How to Replace the Tail Lamp on a 2005 Altima

In 1993, Nissan released a new mid-sized sedan named the "Altima." In 2002, Nissan scrapped the original Altima and completely redesigned the mid-sized sedan. This generation of the Altima, which lasted from 2002 through 2006, had a more refined look, with sweeping headlights and euro-style taillights. These new taillight assemblies had three distinct segments: reverse light, taillight and turn signal. Replacing the tail lamp in this segmented taillight assembly is a relatively easy task for most do-it-yourself mechanics.

Instructions

1

Open the trunk and locate the two fasteners holding the carpeting behind the burnt-out tail lamp. Pry up on the center of the fasteners with a flat-head screwdriver to unlock them, and pry the fasteners from the carpeting. Pull the carpeting away from the rear of the taillight assembly.

2

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

3

Turn the taillight assembly over and locate the tail lamp socket -- the socket on the bottom, outer part of the assembly. Twist the tail lamp socket counterclockwise to unlock it, and pull it from the taillight assembly.

4

Grab the tail lamp and pull it from the tail lamp socket with a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 3157 tail lamp by its plastic base and press it into the socket. Make certain not to touch the glass part of the bulb, as the oils from your hands can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

5

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

6

Set the taillight assembly back on the rear of the Altima and tighten the nuts with a ratchet and socket. Place the carpeting back over the rear of the taillight assembly and insert the two fasteners. Press the center part of both fasteners inward to lock the fasteners in place.

7

Close the Altima's trunk.