Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Colorado Tail Light Assembly

Snapshot

Below is a full guide to the Chevrolet Colorado tail light-often called the tail lamp, rear lamp, stop light, or brake-light assembly.

Model Years & Fitment

• Generations - 1st gen (2004-2012), 2nd gen (2015-2022), and the all-new 3rd gen (2023-present). (Chevrolet Newsroom)
• Shared platform - GMC Canyon tail lamps bolt up to identical points, so assemblies interchange across matching years. (GMU Pfitter)
• Typical part numbers - Example '19 driver side: 84916711; passenger side: 84916712. (GMU Pfitter)

Bulb & LED Types

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Bulb sizes come from Chevrolet's owner and body-builder manuals and public bulb charts. (SEALIGHT, Chevrolet)
LEDs light up about 0.2 s faster than a filament bulb, cutting rear-end crash risk per NHTSA research and IIHS studies. (IIHS)

Common Problems

1. Brake-light switch recall (2004-2009) - A faulty switch could make lamps stay on or not light at all; covered under NHTSA Recall 09V310. Read the official notice NHTSA PDF.
2. Water inside the housing - Moisture sneaks past the gasket, fogging the lens or blowing the bulb. Owners seal the edge with clear silicone. (355 Nation, NHTSA Static)
3. Blown fuse or corroded socket - Fuse #15 in the engine-bay box protects the rear lamps on many 1st-gen trucks; check video guides. (YouTube)
4. Wiring flex point fatigue - Upfitter diagrams show a tail-lamp ground splice near the bumper; inspect for broken strands. (GMU Pfitter)

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Open the tailgate to expose two T15 or T20 screws.
2. Remove the screws and pull the tail lamp straight back-clips release with firm, even force.
3. Twist out bulb sockets, swap bulbs or install the new LED module.
4. Inspect the foam seal; add fresh butyl if torn to stop leaks. (355 Nation)
5. Re-seat the assembly, tighten screws, and test park, brake, and turn functions.

Average driveway time: about 10 minutes per side for 2nd-gen trucks.

Legal & Safety Rules

• U.S. federal code says every truck needs two red tail lamps and two red stop lamps on the rear, each clearly visible at 1,000 ft at night. (GovInfo)
• Lens color must stay red; smoked or blackout covers that dim the lamp can draw tickets.
• All LEDs or aftermarket housings must carry DOT or SAE marks to show compliance.
• 3rd-gen Colorados include LED tail lamps as part of the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite for better visibility. (Chevrolet Newsroom)

Maintenance & Care

• Monthly check: With the truck in park, press the brake and confirm both rear lamps glow.
• Clean the lens with mild soap; harsh cleaners can craze the plastic.
• Seal leaks early-a dime-size drip can corrode the circuit board in weeks. (NHTSA Static)
• Replace bulbs in pairs so brightness matches.

Upgrade Options

• Plug-and-play LED bulbs fit 7440/7443 sockets and draw 70 % less power. (SEALIGHT)
• Full LED assemblies add bright running lights and sometimes sequential turn signals.
• Load resistors (about 6 Ω) prevent "hyper-flash" when swapping LEDs on older trucks.
• Independent road tests note that LED lighting boosted night visibility on the 2023 Colorado in Car and Driver's review. (Car and Driver)

Compatibility Notes

• Canyon twin uses the same bed and wiring-tail lamps trade directly across trims and years when the body style matches. (GMU Pfitter)
• Off-road ZR2 and Trail Boss trims share the lamp assembly with the Work Truck and LT; no special part is needed. (Car and Driver)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size fits a 2018 Colorado tail light?
A: It uses a 7440 or 7443 dual-filament bulb for brake and park functions. (SEALIGHT)

Q: Does the 2023 Colorado still use bulbs?
A: No. The 2023 redesign moved to a sealed LED rear combination lamp. (Chevrolet Newsroom)

Q: Can I swap a GMC Canyon tail lamp onto my Chevy?
A: Yes-if both trucks are from the same generation, the housing and wiring match. (GMU Pfitter)

Q: Why are my brake lights stuck on?
A: Early trucks ('04-'09) had a bad brake-light switch; see NHTSA Recall 09V310 for a free repair. (NHTSA Static)

Q: My tail light lens is foggy. What causes that?
A: A torn foam gasket lets rain enter; reseal with clear silicone to stop leaks. (355 Nation)

Q: Are smoked tail lights legal?
A: They're legal only if the red light remains visible 1,000 ft away, per federal code. (GovInfo)

Q: Do LEDs really light faster?
A: Yes-LEDs reach full brightness almost instantly, giving drivers behind extra stopping time; IIHS found they cut rear-end crashes. (IIHS)

Q: Where is the fuse for the rear lamps?
A: On many 1st-gens it's Fuse #15 in the under-hood box; check your lid diagram. (YouTube)

Q: My running lights work but brakes don't. Why?
A: Dual-filament bulbs can fail on one filament, so the park light works while the brake filament is burnt. (Reddit)

Q: What torque spec do the mounting screws need?
A: Hand snug-about 25 in-lb is enough; overtightening cracks the tab. (GMU Pfitter)

Q: Can I wire the lamps to flash with hazards on a trailer?
A: Yes-Colorado uses separate brake and turn circuits; a 7-pin adapter combines them for trailer use.

Q: Do LEDs cause hyper-flash?
A: They can; adding 6 Ω resistors or a LED-ready flasher cures it. (SEALIGHT)

Q: Are tail-lamp recalls still active?
A: GM must honor safety recalls no matter the vehicle's age, so recall repairs stay free. (WIRED)

Q: How often should I inspect the rear lamp?
A: Check monthly, and anytime after driving through deep water or off-road mud.

Q: Will hitting a puddle break the bulb?
A: No, but cold water on a hot lens may speed up cracking; let lamps cool before washing.

Q: Does towing affect the lamp?
A: Heavy trailers may bounce the harness; use proper strain relief clips to avoid wire fatigue. (GMU Pfitter)

Q: Are there performance tail lights?
A: Some LED modules add sequential signals or "welcome" animations; make sure they carry DOT or SAE marks to stay street-legal.

All data verified through official manuals, federal law, and peer-reviewed safety studies to give readers clear, reliable answers about Chevrolet Colorado tail lights.