so I'm new here and had a question about replacing a tail light cover. this is my dad's car, an 05 TL. to the point: the left rear tail light lens/cover needs replacing and the body shop quoted $230. the part is $130 plus however much labor. question is, can the part be sourced and installed by me? if so, is the job difficult and where could i find the part?

 

Try eBay for a used taillight or lens housing in good condition or check the "Black Market" on this forum.

To replace the taillight, you have to remove the bumper cover and the interior trunk trim to access the nuts and screws that hold the light on. Not too hard but it is a little labor intensive, if you like, PM me and I can send you the procedures from the manual.

If you acquire just the lens housing, you will need to transfer the LED assembly over to the replacement one. Careful, there is a foam gasket around the LED assembly so don't tear or distort this gasket or you'll have to replace it or find another way to seal the light (maybe with silicon).

Once you have the replacement in, just reverse the procedure for installing the trunk trim and the bumper cover.

Good luck!

 

$35K car, $230 repair (to have it done right by the dealer). Is your dad maybe being a little "penny foolish"?

I'm sure there are a myriad of dealer service horror stories, but at least it "should" be an easy fix for them.

gurney

 

^^I'd agree. Plus it won't be on YOU if you screw up the repair, and there'll be a warranty associated with the fix.

 

If you can wait, you might as well get the new 07 clear talight when it comes out this fall

 

Sorry "A" but one of the things I REALLY like is the plain red lenses on the ass of the TL and the simple headlights. People have actually commented on what a nice ass the TL has. Tail lights like on the Altima and headlights like on the ES300 make me wretch. They just pull too much attention away from the lines of the car. I know to each his own.

mikeeeeeee,
CAHobbs is dead-on. the bumper has to come off. So If you are cool with that then go for it. Otherwise paying the man is what you will need to do.

 

If you feel comfortable enough to take on the job yourself I dont see any problem in doing so. Why pay someone else if you can get it done? If for whatever reason you do run into some problems just post on the site and I'm sure there are a few of us who can help you out.

 

Is this for certain ? How about amber rear signals ?

 

Does someone have the instructions on removing the rear bumper panel for the tail light removal....i'm going through the same thing, but don't want to pay someone to do the couple hours of work.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109191

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/ahahah-got-ur-ass-beat-128733/