How do I know which reverse light bulb I need?

Check your owner's manual for the bulb number. The most common reverse light bulbs are 921, 912, 7440, 7443, and 3156. You can also pull the old bulb out and read the number printed on the base. Or use our vehicle finder to look it up by year, make, and model.

Can I upgrade my reverse lights to LED?

Yes, and it's one of the most popular LED upgrades. LED reverse bulbs are significantly brighter than stock halogens, which makes backing up at night much easier. Just match the bulb size and make sure the LED fits without hitting the housing. Some LEDs are polarity-sensitive, so if it doesn't light up, pull it out and flip it 180 degrees.

Is it illegal to drive with a burned out reverse light?

In most states, you need at least one working reverse light to pass inspection. You probably won't get pulled over specifically for a dead backup light, but it can get tacked onto another stop. More importantly, people behind you won't know you're backing up, which is a safety issue in parking lots.

Why do both reverse lights come on but look dim?

Dim reverse lights usually mean the bulbs are old and the filaments are wearing thin. It can also be a weak ground connection or corroded sockets. Try cleaning the socket contacts with a wire brush or sandpaper. If the bulbs are original to the vehicle, just replace them.

My reverse lights stay on even when I'm not in reverse. What's wrong?

That's almost always the reverse light switch, which is mounted on the transmission. The switch tells the lights when you've shifted into reverse. When it fails, it can stick in the on position. On manual transmission cars, this switch sometimes gets knocked loose. It's a cheap part but can be tricky to reach.

How to Replace a Reverse Light Bulb (Step by Step)

Backup light burned out? This is one of the easiest bulb swaps on your car. About 15 minutes, no special tools, and the bulb costs less than a coffee.

What You'll Need

New reverse light bulb (matched to your exact year, make, and model)
Phillips head screwdriver (if your vehicle has a panel held by screws)
Trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver (for push-pin clips)
10mm socket (for trucks and SUVs where the housing unbolts)
About 15 minutes

Step by Step Instructions

Open the Trunk or Tailgate

On most cars, you get to the reverse light from inside the trunk. Open it up and look at the back side of the tail light area. You'll usually see a fabric liner or a plastic cover hiding the bulb sockets. On trucks and SUVs, you'll work from outside by removing the tail light housing. On hatchbacks, there's often an access panel inside the cargo area.

Remove the Access Panel or Housing

Peel back the trunk liner or pop off the plastic access cover. Some are held by push-pin clips that you pry out with a flathead screwdriver. Others have thumb screws or plastic wing nuts you turn by hand. On trucks, you'll typically remove two 10mm bolts holding the tail light housing, then carefully pull the whole assembly straight back to expose the sockets.

Find the Right Socket

You'll see a cluster of bulb sockets in the back of the tail light assembly. The reverse light is behind the white or clear section of the lens. If you're not sure which one it is, have someone sit in the car and shift into reverse while you watch from behind. The socket that should light up is the one you want.

Remove the Old Bulb

Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise about a quarter turn and pull it out of the housing. Now pull the bulb itself out of the socket. Most reverse light bulbs are the push-and-twist bayonet type. Push the bulb in slightly, turn counterclockwise, and it releases. Some are a straight pull. If it won't budge, don't force it. Wiggle gently while pulling.

Install the New Bulb

Push the new bulb into the socket. For bayonet-style bulbs, push in and twist clockwise until it clicks into place. The pins on the side of the bulb line up with grooves in the socket. Once the bulb is seated, put the socket back into the tail light housing and twist clockwise to lock it in.

Test and Reassemble

Before putting everything back together, test the new bulb. Have someone shift into reverse while you check from behind the car. If it lights up, you're good. Put the access panel, liner, or tail light housing back in place and secure any clips, screws, or bolts you removed. Done.

Tips and Things to Watch For

Check the socket while it's out. Look inside the bulb socket for corrosion or black residue. Corroded contacts cause flickering and intermittent failures. Clean them with a small wire brush or fine sandpaper. A little dielectric grease on the contacts helps prevent future corrosion.
LED bulbs are worth the upgrade here. LED reverse lights are dramatically brighter than halogens. You'll actually be able to see behind you when backing up at night. They cost a few dollars more but last years longer. If the LED doesn't light up on the first try, pull it out and flip it around. Many LEDs are polarity-sensitive.
Replace both sides while you're at it. If one reverse light burned out, the other is probably close behind. The bulbs cost a few dollars each, and you already have the trunk open. Save yourself a second trip.
Don't confuse the reverse light with the rear fog light. Some European and Japanese vehicles have a rear fog light that looks similar to the reverse light. The reverse light is always white or clear. The rear fog light is red. Make sure you're swapping the right one.

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