How to Remove a Tail Light Lens on a 96 Chevy Silverado

In 1962, Chevrolet changed the names of its pickup trucks to the C- and K-series. The C-series indicated a two-wheel-drive pickup and the K-series indicated a four-wheel-drive truck. In 1975, Chevrolet released a new series of trim levels, with the Silverado being the highest available trim level. This naming system and the trim levels lasted through 1999. In 2000, Chevrolet changed the names of all of its trucks to Silverado. In 1996, the Silverado trim level came in six models C1500, K1500, C2500, K2500, C3500 and K3500. All six models had the same vertical taillight lenses that you replace as an entire assembly.

Instructions

Removing the Taillight Lens Assembly

1

Open the Silverado's tailgate and locate the two taillight assembly screws in the tailgate jamb. Remove screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

2

Pull the taillight assembly from the rear of the Silverado. Unplug the wiring harness from the taillight assembly by pressing the locking button on the harness and pulling the harness from the taillight assembly.

3

Loosen the two bolts securing the bulb-retaining plate to the taillight assembly, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the bulb-retaining plate from the taillight assembly.

Installing the Taillight Assembly

4

Set the bulb-retaining plate on the rear of the taillight assembly, using caution not to hit the bulbs on the taillight. Tighten the two bulb-retaining plate bolts, using a ratchet and socket.

5

Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the taillight lens assembly. Listen for the harness to click into place.

6

Set the taillight lens on the rear of the Silverado and tighten the two screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Close the tailgate.