Dodge Ram
1500 Tail Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out brake, turn
signal or reverse bulb in the tail lights of a 2009 to 2013 Dodge Ram 1500.
 2012 Ram 1500 Tail Light |
 Open Tailgate |
 Two Torx T-25 Screws |
| This
automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners
of the fourth generation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013) Dodge
RAM 1500 truck in replacing a burnt out combination brake and turn
signal bulb or reverse bulb in the tail light assemblies. Owners of other Dodge, Ram Trucks, or Chrysler vehicles such as the Dart, Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan, 2500, 3500, 4500, 5500, C/V Tradesman, 200, 300 and Town & Country may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. Replacement tail light bulbs with their part numbers are as follows: Brake / Turn Signal # 3157, and Reverse # 921. The only tool needed to change either of the tail light bulbs is a Torx T25 star bit screwdriver. |
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 Remove Lower Torx T25 |
 Remove Upper T-25 Screw |
 Gently Pull Off Tail Light |
| The first steps are
to open the tailgate and locate the two screws that hold the tail light
assembly in place. Remove the two screws by turning them counter clockwise with a Torx T25 star bit screwdriver. Set the two screws aside in a safe place. |
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 Two Friction Fasteners |
 Two Slots On Tail Light |
 1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise |
| The tail light is
still held in place by two pegs that fit in to two slots on the side of the
housing. Gently pull the tail light assembly straight off the rear of the vehicle. |
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 Pull Out Brake Socket |
 Brake/Signal Light Bulb |
 Pull Out Old 3157K Bulb |
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| The brake light
bulb is inside the large dark grey socket at the top of the tail light
assembly. Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 3157 bulb. |
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 Push In New Bulb |
 Re-Insert & 1/4 Turn Clockwise |
 Reverse Bulb Socket |
| Re-insert the socket back in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place. | ||
 1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise |
 Pull Out Reverse Socket |
 Pull Out Old # 921 Bulb |
| The reverse light
bulb is inside the smaller light tan socket at the bottom of the tail light
assembly. Rotate the base of the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise to unlock it and then pull it straight out of the housing. Pull the old reverse bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new # 921 bulb. If you would like to have brighter reverse lights, install some compatible replacement 921 LED bulbs. Re-insert the reverse bulb socket in to the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place. |
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 1/4 Turn Clockwise |
 Line Up Slots & Pegs |
 Push Tail Light In Place |
| Line up the two
slots on the inside of the tail light housing with the two pegs on the side
of the vehicle. Gently push the tail light assembly back in to place. |
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 Tighten Upper T25 Screw |
 Tighten Lower T-25 Screw |
 Testing New Tail Light Bulbs |
| Insert the two
screws and tighten them with the Torx T25 star bit screwdriver. Test the new tail light bulbs by turning on the headlights, activating the hazard signals, and having someone step on the brake pedal while placing the transmission in reverse. For more,
check out my other
Dodge RAM 1500 Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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