Changing the Tail Lights on a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000 GT

The polycarbonate taillight assemblies on the rear of your 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT each house a type 2057 stoplight bulb, as well as a backup light bulb in the lower portion of the assembly. The complete light assemblies seldom need replacing, unless the housing is cracked or other damage has occurred, but they are readily available from the Mitsubishi dealer network or from many aftermarket sources. The type 2057 bulbs are available from any auto parts retailer, as well as many department stores and hardware stores.

Instructions

1

Open the rear lift gate and stand at the rear bumper of the car. Locate the four plastic nuts on the trim on the back wall, just inside the lift-gate opening.

2

Grasp one of the plastic retaining nuts with your hand and rotate it counterclockwise, removing it from the mounting stud. Move to the next retaining nut and repeat the process, removing all four nuts.

3

Pull the plastic trim back away from the wall, sliding it off the retaining studs, and set it aside. You can now access the bulb socket on the back of the taillight assembly.

4

Grasp the socket and rotate it counterclockwise until it unlocks, then slide it out of the assembly. Grasp the bulb, pull it out of the socket and discard it.

5

Place a small amount of dielectric grease on the contacts of the new bulb, then push it into the socket, ensuring it seats completely. Slide the socket and new bulb into the rear of the taillight, then rotate it clockwise to lock it in place.

6

Slide the plastic trim panel in place over the rear of the taillight assembly, then thread the four plastic retaining nuts on the retaining studs. Rotate them clockwise until they are snug, then close the lift gate and turn the lights on to verify that the replacement bulb is functioning properly.