How to Change the Rear Light Bulbs on a 2007 Nissan Altima

The 2007 model year brought about the third redesign of the Altima in 14 years. This redesign took the already modern Altima a step farther. The 2007 redesign added in very aggressive and sharp body-lines. It also gave the Altima headlight and taillight assemblies that went partway up the front fenders and rear quarter panels, a look much like the 350Z. The elongated rear taillight assembly housed four light bulbs: taillight, turn signal, reverse light and side marker. Replacing the rear light bulbs in this longer taillight assembly involved removing the side trim in the trunk.

Instructions

1

Open the Altima's trunk and locate the plastic retaining clips on the side trim in the trunk -- the left side has six clips and the right side has four clips. Remove these clips using a trim stick or flat-head screwdriver. Pull the trim from the trunk.

2

Remove the two taillight-retaining nuts, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the Altima.

3

Grab the socket of a burnt out bulb and twist it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb from the taillight.

4

Pull the burned-out bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new bulb -- 3157 for the taillight, 3156 for the turn signal, 918 for the reverse light and 168 for the side marker -- with a clean, lint-free cloth and press it into the socket. The cloth prevents the bulb from failing prematurely due to the oils from your hands.

5

Reinsert the socket and new bulb into the taillight assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place.

6

Repeat Steps 3 through 5 for any other bulbs that need replaced.

7

Set the taillight assembly back in place on the rear of the Altima and tighten the nuts, using a ratchet and socket.

8

Set the trunk side trim back in place in the trunk and press the plastic retaining clips in to lock it into place. Close the trunk.