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Home/ Repair guides/ 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacem…
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1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement

Replacing burnt out or broken bulbs is a quick...

iFixit Library 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Easy 20 - 35 minutes Guide 11420
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This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

Replacing burnt out or broken bulbs is a quick and easy fix that makes your car easier to see from behind, helping to prevent accidents.

Step 1

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
6-in-1 Screwdriver
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP 6-in-1 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
  • Locate the plastic casing that holds the trunk liner in place, directly behind the tail light.
  • Unscrew the plastic casings.
Step 2

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
6-in-1 Screwdriver
TOOL USED ON THIS STEP 6-in-1 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide
View item
  • Make sure to put some pressure on the tail light itself so it does not fall out when you unscrew it.
  • Unscrew the three plastic wing nuts located behind the tail lights.
Step 3

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
  • When the tail light assembly comes loose, do not fully remove it because it may damage the connected wires.
  • Carefully pull the tail light away from the car to expose the connected wires.
Step 4

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
  • Unclip the rear panel of the tail light assembly. There are two clips on the top and two on the bottom.
  • Remove the rear panel from the rest of the assembly.
Step 5

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
  • Do not pull on the bulb, handle it gently because it is fragile.
  • Grab the plastic base of the bulb and gently wiggle it free.
Step 6

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
  • When handling the new bulbs, avoid touching the glass as much as possible because this can reduce the life of the bulb.
  • Gently push the new bulb into the plastic housing.
Step 7

Repair step

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Tail Lights Replacement — repair step ⌕
  • After putting the new bulbs in, turn the desired lights on to check that the newly installed bulbs work correctly.
  • These bulbs have different functions including blinkers, brake lights, hazard lights, and back-up lights. They will only turn on when the necessary signal is sent.