How to Replace Your Jeep Brake Light

Simple DIY Maintenance

Your Jeep’s dashboard alert is trying to tell you something—like a burned-out brake light. Luckily, replacing a Jeep brake light is simple, quick, and can be done in about five minutes with just a few basic tools. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process so you can fix it yourself and save time and money.

Check out my other Jeep Momma How To's for more DIY maintenance tips.

Why Replace Your Brake Light Yourself?

Replacing your own brake light is easy, prevents traffic tickets, and keeps your Jeep safe. You don’t need special skills or tools—just patience and a little attention to detail. Doing it yourself also ensures you understand how your Jeep’s lighting system works for future maintenance.

Tools You’ll Need

• Screwdriver or drill

• Replacement brake light bulb

• Optional: Gloves for easier grip

Step-by-Step Brake Light Replacement

Step 1: Identify the Burned-Out Bulb

When the dashboard “dinged,” my Jeep clearly indicated the rear left brake light was out. Check your dash for warning lights or do a visual inspection of your brake lights before starting.

Jeep Momma Do-It-Yourself Brake Light Replacement

Step 2: Remove the Brake Light Housing

Carefully remove the four screws securing the tail light housing. If your Jeep has a headlight or tail light cover, be mindful of spacers—they can easily fall off and roll across your garage floor. I forgot about them and spent another ten minutes looking for them after two had bounced around on my garage floor.  

Pro Tip: Keep a small tray handy to catch screws and spacers so they don’t get lost.

Removing Screws from the Jeep Wrangler Brake Light

Jeep Wrangler Brake Light

Step 3: Remove the Bulb

Once the housing is off, turn the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn to remove it. The bulb is safe to touch; unlike some headlights, brake light bulbs don’t get hot enough for oils from your fingers to matter.

Jeep Wrangler Brake Light Bulb

Step 4: Test the New Bulb

Before reassembling, install the new bulb and test both the brake and blinker functions to ensure everything works correctly. This saves you the hassle of taking it apart again if something isn’t working.

Step 5: Reassemble the Tail Light

Once tested, put the bulb back in the housing, secure the screws, and replace any covers. Make sure all spacers are in place to avoid rattling or misalignment.

Troubleshooting Common Brake Light Issues

Even simple replacements can have hiccups. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• New bulb doesn’t light up: Check for blown fuses or faulty wiring.

• Housing won’t sit flush: Make sure all spacers are in place and screws aren’t cross-threaded.

• Dashboard still shows warning: Sometimes the dash needs a few key cycles (on/off) to reset after replacing the bulb.

FAQs: Jeep Brake Light Replacement

Q1: How long does it take to replace a Jeep brake light?
Usually 5–10 minutes if you have the proper tools and replacement bulb.

Q2: Do I need to wear gloves when handling the bulb?
It’s optional. The bulbs don’t get hot enough for oil from your fingers to matter.

Q3: Can I replace LED brake lights the same way?
Yes, the process is similar, but make sure your replacement LED is compatible with your Jeep model.

Q4: What type of bulb does my Jeep use?
Check your Jeep owner’s manual or the markings on the old bulb for size and type.

Q5: How can I prevent losing screws or spacers?
Use a small tray or magnetic container to hold all small parts during the replacement process.

Replacing your Jeep brake light is an easy DIY project that keeps your vehicle safe and street-legal. With a few tools and a little attention to detail, you can fix a burned-out brake light in minutes—no trip to the mechanic needed.