Buy GMC Canyon Tail Light Assembly

Below is an in-depth, plain-language guide to GMC Canyon tail lights (also called tail lamps, rear lights, brake lights, or rear combination lamps). All facts are backed by reliable sources.

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Overview

The tail light assembly sits at the back corners of every GMC Canyon pickup. It houses the red running lamp, bright stop lamp, rear turn signals, and reverse bulb in a single sealed unit. Early generations (2004-2012) used incandescent bulbs, the second generation (2015-2022) kept bulbs but with a clearer lens, and the current 2023-up trucks switched to full LEDs on every trim, improving brightness and style. (GM Authority, GM Authority)

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Compatibility

• 2004-2012 (first generation) - twin-bulb design; check VIN for exact socket size.
• 2015-2022 (second generation) - one 7443 dual-filament bulb handles tail/stop/turn; listed in the owner's manual. (ManualsLib)
• 2023-present (third generation) - sealed LED rear combination lamp; no serviceable bulbs. (GM Authority)

When mixing model years, match both the wiring connector and the body line to avoid fit-gap issues.

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Key Features

• LED Efficiency - Modern LEDs draw less power and last far longer than conventional bulbs, saving energy over the truck's life. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)
• Instant Illumination - LEDs light up about 0.2 seconds quicker than filament bulbs, giving drivers behind more reaction time. (NHTSA)
• Multi-Function Lens - One clear lens covers running, stop, and indicator functions, keeping the box side smooth.

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Technology Inside

U.S. law in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 sets minimum brightness, color, and visibility angles for all tail lamps. (GovInfo, NHTSA) For combos that share the same lens, the stop light must shine at least three times brighter than the running light. (GovInfo) NHTSA also checks replacement lamps for compliance before sale. (NHTSA)

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Common Issues

• Moisture or fogging - Many owners report condensation inside the housing; a GM bulletin outlines inspection steps for leak streaks. (GM-Trucks.com, NHTSA Static)
• Loose mounting screws - The lamp is held by two T-15 Torx bolts that can back out on rough roads. (Colorado Fans)
• Cracked lens from impacts - Parking-lot bumps often crack the outer shell; replacement is the only cure.

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Installation Steps

1. Lower the tailgate to expose the lamp screws.
2. Remove two T-15 Torx bolts and pull the assembly straight back. (YouTube, Colorado Fans)
3. Twist the socket counter-clockwise and release the bulb.
4. Fit the new lamp, seat tabs, and snug the screws (just hand-tight to avoid stripping the clip nuts).
5. Test running, brake, turn, and reverse lights before closing the gate.

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Maintenance Tips

• Wash the lens with mild soap; harsh chemicals dull the clear coat.
• Keep the rear vent patch clear so moisture can escape. (NHTSA Static)
• Apply dielectric grease to bulb bases on 2015-2022 units to block corrosion.

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Legal Requirements

All aftermarket tail lights must carry the "DOT SAE" mark and meet FMVSS 108 photometry rules for tail, stop, and turn functions. (GovInfo, NHTSA) Non-compliant lights can fail inspection and may be ticketed.

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Troubleshooting

• One side dark? Check the 10-amp "LT TRN" or "RT TRN" fuse first.
• Rapid blink after LED swap? Add a load resistor or flash-rate-compatible module.
• Water inside? Warm the lamp with a hair dryer, then reseal the rear vent with a fresh membrane patch.

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Upgrades & Mods

Owners of 2015-2022 trucks often retrofit plug-and-play LED bulbs for a crisp look. (GM Authority) After installation, verify that the stop portion still outshines the running light to stay legal. For 2023-up models, smoked lens overlays are popular but must not cut brightness below FMVSS limits. (GovInfo)

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Environmental Impact

LED tail lamps help lower vehicle electrical load, and widespread LED use could save hundreds of terawatt-hours by 2035 in the U.S. alone. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov) Fewer bulb changes also mean less glass and metal waste over the truck's service life.

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Q: What bulb fits a 2016 Canyon tail light?
A: The owner's manual lists a 7443 dual-filament bulb for the stop/turn/tail position. (ManualsLib)

Q: Are 2023 Canyon tail lamps serviceable?
A: No. They are sealed LED units; if one fails, replace the whole assembly. (GM Authority)

Q: Will a 2022 lamp fit a 2018 bed?
A: Yes-2015-2022 lamps share the same shape and connector. Check paint finish for exact match.

Q: How tight should I torque the screws?
A: GM does not publish a spec; snug them by hand with a T-15 driver so the lens is flush. (Colorado Fans)

Q: What tools do I need to swap the lamp?
A: Just a T-15 Torx bit, gloves, and a test light. (YouTube)

Q: Why is my left signal blinking fast?
A: A bulb or LED has failed, or there's a wiring ground fault in the harness.

Q: Is moisture inside normal?
A: A light mist that clears in 20 minutes is normal. Persistent water means the vent or seal is leaking. (GM-Trucks.com)

Q: Do smoked covers pass inspection?
A: Only if the stop lamp remains at least three times brighter than the running light, per FMVSS 108. (GovInfo)

Q: Can I wire the tail lamps as extra turn signals on a trailer?
A: Yes, but follow the color-coded wiring in the GM upfitter manual and keep load under the 10-amp fuse. (GM Upfitter)

Q: Does LED save fuel?
A: Small savings come from reduced alternator load, but the main gains are in bulb life and safety. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)

Q: How fast do LEDs light up?
A: About two-tenths of a second quicker than a filament bulb, giving drivers behind up to 16 feet more stopping distance at highway speed. (NHTSA)

Q: Are aftermarket "sequential" tail lights legal?
A: They are allowed if the sequence finishes in 0.4 seconds and meets photometric rules. (NHTSA)

Q: What does "SAE A, S, I" molded on the lens mean?
A: It shows the lamp has passed Society of Automotive Engineers tests for tail (A), stop (S), and turn indicator (I) functions.

Q: Can I add extra LEDs in the bed cap?
A: Yes, but tie them into the tail/running circuit via an inline fuse and confirm they don't overload the wiring.

Q: Where is the tail lamp fuse?
A: The body-side fuse block under the hood; see "LT TRN" and "RT TRN" 10 A positions in the lid chart. (ManualsLib)

By covering features, fitment, legal rules, upgrades, and 15+ practical questions, this guide gives visitors every detail needed to choose, maintain, or replace a GMC Canyon tail light.