How do you replace brake light or tail light or turn signal bulb on 2000 Pontiac Montana?

Answer 1

you have to remove the entire lens assembly from the outside to change the bulb. It takes a Torx (star shaped) screwdriver bit of a...pain in the butt...but an easy job if you have the right driver bit. Here how to do it: Open the rear hatch, locate the 2 Torx mounting screws. These are on the lower portion of each lens assembly and closer to the inside of the vehicle. Once you unscrew the lens assemble it may take some tugging to dislodge it as the rubber molding may be stuck to the paint. The assembly pulls straight off and there should be enough extra wire to lay the lens on the bumper and pull the light assembly. To get to the bulbs lay the lens face down on the bumper. You will notice the bulb wiring harness connects to an elongated black plastic backing plate, about 8 inches long by about 2 inches wide. The bulbs are on the opposite side of the backing plate. Notice 4 anchor points, also black plastic. Each one can be unclipped using your thumb. Unclip all 4 before attempting to pull backing plate. Pull it straight up. You may have to wiggle it about. Once it separates from the lens unit flip it and all 4 bulbs (tail lights, turn signal, brake light) are there. The bulbs are removed by grasping them and pulling straight up. On the side of each bulb is a model number. Use that number when you go to the auto parts store to get the replacement. The replacements usually come two to a pack. You might as well replace the other bulb while you are at it.

To reassemble put the new bulb in and make sure it seats securely. Place the backing plate back on making sure the lip around the enitre edge seats down over the lens assembly side. Snap the thumb lock anchors back into place. LIne the lens assembly up using the two guiding shafts while making sure the wiring harness slips into the guides provided. Push the lens assembly firmly into place and screw the Torx screw back in. You are done. If you have the right bulb this entire process takes less then 10 minutes.