The cost of replacing Oldsmobile tail lights ranges from $28 and $55 per light, based on the specific replacement required. If you do the repairs yourself, you'll be able to keep the prices low enough that going through insurance isn't worth it.

Your Oldsmobile's tail lights keep you safe on the road by ensuring that other motorists can see your vehicle—but a burnt bulb or damaged lens might put you at risk. Whether you drive an

Aurora

, a

Bravada

, or a

Silhouette

, understanding how to change your tail lights will help you avoid accidents and fines.

The

car insurance

super app

Jerry

has gathered everything you need to know about replacing your Oldsmobile’s tail lights in the article below. We’ll go over how to replace your tail lights, the estimated costs you should expect, and related insurance coverage options.

Stick around to the end, and we'll also give you the easiest way to save on

Oldsmobile insurance costs

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How to replace an Oldsmobile tail light

Cost: $28 to $55

Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Tools needed: Replacement parts, screwdriver, gloves, safety glasses

Difficulty: Easy

To fix a damaged tail light on an Oldsmobile, first, locate and (if possible) diagnose the issue. It's easy to pinpoint an issue resulting from backing into your garage door. But if you get a warning from the cops or merely notice a dim light, you might need to troubleshoot.

If both tail lights are out, you may need to change a fuse. If only one tail light is compromised and the brake lights work, replacing a burned-out bulb may be enough.

Take your car to a repair shop

if you're not sure what the problem is. A certified mechanic can help with more complex issues.

Once you know which part has to be changed, search the part number in your owner's manual. Be sure to order the correct Oldsmobile item for your model, year, trim level, and engine type.

Gather your replacement parts, tools, and safety equipment before attempting to replace an Oldsmobile tail light using the following steps:

Before you begin, disconnect the battery. Because you'll be working with wires, this will keep you from getting electrocuted accidentally. Simply detach both cables from the battery, beginning with the negative terminal.

Remove the tail light assembly, located in the trunk. In some models, such as the 2002 Intrigue, you can pull the carpet back and remove two thumbscrews. For a 2004 Alero, you just have to lift the plastic panel, pull back the carpet, and unscrew three thumbscrews.

Remove the bulbs by pressing down on the thumb tabs and turning counterclockwise.

Replace the required bulbs. If you need to replace the taillight, remove all of the bulbs from the sockets and ensure sure the gaskets are still in place before reinstalling. Be sure to reinstall in reverse order.

If all you had to do was replace your Oldsmobile tail light bulb, you're good to go! Simply replace the assembly and reconnect the battery to test the new light.

If your light assembly is broken, you'll have to go a little further. Remove and replace the tail light assembly with a new one by following the same instructions seen above. If the replacement assembly does not include bulbs, you will need to shift the existing bulbs to the new assembly or purchase separate replacements.

Key Takeaway Replacing an Oldsmobile tail light is simple—just make sure you get the correct component for your particular model.

Commons reasons for Oldsmobile tail light malfunctions

The cause of your broken tail light may be clear in some circumstances; an errant baseball, a mishap on your way to work, or a run-in with some wildlife. However, if you’re not sure what caused the issue, keep a lookout for the following:

Dead bulb: If the problem is limited to a single light, it’s most likely as easy as a burned-out bulb.

Faulty wiring or fuses: More serious issues with your tail lights, or problems that do not resolve with a replacement bulb, may indicate a wiring fault or a blown fuse.

Damaged socket: Corrosion in tail light sockets can be caused by moisture. When replacing the bulb, look for any evidence of yellowing or buildup in the socket.

Broken control switch: Tail light problems can be found in the control switch, which is placed far away from the actual bulb. If you've ruled out all other mechanical faults, this could be a suspect.

MORE:

5 surprising types of damage covered by car insurance

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Does car insurance cover broken tail lights?

Your Oldsmobile's broken tail light may be covered by insurance, but it's typically a better option not to use insurance for this particular repair.

You may be able to acquire coverage for a broken Oldsmobile tail light if your auto insurance policy has collision and/or comprehensive coverage.

Collision coverage

would cover repairs caused by a collision with another vehicle or a fixed object, whereas

comprehensive coverage

would cover damage to your tail light caused by theft or an act of God (e.g. a natural disaster).

Keep in mind, though, that you will have to

pay your deductible

before your insurance will kick in. In many circumstances, this saves you money; however, because tail light replacements are so inexpensive, it may not be worthwhile to use your insurance.

The average price for a professional Oldsmobile tail light replacement is $105, which includes both parts and labor. That's far less than the normal $500 insurance deductible—especially if you save even more money by repairing the light yourself!

If you

file an insurance claim

for a broken tail light, your rates may also increase. Unless the cost is unusually exorbitant, it's normally best to pay for tail light repairs out of pocket than to file a claim with insurance.

MORE:

When should you not make a car insurance claim?

How to find affordable Oldsmobile insurance

Car insurance for Oldsmobile drivers costs an average of $1,254 per year—but you may be able to pay less depending on your specific car, driving record, payment history, and other factors.

Jerry

is the easiest and most effective way to find a

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Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on auto insurance—more than half the average annual cost of Oldsmobile insurance!

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace an Oldsmobile tail light?

The overall cost of replacing Oldsmobile tail lights is determined by your particular car and whether or not you perform the replacement yourself.

However, the typical cost is between $28 and $55. To estimate the cost of an at-home replacement, look up the replacement parts for your Oldsmobile.

Can you replace tail lights yourself?

Replacing the tail lights on your Oldsmobile is one of the simplest car maintenance projects, and it doesn't require any special tools. It's also a good chore for novices in maintenance because a mistake is unlikely to create major damage or safety concerns.

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