Update** don't attempt changing a tail light cover yourself

[daisyn]

Don't attempt if you are like me!!!!
Update:  it wasn't a taillight, it was a reflector and apparently since I don't even know what it's called I am probably better off not trying to replace it myself.
They ordered a part and are replacing it tomorrow for....$60.  Omg I thought it was going to cost hundreds.  The auto parts store didn't have it in stock so I was getting a price from a mechanic.


if it was broken??

I'm not really handy but the internet says it's easy to DIY

I don't even know if they'd have the part or if I had to order it.  I'm single so no SO to do it for me.  My brother in law is my go to for help on this kind of thing but he's already agreed to put my son's new bed together for me.  I try to be selective about what I ask for help with because I don't want to be annoying.

also I scraped a very small amount of paint off, where do I get that fixed?  Seems really small to take to a body shop

[whitemerlot]

I would look for a YouTube video and watch it before deciding.

[dale]

We have a small mom & pop type auto parts store nearby and the guys who work there are always super helpful. They've replaced my bulbs for me several times. You can get touch-up paint there also.

[chimera]

It would depend on the car. If the video looks easy - yep.

Small enough you could touch up with the nail polish sized bottles? If bigger - body shop or mechanic if they do minor body work.

[explorer2001]

It's do-able but I'd agree you should watch you tube. When I was single the guys at my local AutoZone helped me out more than once.

I got touch up paint free from the dealership where I bought my car. AutoZone or the like should have it too. They might need your VIN to look up the color to match correctly. Apparently there are subtle variations of silver in the same year make and model. Kind of like dye lots with yarn so you have to get the one that goes with your VIN. Or at least that was the case the last time I did this stuff.

[magdala]

I have changed a broken tail light on my Hondas (Civic and Accord). I am not particularly handy and watched a video on the internet to figure it out.

[laterbloomer]

You can do it. Everyone has a first time doing stuff like that. I did mine with help from a friend, I could have done it after watching a YouTube video.

[alleinesein]

When I had my Volvo they would do it for free at the dealership as long as I purchased the part from them. Since the parts were only a few $ more than buying online or at Auto Zone I would just take it there and it was money well spent. Someone who knew what they were doing would take care of it.

[mainelyfoolish]

A dealer can order the touch-up paint for you. You should have the VIN and they'll probably have to order it and it will take a few days to come in. I think mine was around $15 the last time I bought one.

[Deleted]

I would. Check online for videos and a parts store can order the part and paint for you. I usual go to a local, non-chain, I find them more helpful.

[steph96]

Are you a regular at an auto shop or oil change? Sometimes if you show up with the part and catch them at a slow time, they will offer to do it in exchange for a cash tip.

[marshmallow]

I did this a few years ago and it was crazy easy on my Saturn Ion. All I needed was a hex wrench and the new tail light. It took maybe 15 minutes

[imojoebunny]

You tube and the parking lot of auto parts store is your friend. I have met guys there who have helped me with spark plugs, wiper blades, headlights, batteries, ect. Mostly because hand strength is not something I have enough of, and sometimes get stuck on a screw or a turn. Once you watch the you tube, try fixing it in the parking lot of the auto parts store, just in case you need a literal hand.

[winecat]

Depends on the car. My old BMW required the entire assembly removed to change a cover. (The whole assembly had to be replaced actually. So annoying and not MM.) My other cars have been easy to replace but the Chevy required some special screwdriver which I got at the auto supply store.

[winecat]

I just saw your other post. I had to buy the tail light assembly at the dealership. I looked confused enough when the guy handed it to me that he said he'd replace it quickly if I pulled the car around. I brought cupcakes the next day to thank him.

[sfy]

I'd probably just go to the dealership or Autozone without even considering that as an option. But if I did consider it and went through the trouble of looking it up online, sure, I would at least attempt it. I mean, why not?

[Mashara]

I did it for the Honda Civic I had. It was cheap (got the new covers off eBay) and easy (looked up a tutorial online).

[arch01]

yep.

and honestly before going to a dealership to buy one ($$$) i'd see if i could find it online or at a local pull a part/junkyard.

[mrsd2006]

Yes, I just did it about two weeks ago. I bought the tail light cover on Amazon. It was super easy. Saved $50 from having the dealer do it. 

For my Escape SUV, it was two screws- that's all. Unscrew the two screws, pull off the old cover and twist out the light bulbs (two of those also). Twist the light bulbs into the new cover and screw back in. Although I had to change out one of the bulbs and couldn't figure out how to get the old one out (DH had to help), so I'm not as talented as I thought I was but it was super easy

[aurora]

Sure, I'd at least look into it on YouTube.

I've done a lot of home and auto repairs in the past few years that I wouldn't have thought to try before the age of internet videos.

[MrsDarcy]

I've changed a tail light and would do it again.

[awick14]

Mar 28, 2016 7:49:35 GMT -5 arch01 said:

yep.

and honestly before going to a dealership to buy one ($$$) i'd see if i could find it online or at a local pull a part/junkyard.

This is what I would do.

But I also have a very handy DH who does mechanic work as a side job/hobby so if I couldn't do it he would.

[sfy]

Well, hey, at least you tried!

[aurora]

I chuckled at the updte but glad the price is reasonable!