Hole in tail light lens on 2002 Chevy Malibu

from inside the trunk looking up at the light First, gently work the gray, carpet like cover loose from the area around the tail light ,(this may give you a little trouble). Once you have done this, you will see three silver nuts. These must be unscrewed. The lower left nut must be accessed through a hole next to where the trunk lid fits. (The screws are permanently attached to the lens housing so will not drop into obscurity when the nuts are removed). After removing the nuts, GENTLY work the lens housing away from the car. You may need a screw driver to unseat the housing, but just be gentle.

You will find three bulbs inside the lens. The brake light bulb is on the lower right side. Simply pull the old bulb out and insert the new one.

Just reverse these directions to reassemble the housing.

Over the years, I've dealt with that problem on numerous vehicles. The only real way to prevent water from getting in is to replace the gaskets with new ones. To remove any water in the assembly, you need to remove it and leave it in the sun or in a gas stove oven that has a pilot light that's always on, overnight. (actually turning the stove on can melt the lens).
Rather than do all of that, I've found that if you park the car on a level surface and use a very small drill, make a hole in the bottom part of the lens where you see the water. Usually I find that by making two small holes, several inches apart, it permits any water that gets in to quickly drain out and as such does no damage. Leaving the holes open, they act as a vent and as any water inside now evaporates, as you drive the air exchanges and the moisture leaves with it.
One thing about drilling plastic....don't press very hard. Let the drill do the cutting or you can cause a crack. The actual size of the holes does not need to be larger than the lead in a pencil.

The lens can not be changed you have to replace the complete tail light.It is a sealed light except for a breather hole to keep it from building up moisture.Hope this helps.Good luck.

I would check the hoses in that area. It maybe the the water pump bearing shaft seal. There is usually a small drain hole towards the bottom of the pump, that will leak anti-freeze when the seal goes bad. With an inspection mirror, you may be able to see if anti-freeze is leaking from the pump.

check all the wiring for that light and if u have power in all that mean you may have replace the wrong type bulb

u have to pull back the platic inside the trunk area.push the back seats forward the whole peice just held inplace with calmps.if its the side without the cubby hole then u should just be able to pull the top half of it back to reach. if u need me to explain better email me at [email protected]

I had the same problem a few years ago with an 86 Volvo. I replaced the tail light assemblies but over time water was getting inside the lens again. My solution to the problem was to remove the tail light assemblies and drill a small hole (about 3/16") on the bottom of each compartment of the lens (if the tail light is sectioned off) and a 1/16" vent hole in the top or side area where it can't be seen. It worked for me and it didn't cost a dime. Hope this helps.

I had the same problem, lens can not be re-insered, you have to buy a whole new assembly. About $125.00 each, they changed the adhesive on the replacement lens.

yeah with that you have to pull the whole thing off, my 02 malibu, i can just pop a few things off around the shifter and get to it, but you may have to take the whole console out to get to yours

Open the rear tailgate There are 2 screws that hold light housing in place.. Remove the screws then pull the housing outwards till the clip behind it springs. You then need to knock the housing sideways (outwards) to free the 2 prongs that attach housing to the car body.
Unclip the rear housing from the back of the light unit & change the bulb.