How to Replace the Tail Lights on a 2000 Cavalier

In 1982, Chevrolet released the Cavalier, which had front-wheel drive and a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. In 1995, Chevrolet gave the Cavalier a redesign, giving the compact car sharp-angled headlights and rounded taillights. This redesign lasted through the end of the Cavalier's production run in 2005. The taillight assemblies were split into two halves; one half connected to the rear quarter panel and the other half attached to the trunk lid. The part connecting to the rear quarter panel houses the taillight and turn signal bulb. Replacing this bulb requires moving the rear carpeting out of the way.

Instructions

1

Open the trunk and locate the carpeting directly behind the failed taillight bulb. Pry the pin holding the carpeting in place behind the taillight with a trim stick. If equipped with a cargo net, unscrew the cargo net retainer, using a Phillips screwdriver, and pull the retainer from the carpeting.

2

Pull the carpeting down behind the taillight assembly, exposing the taillight socket behind it.

3

Grab the taillight socket and turn it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the bulb and socket from the taillight assembly.

4

Grab the burned-out bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 3057 bulb by it's plastic base -- do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers -- and press the bulb into the socket.

5

Insert the socket and new bulb into the taillight assembly and rotate the socket clockwise to lock it.

6

Set the carpeting back over the rear of the taillight and press the retaining pin in to secure the carpeting in place. If fitted with a cargo net, set the cargo net retainer in place and tighten its screw -- the cargo net retainer acts as the pin retainer.

7

Close the Cavalier's trunk.