Chevrolet produced the fourth generation of Corvettes from 1984 through 1996. The C4 model all had four taillights located in the rear bumper panel. Round taillights were used through 1989, with square lights employed starting in 1990. Brake light bulbs are normal maintenance items while the brake light assembly will require replacement when damage occurs. When a brake light fails to work, a turn signal indicator will show on the instrument panel, indicating on which side of the car it has detected the failure.
Remove the license plate from the rear bumper using a Torx screwdriver. The tag will normally be attached with four Torx screws.
Put your arm through the license plate opening to the back side of the brake light you wish to remove. Twist the bulb holder counterclockwise and pull the bulb holder away from the brake light housing. Turn the bulb counterclockwise to release it from the bulb holder.
Use a small socket and ratchet to remove the four screws holding the brake light assembly to the rear bumper. Gently push the brake light assembly from inside the bumper and then pull it loose from outside of the car.
Place the new brake light assembly into the rear bumper assembly. Rotate the assembly until the writing on the taillight lens is at the bottom.
Reach through the bumper opening and install each of the four screws into the brake light assembly until they are hand tight. Use the ratchet to tighten each screw a half-turn.
Insert a new bulb into the bulb holder and turn the bulb clockwise, securing it to the bulb holder. Insert the bulb holder into the brake light assembly and turn a quarter-turn clockwise to secure it.
Replace the license tag to the original position and secure it with the four Torx screws.
