I cant seem to get to the tail lamp for a bulb replacement on my 2005 Chevy Express.

TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY AND /OR BACKUP, SIDEMARKER, STOP, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Open the liftgate.
2. Remove the screws from the tail amp.
3. Slide the tail lamp rearward in order to disengage it from the retainers on the rear body panel.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail lamp wiring harness.
5. Remove the tail lamp and side marker lamp sockets from the tail lamp, depressing the locking tab and turning counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulbs from the tail lamp and the side marker lamp sockets, if replacing the bulbs.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

1. Install the bulbs to the tail lamp and side marker lamp sockets, if removed.
2. Install the tail lamp and side marker lamp sockets to the tail lamp, turning clockwise until the locking tab is fully seated.
3. Connect the tail lamp electrical connector to the wiring harness.
4. Position the tail lamp retainer slots to the tabs on the rear body panel.
5. Install the tail lamp to the rear body panel, pressing into place until fully seated.
6. Install the tail lamp screws to the Taillamp.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the tail lamp screws to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

7. Close the liftgate.

If after checking the bulbs are ok then the fuses could be suspect!

3 wing nuts. here is the info needed.

Service Information

2005 Buick LaCrosse ' Allure, LaCrosse VIN W Service Manual ' Body ' Lighting Systems ' Repair Instructions ' Document ID: 1537542 Tail Lamp, Turn Signal Lamp, High Mount Stop Lamp, License Lamp, Backup Lamp Replacement - Rear


Callout
Component Name
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Fastener Tightening Specifications: Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
Turn Signal/Stop Lamp Assembly Replacement - Rear 1
Nut, Turn Signal/Tail Lamp (Qty: 3)
Tip
Pull back rear compartment carpet to gain access to lamp.
Tighten
2 N·m (18 lb in)
2
Lamp, Turn Signal/Tail Lamp
Tip
Twist the bulb socket and pull inward to replace the bulb.
License Lamp Replacement 3
Screws, License Lamp (Qty: 2)
Tighten
2 N·m (18 lb in)
4
Lamp, License Lamp
Tip
Twist the bulb socket and pull inward to replace the bulb.

remove both rear tail lamps and check bulbs, the upper ones are the ones for stop, if one is burnt, then replace all six bulbs so you won't have to do this job over again. the fuses are located under hood and also on outside of drivers side instrument panel

You have to remove the upper applique to remove the tail lamp, it is the trim panel above the lamp. I think it is held in place by two nuts/bolts but not sure. You have to have the rear doors open to remove it

ck the rear bulbs as well - tail lamps on this year are known to fill up with water and rust out the sockets

and Repair Notes TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT REMOVAL PROCEDURE Open the rear compartment. Remove wingnut and pull back the rear compartment trim panel from the tail lamp. Remove the wingnuts from the tail lamp. Remove the tail lamp from the rear body panel. Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail lamp. Remove the tail lamp socket, turning counterclockwise. Remove the bulb from the tail lamp socket. Remove the sidemarker lamp socket, turning counterclockwise. Remove the bulb from the sidemarker lamp socket. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE Install the bulb to the tail lamp socket. Install the bulb to the sidemarker lamp socket. Install the sidemarker lamp socket, turning clockwise. Install the tail lamp socket, turning clockwise. Connect the electrical connector to the tail lamp. Install the tail lamp to the rear body panel. Install the wingnuts to the tail lamp. Pull back the rear compartment trim panel to the tail lamp and install the wingnut. Close the rear compartment.

If you put the tail gate down, there is 2 screw (phillips) that holds the tail light in place. Remove them & you can twist the bulb out. Thats it, put back together in reverse. Hope this helps.

Yes, you can replace just the bulb. Remove the light assembly and you can get to the bulbs on the back side.

Check the bulb sockets, it is common on these vans that water gets into the bulb sockets and shorts out the socket. You may need to replace the sockets to get them to work again. Also check the bulbs as these are dual filament bulbs, when your lights are off and you step on the brake it lights the parking lamp filament. However as the lights are on the brake lights may seem to not work as the parking lamps are already on.