Replacing the left rear driver side tail lamp assembly

Light bulbs require power and ground in order to work. The ground circuit for the left rear combination lamp is shared between the turn lamp, stop lamp and tail lamp. Because the tail light still works in that specific combination lamp, we know that the shared/common ground for that assembly is OK. The power circuit for both stop lamps (left and right) have the same origin; voltage flows from the STOP LP FUSE (15A) through the DBC RELAY (when the stop lamp switch is pressed) and then to each stop lamp via their respective circuit branches. Because the right stop lamp works, we know that the shared/common fuse, relay and switch are all OK. I'd suspect an open in the left stop lamp power supply branch and would recommending checking for voltage on the green & black wire at the left rear combination lamp assembly to confirm. Regarding the left lamp on the hatch, the wiring diagram indicates these are not stop lamps rather tail lamps only. I'd recommend installing a tail lamp bulb instead of a brake light bulb into that assembly as a first step. You can read more here: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-your-car-fuse-box-by-jessica-howe

If that's the only light not working, the bulb probably needs to be replaced. To get the lamp housing out so you can change the bulb, open the trunk and pull back the liner on the left rear side - there are usually a couple of plastic fasteners that need to be removed to pull back the liner. You should now be able to see two or three fasteners (plastic or metal) that hold the lamp assembly to the body. Remove these and pull the lamp assembly out to the rear. Remove the bulb holders from the lamp assembly by twisting them a quarter turn counter clockwise, then remove and replace the non-functioning bulb. Reverse to reassemble.

1) Open trunk
2) Remove small round plastic access panel with a flat tip screw driver by prying open
3) Remove flat tip screw holding tail light assembly
4) Remove tail light assembly by pulling outward, careful not to break plastic guide/nub
5) Disconnect wiring connectors
6) Remove plastic housing access plate on back of tail light assembly by twisting/turning tabs until they click and then lift access plate from tail light assembly
7) When viewing the the bulbs, the turn signal bulb is the bottom left bulb
8) Install in reverse order, ensuring tail light seal seats properly during installation

1. Disconnect the tail/back up lamp harness connector from the from the body wiring harness.
2. Remove the tail/back up lamp assembly from the rear compartment lid.
3. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, unplug the tail/back up lamp harness grommet from the rear compartment lid and remove the tail/back up lamp from the vehicle.
4. Remove the license plate lamp bulb from the lamp housing.

Hi, my name is John I will do my best to assist you.

The entire tail/backup lens assembly has to be removed from the trunk lid as shown in the drawing attached. There will most likely be some nut's or clip's on the assemblies mounting pins on the inside of the trunk lid.

1. Disconnect the tail/back up lamp harness connector from the body wiring harness.
2. Remove the tail/back up lamp assembly from the rear compartment lid.
3. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, unplug the tail/back up lamp harness grommet from the rear compartment lid and remove the tail/back up lamp from the vehicle.
4. Remove the license plate lamp bulb from the lamp housing.
5. Installation is the reverse of removal.

If you have more specific questions please post comments to this thread and I will endeavor to monitor new activity and respond as soon as possible. I recommend that you "bookmark", or "add to favorites" this page for your convenience.

Rear Turn Signal, Brake and Parking Lights

1. Remove the tail light assembly screws, then the assembly.
2. Disconnect the twist lock socket from the lens housing. NOTE: To remove the bulb, turn the twist lock socket (at the rear of the housing) counterclockwise 1?4 turn, then remove the socket with the bulb; replace the bulb if defective. Fig. 7: Remove the tail light assembly screws, then the assembly - wagon shown Fig. 8: Twist the socket counterclockwise to remove from the housing Fig. 9: This type of bulb simply can be pulled out of the socket for replacement To install:
   
3. Attach the socket assemblies to the back of the lamp unit.
4. Install the lamp assembly to the vehicle with the mounting screws.

License Plate Light

1. Remove the lens screws.
2. Once the lens is removed you, can access the bulb and replace if needed. To install:
   
3. Install the new bulb, then attach the lens to the body of the vehicle.

Center High Mount Stop Lamp

1. Remove the screws securing the lamp cover.
2. Remove the mounting nuts, then unplug the electrical harness to the lamp assembly.
3. The lamp now should come out. To install:
   
4. Position the lamp assembly to the vehicle, then attach the electrical harness to the lamp.
5. Install the mounting nut, tighten to 62 inch lbs. (7 Nm).
6. Attach the lamp cover. Fig. 10: Exploded view of the center high mount stop lamp assembly - wagon shown
   Fig. 11: Light bulb application chart for all models with non-European headlamps
   Fig. 12: Light bulb application chart for Buicks with European headlamps
   Fig. 13: Light bulb application chart for Oldsmobiles with European headlamps
   

Tail Lamp Assembly Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Open the rear compartment.
2. If equipped, disconnect the cargo net.
3. Remove the wingnut and pull back the rear compartment trim panel.
4. Remove the wingnuts from the tail lamp assembly.
5. Remove the tail lamp assembly from the rear body panel.
6. Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail lamp assembly.
7. Remove the tail lamp socket by turning counterclockwise.
8. Remove the side marker lamp socket by turning counterclockwise.

To Install:

1. Install the side marker lamp socket by turning clockwise.
2. Install the tail lamp socket by turning clockwise.
3. Connect the electrical connector to the tail lamp assembly.
4. Position the tail lamp assembly to the rear body panel.
5. Install and secure the wingnuts that attach the tail lamp assembly to the body panel.
6. Position the rear trim panel to the rear compartment. Install and secure the wingnut.
7. If equipped, connect the cargo net.
8. Close the rear compartment.

Open the rear tailgate and remove the two screws that hold the tail lamp assembly in place.Now there are two alignment pins that hold the lamp in place, you must use a screwdriver or other flat device and lightly pry the lamp your working on. If you are removing the rear left (driver side) then pry back outward to the left. Alternately, if you are removing the right rear tail light, pry outward to the right. Do not try and pull directly back. The pins will prevent the light from coming out. You have to pull left or right, depending on the light your removing. Good luck.

Rear Turn Signal, Brake and Parking Lights Removal & Installation To Remove

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Harness connector
   • Combination nuts
   • Lamp and its assembly toward rear

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Lamp and its assembly into position
   • Combination nuts; torque to 35 lb-in. (4 Nm)
   • Harness connector

This is the only thing the tech manual says.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the tail/back up lamp harness connector from the from the body wiring harness.
2. Remove the tail/back up lamp assembly from the rear compartment lid.
3. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, unplug the tail/back up lamp harness grommet from the rear compartment lid and remove tail/back up lamp from the vehicle.
4. Remove the license plate lamp bulb from the lamp housing.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

1. Install the license plate bulb into the lamp housing.
2. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, install the tail/back up lamp harness grommet to the rear compartment lid and install the tail/back up lamp. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
3. Install the tail/back up lamp fasteners to the tail/back up lamp studs. Tighten Tighten the tail/back up lamp fasteners to 6 N.m (53 lb in) .
4. Connect the tail/back up lamp electrical connector.
5. Connect the tail/back up lamp harness connector and clip the connector to the metal edge of the rear compartment lid.