2013-2019 Nissan Sentra LED Tail Lights Installation Guide

Fits: 2013-2019 Nissan Sentra, 7th generation (B17) — S, SV, SR, SL and NISMO.

For the following generation see the 2020-2025 Sentra tail light guide.

This is a four-piece set: two outer lamps in the quarter panels and two inner lamps on the trunk lid. Three extension wires come in the box — one straight and two right-angle. The right-angle ones exist because of where they have to sit; do not force a straight wire into a spot that wants an angled plug.

PrismBeam LED tail lights for the 2013-2019 Nissan Sentra

Before You Start

Switch the car off before unplugging anything, and disconnect the negative battery terminal while handling wiring.
Use masking tape around the painted trunk and quarter-panel edges.
Do not put dielectric or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets.
Leave the trunk trim open until every function has passed testing.
If a lamp or panel does not move, stop and look for another fastener rather than forcing it.

Required Tools

Ratchet with a 10 mm socket
Trim removal tool and a flat-head screwdriver
Masking tape and clean microfiber towels
Replacement plastic clips
A helper for brake light and reverse light testing

Part 1: Remove the Outer Tail Lights

Step 1: Pull Back the Trunk Liner

Open the trunk and use a flat-head screwdriver to release and remove the plastic retaining clips, then pull the liner aside to expose the back of the outer assembly.

Step 1: pulling back the trunk liner

Step 2: Unplug and Release the Harness Clip

Press the locking tab and disconnect the factory connector, then release the plastic wiring-harness clip from the mounting stud.

Step 2: disconnecting the connector and releasing the harness clip

Step 3: Remove the Two Mounting Nuts

Use a 10 mm socket to remove the two nuts holding the outer assembly.

Step 3: the two 10 mm outer tail light nuts

Step 4: Draw the Lamp Out

Grip the assembly and pull it straight outward while letting the side locating pin release from its retaining clip. Compress the rubber wiring grommet and feed it and the harness through the body opening, then lift the assembly away.

Step 4: releasing the side locating pin and feeding the grommet through

Part 2: Remove the Inner Tail Lights

Step 5: Remove the Trunk-Lid Liner

Use a trim removal tool to release the plastic clips holding the trunk-lid liner. Rotate the trunk-release handle out of the way, then pull the liner down to expose the inner tail light hardware.

Step 5: the trunk-lid liner clips and the release handle

Step 6: Take the Inner Lamp Out

Use a 10 mm socket to remove the two mounting nuts. Grip the inner lamp with both hands, then push it upward and outward to release it.

Step 6: removing the inner tail light from the trunk lid

Part 3: Install the New Tail Lights

Step 7: Fit the New Outer Lamps

Feed the new harness and rubber grommet through the body opening and seat the grommet securely. Align the assembly with the side retaining slot and the mounting holes, push it into position, reconnect the connector, and refit the two 10 mm nuts without overtightening — too much force crushes the gasket.

Step 7: fitting the new outer tail light and seating the grommet

Step 8: Fit the Inner Lamps and Run the Extensions

Align each inner lamp with its mounting position and press firmly until the locating pins lock in. Refit the two 10 mm nuts, connect the dedicated adapters between the inner and outer lamps, and route the long harness through the factory trunk-lid wiring channel and rubber sleeve — the same path the factory wiring uses, so the lid can still open and close freely.

Step 8: fitting the inner lamp and routing the extension through the factory channel

Step 9: Test Before the Trim Goes Back

Running and parking lights on both sides.
Brake lights, with a helper on the pedal.
Left and right turn signals, hazards, and the sequential sweep — confirm it runs across the outer and inner lamp together.
Reverse lights, with the car safely in reverse and the parking brake on.
Fog lamp function, if your set supports it.
Check for dashboard warnings, hyperflash or flicker.

Step 9: testing every lighting function before reassembly

Step 10: Reassemble

Refit the trim panels, clips and the trunk-release handle, then close the trunk lid slowly and confirm no wire is stretched or pinched.

Common Issues and Solutions

The sweep stops partway across. Check the extension wire between the outer and inner lamp on that side, at both ends.

One tail light does not turn on. Recheck the main connector, the side's extension wire, and the related fuse. Inspect the pins inside the connector; if any are bent, straighten them carefully and reconnect.

Swap test. If a lamp still does not work, swap the left and right units to find out whether the issue is the light or the car's wiring.

A brake, reverse, running or turn function behaves wrong. Stop and recheck which extension wire went where before moving pins or changing wiring — the straight and right-angle wires are not interchangeable.

Warning, flicker or hyperflash. Confirm any included decoder or resistor is connected and secured.

The trunk lid binds or the wire pulls. The extension is not in the factory wiring channel and rubber sleeve. Reroute it before driving.

Trim will not sit flush. Check for a trapped harness, a broken or missing clip, a folded weather seal, or a grommet that is not seated squarely.

Condensation inside the tail light. Temperature differences can cause light condensation, which is normal. Once the light has been on for a while and the internal temperature stabilizes, the moisture clears on its own. It does not affect brightness, performance, or lifespan.