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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tail Light Replacement

This is what happens when you do not turn...

iFixit Library 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Moderate 20 minutes Guide 129639

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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

This is what happens when you do not turn around while backing up. Boom! There goes the trash can and the tail light. The tail light for this model uses a body half and a tailgate half. The body half is a quick and painless repair. Aftermarket parts are readily available and not to costly.

Step 1

Repair step

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Here is the outer tail lamp that will get replaced.
Open the liftgate to access and remove the two plastic push-pin fasteners that secure the inboard side of the lamp to the side jamb of the liftgate opening.

Step 2

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP 6-in-1 Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the push pin fastener with either a screwdriver or the appropriate tool if available.
Here is how the pin works. If the center pin is pushed in the legs expand into the hole for it. This provides the hold. To release, pull the pin.
Same with the bottom pin. Remove that.

Step 3

Repair step

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Pull the outboard side of the lamp rearward far enough to disengage the two ball studs on the back of the lamp housing from the plastic grommets in the lamp opening of the body sheet metal.
This will create a gap between the body and the lamp.
Locate and remove the plastic push-pin fastener that secures the bracket on the bottom of the inboard side of the outer rear tail lamp housing to the upper flange of the rear fascia. Use a thin tool for some gentle prying if the pins are a little hard to remove.

Step 4

Repair step

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The lamp is now off the vehicle but the wiring is still connected.
Pull the lamp away from the vehicle far enough to access and disconnect the two body wire harness connectors
The smaller bottom connector (here right) is the back-up lamp and the larger one is the bulb for tail/stop/rear side marker/turn signal function. Grasp the bulb socket on the back of the rear lamp unit rotate it counterclockwise about 30 degrees to unlock it. Pull the socket and bulb straight out from the keyed opening in the housing.

Step 5

Repair step

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Here is the new aftermarket lens
Insert the bulb socket into the new lens opening lining up the notches from the socket and the lens.
Rotate the complete bulb socket about 30 degrees in a clockwise direction.

Step 6

Repair step

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New backlight installed and passed inspection.