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Porsche 928: How to Replace Tail Light

A burned out tail light bulb is one of those irritating problems that crops up on occasion. It's actually not that hard to replace the tail light bulb on your 928. This guide will show you how, so continue reading.

By Jared Hammond - April 9, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1978-1995).

A warning light comes on, and it tells you something is wrong with your tail lights. When you look, you find that one of the bulbs has burned out. Water can sometimes get into the tail light housing, which causes corrosion on the bulbs. If your tail light is out, it's something that needs to be fixed right away or you could get pulled over and fined. Thankfully, it's not that hard to replace by yourself. Read the instructions below to find out more.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement brake light bulb
  • Spark plug spanner
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Dielectric grease
  • Clean cloth or paper towel

The following instructions are for the 1987 to 1995 928 models. For the 1986 and older, check out the Pro Tip at the bottom of this how-to.

Step 1 – Remove the tool compartment tray

You'll find it in the trunk. Remove the carpeting, and pull it out by twisting the two tabs. You need it out of the way to get to the tail light housing.

Figure 1. 928 tool tray.

Step 2 – Remove the tail light housing

Use your spark plug spanner to unbolt the hex nut that's holding the tail light housing in place, and remove it from the rear bumper.

Figure 2. Hex nut holding tail light housing.

Step 3 – Remove the bad light bulb

Twist the bulb harness counterclockwise, and pull it out. Then, remove the old bulb from the socket.

Figure 3. Tail light harness.

Step 4 – Place the new light bulb

Hold the new bulb with a clean cloth or paper towel, and pour a little bit of dielectric grease on the metal around the bulb contacts. This will help prevent future water corrosion. Attach the new light bulb to the socket, and then reinsert the harness to the tail light housing. Reattach the tail light housing to the rear bumper, and tighten down the hex screw to hold it in place. Turn the car on to see if it works. If not, it may have been installed incorrectly or the new bulb is defective. If it works, put back the tool tray and the carpeting.

  • Figure 4. 1987 to 1995 tail lights.
  • Figure 5. 1986 and older tail lights.

Pro Tip

For the 1986 models and older, unscrew the tail light lens with a Phillips head screwdriver. Replace the burnt bulb, and then screw back on the tail light lens.

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