Important: This guide covers the RIGNOX tail lights and their wiring. Trim panels, fastener locations and clips on the body and liftgate vary — confirm them on your own vehicle before removing anything.
Safety warning: Do NOT use dielectric grease or weather-sealing grease on connectors or sockets. Grease can cause connection problems and may affect warranty coverage.
Matched product
- Product: 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox LED Tail Lights Assembly — 4-Piece Set
- Product type: Tail lights
- SKU: T-EQU18-SR
- Variant: Smoked Red
- Fitment: Fits: 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox L / LS / LT with factory halogen (bulb-type) tail lights. Does not fit: Models with factory LED tail lights.
- Product page: View matching RIGNOX product details
Before you begin
- Confirm your factory tail lights are halogen: This set is for Equinox models that left the factory with halogen (bulb-type) tail lights. If your current tail lights are LED, stop — this set does not fit.
- Four pieces: Two outer lights mount on the body and two inner lights mount on the liftgate. Lay them out by side (left / right) before you start.
- Power and safety: Switch the vehicle off and remove the key before unplugging any connector.
- Protect the paint: Lay towels or masking tape around the body and liftgate edges. Do not pry against painted surfaces.
- No connector grease: Do not apply dielectric grease or weather-sealing grease to connectors or sockets.
Tools and supplies
- Trim removal tool for plastic push clips and access covers
- Metric socket set and ratchet
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers
- Towels and masking tape
- Zip ties for securing the adapter harness
- A helper to work the brakes, turn signals and reverse during testing
Remove the original tail lights
- Outer lights (body): Open the liftgate. Remove the access cover or trim behind the outer tail light, then remove the nuts or screws holding it. Pull the light straight back to release the locating pins, and unplug the factory connector.
- Inner lights (liftgate): Remove the liftgate trim panel or access cover behind the inner light. Twist out the bulb sockets, remove the fasteners and take the light off.
- Keep every fastener with its position, and repeat on the other side.
Install the RIGNOX tail lights
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Assemble the adapter harness and lights: Connect the included adapter harness to the RIGNOX outer and inner lights exactly as shown in the diagram below. Where the diagram shows it, the module on the adapter harness replaces the one fitted on the light — swap it as shown. Every connection is plug-in; there is no cutting or splicing.
- Connect to the factory wiring: Plug the adapter harness into the vehicle's original brake light plug and the original side marker light plug, as labelled in the diagram. One plug on the light is marked as not used — leave it disconnected.
- Choose the reverse light plug that matches your vehicle: The harness has two reverse light plugs, one for each version of the Equinox wiring. Connect the one that matches the factory reverse light connector on your vehicle and leave the other unused. If neither seems to fit, stop and contact RIGNOX support.
- Test before you fasten: With the lights connected but not yet bolted down, run through the function test below. Fasten the lights only once all four pieces work correctly.
- Mount the lights: Secure the adapter harness with zip ties away from the liftgate hinges and any pinch points. Seat each light on its locating pins, reinstall the fasteners in their original positions, and refit the access covers and trim.
Electrical and function test
- Turn the headlights on and check that the red LED bars light on all four pieces.
- Press the brake pedal and check that the brake lights come on brighter on both sides.
- Use the turn-signal stalk (not the hazard switch) to test each side. The turn signal flashes red on the matching side — this is normal, as the brake and turn share a circuit.
- Put the vehicle in reverse (engine running, parking brake on) and check that both reverse lights come on.
- Confirm there is no hyperflash, flicker or dash warning.
Final check
- All connectors are fully seated and locked; the unused plugs are tucked away and secured.
- The harness is clear of the liftgate hinges, seals and any sharp edges.
- The outer and inner lights line up evenly when the liftgate is closed.
- Every function works on both sides, with no warning lights or hyperflash.
- Light condensation right after installation is normal and usually clears within about a week of regular driving as the lamp warms up. If water collects inside or the moisture doesn't clear, contact RIGNOX support.
Troubleshooting
- Reverse lights do not work: Check that you connected the reverse light plug that matches your vehicle, and that it is fully locked.
- One side or one piece does not light: Recheck each connection against the diagram, including the side marker and brake light plugs.
- Turn signal flashes fast or a warning appears: Make sure the module swap shown in the diagram was done, then see our hyperflash and not-working guides linked below this guide.
Need help?
If a plug, part or trim piece doesn't match this guide, stop before modifying anything and get installation help. Our install team replies within one business day and will know which guide you're following.
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