How to Change the Tail Light on a 2005 Altima

In 1993, Nissan eliminated the long-in-the-tooth Stanza and replaced it with the more modern Altima. The first redesign of the Altima, in 1998, was relatively bland, as Nissan basically opened the grille more and elongated the headlights. In 2002, however, Nissan completely overhauled the Altima's looks. With this redesign, which lasted through 2006, the Japanese automaker gave the mid-sized sedan sharp body lines and clear taillight assemblies with colored sections for the taillight and turn signal. Replacing a taillight in the 2005 Altima involves removing the taillight assembly, but it is not a difficult task to complete.

Instructions

1

Open the trunk and locate the two plastic fasteners that secure the carpeting behind the taillight assembly.

2

Pry upward on the center of the two plastic fasteners, using a flat-head screwdriver, to remove the center retaining pin. Pull the two fasteners from the carpeting.

3

Fold the carpeting down to expose the retaining hardware for the taillight.

4

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

5

Twist the taillight socket -- the third socket from the top of the taillight assembly -- counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the taillight socket and bulb from the rear of the taillight assembly.

6

Pull the taillight bulb from the taillight socket, using a slight wiggling motion. Grab a new 3157 light bulb, using a clean, lint-free cloth, and press it into the taillight socket. The cloth prevents the oils on your hands from contacting the bulb, which can cause premature bulb failure.

7

Insert the socket and new bulb into the rear of the taillight assembly and twist the socket clockwise to lock it into place.

8

Set the taillight assembly back on the rear of the Altima and tighten the nuts with a ratchet and socket.

9

Pull the carpeting up and position it in place behind the taillight assembly. Insert the two carpet-retaining fasteners and press the center pins into the fasteners to lock them into place.

10

Close the Altima's trunk.