How to Change a Taillight Bulb in a 2006 Nissan Altima

The taillight bulb is inside the rear combination light assembly.

Like most modern vehicles, the 2006 Nissan Altima does not use sealed beam lights. Instead, it uses a lens assembly that houses several bulbs. The taillight bulb (also called a brake light or stop light) is located within the rear combination light assembly; it must be removed from the Altima before the tail light bulb can be replaced. Faulty taillights can compromise safety, particularly during night driving. Replace the bad taillight bulb as soon as possible; the procedure takes less than 10 minutes.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Gloves
Flat head screwdriver
Pliers or socket wrench
Replacement bulb number 3157
1

Set the parking brake for safety. Open the trunk to access the rear combination light assembly.
2

Pry off the two plastic fasteners (with the flat head screwdriver) against the rear trunk carpet panel.
3

Peel the carpet panel back to access the rear combination light assembly.
4

Remove the two nuts that mount the rear combination light assembly using a pair of pliers or a socket wrench.
5

Pull the rear combination light assembly away from the Altima.
6

Rotate the taillight socket counter-clockwise to remove it from the assembly. The taillight is the second light from the bottom.
7

Pull the old bulb off, and then insert the new bulb. Insert the bulb socket back into its mount; turn it clockwise to lock it.
8

Reinsert the rear combination light into its mount. Attach the two nuts and tighten them with the pliers or the socket wrench.
9

Push the carpet layer back in place. Reattach the fasteners by pushing them into the holes to secure the carpet layer.

Tips & Warnings

Always wear gloves when handling halogen bulbs. The oil from your skin can cause them to prematurely burn out.