1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
* Turn off the vehicle and let the lights cool. Hot bulbs can burn you.
* Wear safety glasses. Broken glass is a possibility.
2. Accessing the Tail Light Assembly:
* Locate the tail light assembly. This is usually on the rear of the truck, towards the outside edge.
* Identify the fasteners. Most likely, you'll find either screws or nuts holding the assembly in place. These might be located on the inside of the truck bed (requiring access through the bed), or on the outside, under the taillight housing itself. Look carefully for them. They could be Phillips head screws, hex head screws, or even nuts.
* Remove the fasteners. Carefully remove all the screws or nuts, keeping track of where they came from.
3. Removing the Tail Light Assembly:
* Gently pull the tail light assembly outward. Sometimes it's held in place by clips or friction fit, in addition to the screws. A slight tug and wiggle might be necessary. Be careful not to force it; broken plastic clips are a common problem.
* Disconnect the electrical connector. This is usually a single connector with several wires. Gently but firmly squeeze the release tab and pull the connector apart. Take note of its position; it can only go back on one way.
4. Replacing the Brake Light Bulb:
* Identify the burnt-out bulb. The brake light is typically the larger bulb in the assembly. Your owner's manual will show a diagram of the bulb layout if needed.
* Remove the bulb. This usually involves gently twisting the bulb counter-clockwise (left) to unscrew it. Some bulbs might have a retaining clip or spring.
* Install the new bulb. Insert the new bulb and twist it clockwise (right) to secure it. Ensure it's firmly seated.
5. Reassembly:
* Reconnect the electrical connector. Make sure it's securely connected.
* Reinstall the tail light assembly. Align the assembly with its mounting points and carefully push it back in place.
* Replace the fasteners. Securely fasten the screws or nuts.
6. Testing:
* Turn on the vehicle's ignition. Test the brake lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Also, test the other functions of the tail light assembly (running lights, turn signals) to ensure nothing was accidentally damaged during the process.
Important Considerations:
* Bulb Type: Find out the correct bulb type for your 1989 Chevy truck before you go to the store. The owner's manual or an auto parts store can help with this.
* Access: Depending on your truck bed configuration (e.g., side access panels, toolbox), you might need to remove other components to get to the tail light assembly.
* If Unsure: If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your truck to a qualified mechanic.
By carefully following these steps, you should be able to replace your rear brake light. Remember to consult your owner's manual for specifics related to your truck.
