How to Replace the License Plate Light on a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet released the Colorado in 2004 and sold it alongside its predecessor, the S10. In 2005, Chevrolet eliminated the S10 and the Colorado became the entry-level truck. The 2005 Colorado came standard with a 175-horsepower, 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2005 Colorado had the option of having metal bumpers or more stylish plastic bumper covers. Both styles of rear bumpers had an indentation in the center for the license plate to sit. On the driver's side of this indentation was the license plate light. Replacing this bulb requires getting behind the rear bumper.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of the Colorado with a floor jack. Slide jack stands under the rear axle and lower the truck onto the stands.

2

Crawl under the rear bumper of the Colorado and locate the license plate bulb socket on the back of the bumper, on the driver's side of the license plate indention. Unplug the wiring harness by pulling up on the locking tab and pulling the harness away from the socket.

3

Remove the nut securing the license plate light assembly to the rear of the bumper, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the license plate bulb assembly from the bumper.

4

Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to unlock it from the assembly and pull the socket and bulb out of the assembly.

5

Grab the old bulb and pull it from the socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 2825 light bulb, using a clean, lint-free cloth, and push it into the socket. Don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, as the oils from your hands may cause premature bulb failure.

6

Insert the socket and new bulb into the license plate light assembly and twist is clockwise to lock it in place.

7

Set the license plate light assembly in place on the rear bumper and tighten the retaining nut to 1 to 2 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket. Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the license plate light assembly.

8

Raise the Colorado off of the jack stands, using a floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground.