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Jeep Compass Tail Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out brake, rear turn signal or reverse bulb in the tail lights of a 2007 to 2015 Jeep Compass SUV.

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2014 Jeep Compass
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Open Tailgate Door
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Pry Out Center of Fastener
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the first generation (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and early 2017 model year) Jeep Compass SUV in changing a burnt out brake, rear turn signal or reverse bulb in the tail light housings. (The second generation Compass arrived later in 2017.)

Owners of other Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM vehicles such as the Avenger, 200, 300, Town & Country, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey, Patriot, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, 1500, 2500, 3500, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

Replacement bulbs for the earlier 2007-2010 Compass models are as follows: Brake # 3157, Rear Turn Signal # 3757A and Reverse # 921.

The revised 2011-2015 Compass models are equipped with LED brake lights. The other replacement bulb part numbers are as follows: Rear Turn Signal # 7440NA (A.K.A. 7440A, WY21W or 992) and Reverse Light # 7440 (or W21W).



 
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Pry Out Center Part of Fastener
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Fastener Removal Tool
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Loosening Fastener
The first two steps are to open the tailgate door and then move to the side of the SUV with the burnt out tail light bulb.

Pry out the smaller center piece of the two fasteners along the inner edge of the tail light housing with a small flathead screwdriver or use an automotive pop rivet removal tool.

Once the center part of each pop rivet has been pulled out, you can pry out the entire fastener.

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Pop Rivet Removed
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Two Plastic Fasteners Removed
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Pull Off Tail Light Assembly
Set the two pop rivets aside in a safe place.

The tail light is still held in place by two metal pegs on the outer edge that act as friction fasteners in grommets on the corner of the vehicle.

Pull the tail light housing straight off the rear of the vehicle.

If you have trouble removing the housing, try gently wiggling it back and forth or carefully pry along the outer edge with a plastic tool to loosen the friction fasteners.

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Turn Over Tail Light Housing
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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Pull Out Old Turn Signal Bulb
Turn over the housing and rest it on the bumper to access the bulb sockets.

To prevent from scratching the plastic lens cover or the painted bumper, you may choose to place a towel in between them.

The Rear Turn Signal bulb socket is located at the bottom of the tail light assembly.

Rotate the bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise and pull it straight out of the housing.

Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.

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Old # WY21W Bulb
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Push In New 7440NA or 992
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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
Push a new amber colored # 7440NA bulb straight in to the socket.

The 7440NA is the same as the 7440A, WY21W or # 992 bulbs.

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

(The 2007-2010 Compass model years use a # 3757A rear turn signal light bulb.)



 

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Reverse Bulb Socket
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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
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Pull Out Old # 7440 Bulb
The Reverse Bulb socket is located near the center of the housing.

Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.

Pull the old reverse bulb straight out of the socket.

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Push In New 7440 Bulb
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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
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Metal Pegs & Grommets
Push a new # 7440 (also known as the W21W) bulb straight in to the socket.

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

(The 2007-2010 Compass model years use a smaller # 921 reverse light bulb.)

The 2011-2015 Compass SUVs are equipped with LED brake lights that should last the lifetime of the vehicle.

If you need to change the traditional incandescent brake light bulb in your 2007-2010 Compass, follow these steps. Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise and remove the socket from the housing. Pull out the old bulb, push in a new # 3157 bulb and re-insert it in to the housing. Rotate the socket 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Line up the metal pegs on the outer edge of the tail light housing with the two grommets on the rear corner of the SUV.

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Push On Tail Light Housing
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Re-Insert Outer Piece Fastener
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Pop In Center Part - Lock
Push the tail light housing back in to place.

Make sure that the smaller center parts of each pop rivet fastener are pulled all the way out.

Insert the two prongs on the end of each fastener in to the holes on the inner edge of the housing.

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Replace Lower Fastener
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Tail Light Housing Replaced
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Test New Turn Signal & Reverse
Push in the smaller center part of each pop rivet fastener to secure them in place.

Test the new tail light bulbs by having someone step on the brake pedal, activate the hazard signals and place the transmission in reverse.

For more, check out my other Jeep Compass DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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