A blown fuse is usually the second thing to check for if your tail lights aren't working. A burnt bulb is usually the cause of inoperable tail lights; however, you may need to replace the tail light fuse if you've already inspected the bulb. There are three fuse compartments in your 2000 Chevrolet Malibu; each compartment contains fuses for different items. The Malibu's tail light fuse is located within the driver's side interior fuse box.
Turn your engine off and remove the key. Open the hood and locate the engine compartment fuse box; it's right next to the air filter. Lift the cover from the compartment and look in the bottom-right corner to find the small fuse puller. You'll use this tool to remove the fuse.
Open the driver's side door fully. Examine the area on the driver's side edge of the dashboard. You will see a small hole; this is the handle for your interior fuse compartment door. Insert your finger into the hole; pull the fuse compartment door off.
Look on the bottom-left side of the interior fuse compartment; there is a fuse labeled "Stp Lps" (stands for Stop Lamps). Grasp the fuse with the fuse puller; pull it straight out.
Use the fuse puller to insert the replacement fuse. Push it in fully. Snap the interior fuse compartment fuse back on, and then re-insert the fuse puller into its mount in the engine compartment fuse cover.
