Buy GMC Yukon XL 1500 Tail Light Assembly

Quick Summary

The GMC Yukon XL 1500 tail light-also called the rear lamp, brake lamp, or stop-light assembly-keeps drivers behind you aware that you are slowing, stopping, or turning. Every Yukon generation (2000-2025) uses either incandescent 3157/7443 bulbs or full LEDs, bolts on with just a few fasteners, and is regulated by federal law (FMVSS 108). Regular checks for burnt-out bulbs, cracks, or water inside the housing help prevent tickets and rear-end crashes.

Vehicle Fit & Years

2000-2006 (GMT 800) - Uses two-bulb tail lamps with 3157/3057 dual-filament lamps for stop/turn and 921 reverse bulbs. (AUXITO, AUXITO)
2007-2014 (GMT 900) - Still incandescent but GM switched between 3157 and 7443 depending on trim; both plug into the same socket style. (, Tahoe Yukon Forum)
2015-2020 (K2XX) - Entire lamp moves to LED strips soldered on an internal circuit board; bulbs are no longer serviceable. (ClassAction.org)
2021-2025 (T1UX) - Updated full-LED assembly with animated stop/turn graphics on some trims. (Car and Driver, Car and Driver)

A Yukon XL 1500 tail light will not interchange across these generations because of shape, mounting tabs, and wiring plugs. Always match the model year before ordering a new rear light.

Part Anatomy

• Lens & Housing - Molded polycarbonate lens sealed to an ABS housing to keep dust and water out. Clear sections light the reverse lamp; red handles brake and tail functions.
• Circuit Board / Socket - 2000-14 lamps use twist-sockets; 2015-25 use an internal PCB that feeds LED strips.
• Gasket - Foam or butyl rim prevents moisture between lamp and body sheet-metal. Cracked gaskets are the top cause of water intrusion. (Reddit, Silverado Sierra)
• Harness Plug - 3- to 6-pin sealed connector; damaged pins create intermittent brake-light loss.

Safety & Law

U.S. law requires all rear combination lamps to meet FMVSS 108 color, brightness, and visibility rules. Lamps must shine red to the rear, amber or red for turn signals, and white for reverse. Replacements must carry DOT/SAE marks to be street-legal in every state. Canada follows CMVSS 108, which mirrors U.S. specs. Drivers should verify both tail lights work before every trip; burned-out lamps can lead to citations. (eCFR)

Common Problems

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Maintenance Steps

1. Open Liftgate. Remove two T15/T20 screws holding the lamp.
2. Pull Straight Back. Plastic pins pop free-no prying on painted sheet metal.
3. Change Bulb (2000-14). Twist socket counter-clockwise, swap bulb, avoid touching glass. (ManualsLib, AutoZone.com)
4. Swap Assembly (LED years). Unplug harness, drop in new lamp, re-install screws.
5. Test Lights. Have a helper step on the brake; confirm red lamps shine bright and reverse light is white.

Fuse locations: tail-lamp feed fuses sit in the right-hand IP block (#RT TRN/#LT TRN) on 2000-14 trucks and the passenger-side IP block on 2023 models. (ManualsLib, ManualsLib)

Upgrade Ideas

• Plug-in LEDs (2000-14). Swap 3157/7443 incandescent bulbs for CAN-bus safe red LEDs; they draw less power and light faster. Check they carry an SAE "DOT-LR" stamp.
• Aftermarket LED Assemblies. 2015-25 owners can upgrade to smoked or sequential versions, but ensure DOT approval and avoid tinted lenses beyond 50 %-darker lenses can be ticketed.
• Trailer Light App. New Yukon trims include a built-in trailer-light test through the myGMC app, saving you a walk-around with a helper. (GMC)

Environmental Notes

LED tail lights last up to 50,000 hours, cutting bulb waste. They also draw about 70 % less current, easing alternator load and marginally improving fuel economy. Recycle cracked plastic housings with other automotive plastics at local facilities; never toss them in household trash. (Car and Driver)

Troubleshooting Flow

1. Lamp out? Check fuse box → swap bulbs → inspect harness pins.
2. Both LEDs out? Scan body-control-module for DTC B3950 or B3951 (open circuit); replace lamp. (ClassAction.org)
3. Trailer only dark? Verify seven-pin connector ground; Yukon tail-lamp circuit shares ground G403 behind left trim panel. (GM Upfitter, GM Upfitter)

Related Components

• Rear signal light bulbs
• Tail-lamp circuit board
• Wiring pigtail repair kit
• Liftgate lamp trim clips
• Fuse puller (in IP fuse block) (ManualsLib, ManualsLib)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What tail-light bulb does a 2005 Yukon XL 1500 use?
A: It uses a dual-filament 3157 bulb for brake/turn and running light. (AUXITO)

Q: Do 2018 Yukon XL lights have replaceable bulbs?
A: No. The 2015-20 generation is a sealed LED unit; the whole lamp gets replaced if an LED fails. (ClassAction.org)

Q: Is a smoked tail lamp legal?
A: Yes if it still meets FMVSS 108 photometric output. Extremely dark tints that cut light below spec can earn a citation. (eCFR)

Q: Where is the fuse for the tail light?
A: On most 2021-25 models it is Fuse F28 (Body Control Module) inside the passenger-side instrument-panel block; earlier years place left/right turn-stop fuses in the center IP block. (ManualsLib, ManualsLib)

Q: My 2016 Yukon tail lamps blink off and on-why?
A: GM issued Special Coverage N182180270 to replace faulty LED assemblies on 2015-16 Yukons experiencing intermittent loss. Contact a GMC dealer with your VIN. (NHTSA, CarComplaints.com)

Q: How tight should I torque the mounting screws?
A: Hand-tight with a screwdriver-about 20 lb-in-so you do not crack the plastic tab.

Q: Can I drive with one brake light out?
A: It is unsafe and illegal in all 50 states; replace or repair the lamp before driving at night or in traffic. (eCFR)

Q: Does upgrading to LED bulbs void my warranty?
A: Using DOT-approved LED replacements in 2000-14 trucks does not void vehicle warranty, but damage caused by incorrect wiring is not covered.

Q: Why do my tail lights fill with condensation?
A: A torn gasket or hairline crack lets humid air enter. Remove lamp, dry it, reseal the perimeter with clear automotive-grade silicone. (Reddit, Silverado Sierra)

Q: How often should I check my rear lamps?
A: Once a month-or before any long trip. Have someone stand behind while you press brake and turn signals.

Helpful Links

• GMC Support - Dashboard & Lighting Icons
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Search
• FMVSS 108 Legal Text
• 2018 Yukon Owner's Manual - LED Service Note
• Special Coverage N182180270 PDF
• Car and Driver 2025 Yukon Specs

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