edge of the housing. If you removed the other housing, replace it as well. |
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 Test New Light Bulbs |
 Testing License Plate Light |
 New Bulbs Installed |
| To test the new
license plate light bulbs, turn on the parking lights or the headlights, or
press the "Unlock" button on the key fob to re-activate the exterior lights. If you installed LED bulbs and they don't work, try removing them from the sockets, rotate them 180 degrees and push them back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative electrical contacts are in the correct orientation. Be sure to write down the bulb change in your vehicle's service records. For more, please check out all of my
2018-2022 GM Chevrolet Equinox DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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